nater1978

Ok... Here it goes... I have decided on an Academy from ground up. No experience. I understand that this is a complete waste of money to some. But for me, I have the money and I don't mind spending it. I don't mind spending the money to be immersed in an accelerated program and learn in an academy style environment with others that are in the same boat as me... I need to be around others learning what I am learning... It motivates me. Just the way I am. So money issues aside... What would the best flight academy be to attend? I don't mind moving out of state. So far, from investigating, Flight Safety Academy seems to be the best. Does anyone out there have any reason against this or for it... Or better yet, information on another flight academy? Basically my question is this:

Where should I go spend $50,000+ on a private, commercial, instrument, night rating, multi engine????

Thanks so much to you all... I hope I wasn't too direct... Just would really appreciate responses that are catered to the actual question at heart.

Thanks,

Nathan

lifter123

If you have the money, a lot of people suggest ATP at many places throughout the country.. It is somewhat expensive, but FBOs have gotten expensive too, which a lot of people don't realize. If Flight Safety sounds like a good fit for you, I suggest trying them out. Whatever the case, do what works for your situation and have fun while training.

Bri85

I would suggest ATP if you can study/ and learn concepts on your own. Before going with ATP you need to have all the writtens out of the way, and with a pretty considerable amount of knowledge. They will get you done fast! but if you arent ready, then youll end up paying more.

motoboy

From what I have read on other forums Flight Safety has gone down hill in the last couple years.

If you are for sure doing an accelerated program I would go with ATP or Ari Ben Aviator.

Personally I would go to one of the smaller schools. You should check out Dutch Wings and also Flying Tigers, they are both located in the Houston area. Impressive pricing by both...

Twin Wasp

Just remember, if they're charging you for a "night rating" you're being scammed.

nater1978

You mean if they are charging extra money not included in the $50,000, it's a scam?

vtbvtdk

He means that if they charge you to get a "night rating" they are scamming you. It doesn't exist. You do a portion of your flight training at night, but there is no Night Rating (there is a Private, Commercial, Instrument, Multi, CFI etc)

Don't get screwed. Check around here (APC) for "how i did it" stories from people. There are lots of different experiences, but they all give you good tips and a good sense of the track that you take when you want a "career" in professional aviation. I find that a lot of the students I train come in and say they want training to fly a commercial jet. I tell them they need to do more research and come back and ask for the ratings.

...Well, maybe not in those words, but you get the idea

atpwannabe

I chose AriBen Aviator. I, like you, have access to the money. I come out of training TOTALLY DEBT FREE. Some have made snide remarks about that, but that's ok. I'm in a position that I haven't been in for a long time and you damn right......I've jumped at the opportunity.

For 40K, plus or minus about 2K for incidentals, in 6-8 months, I earn everything from PPL to MEI. In addition, that includes housing, check rides, materials, everything. Not to mention that I finish with about 250-275 TT, with about 235 of that being ME time. I don't think that you can get a better deal than that out there anywhere. There are lots of attributes/qualities/characteristics that companies are looking for in a flight crewmember and one of them is how much ME time a prospective employee has. IMHO, AriBen is one of a handful around the country offering training of that magnitude.



atp

motoboy

atp, have you started at Ari Ben yet? If I remember right you were waiting on your medical. Let us know how you like it.

atpwannabe

You're correct. I'm still waiting on my medical, however, in terms of researching where to go for flight training, I've done that to ad infinitum and stand by my research efforts.

As far as my medical, I just completed what's known as a HIMS evaluation. Because of my CHRC, the FAA stated that I met the criteria for a personality disorder and was initially denied medical cert. They cited Sections 67.201, 67.301 & 67.401; para (a)(1) and (a)(4). Needless to say, I was devastated. I filed for a review by the NTSB and it was granted. I may not need to have that review by the NTSB because in my medical file, an independent forensic psychiatrist, along with the HIMS forensic psychiatrist and psychologist, have and are recommending "unrestricted" medical certification. I do have the option of being issued a special issuance certificate and will be submitting to the FAA in OKC all the aforementioned to have my eligibility re-determined.

This has been a long and arduous process. When I first mentioned my CHRC on APC, some said that I'd never get my medical certification. There were times when I felt like giving up because of all the fricking hoops I've had to jump through but, I stayed the course. As a matter of fact, on a website by Dr. Walter Forred, an AME and a contributor to http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/fl...Jetcareers.com, provides statistics showing that less than 1/10 of 1% of all medical apps are out and out denied. I believe my chances a very good and as far as my efforts in this process, my signature below says it all.

When I'm finally awarded my medical, that will not be a time to chide the nay sayers and proclaim that it's an "I told you so moment", no...I'm too for old that kind of behavior. I will though post it in the Hangar Talk section.....shouting from the mountain top.......I got it; I got it.




atp