Skymates in Texas?
 

After 4 years in the Automotive industry, I threw in the towel and decided to follow a dream. Currently 21 years old and in college I figured right now would be a good time to get into flight school. found "Skymates" in Arlington, Texas. Just wanted to know if any of you guys heard of them or could maybe lead me in the right direction as to what to look for in a flight school besides that they do Part 141 and seeing that the instructor is up to his certifications.

Thanks!

Here is Skymates website

JAA ATPL Ground School Class in Texas | Skymates

As they say, you get what you pay for. I did my multi-commercial add on there in 2006. If I had to do it all over again, I would have went somewhere else. I was an instructor at another flight school in the DFW area at the time. Needless to say, I was not real impressed with my multi instructor when I had to explain to him instrument procedures, during a lesson. I should have charged him! Facility is OK. Simulator looked real nice. Customer service sucked. Maintenance was horrible. I was there one day, and an FAA maintenance inspector grounded one of their Seminole's. I was walking past as it happened when the inspector looked up at me and said, "did you fly this plane last?". "Nope" was my response as I quickly exited the premises. I would have walked right then, but they had my money already. In the end it took two months to complete three lessons with about 10 cancellations due to maintenance or instructor issues. Not a pleasant experience. However, not the worse either.

I did my ratings there in '05 and instructed for a few months. Overall I had a good experience. I found the maintenance to be fine. (The seminoles were old and all /A at the time, but they flew well.) At the time it was an overall good value. I wasn't terribly thrilled with my instructor, but there were plenty of good ones there. (In retrospect I should have switched instructors early on.)

I've heard they do a lot of foreign pilot training now. If you live in the area, I'd say swing by and check them out.

Thanks for the info, I will at least stop by and check them out. Any recommendations for flight schools in DFW? I saw skymates for the fact that they are 10 minutes from my house but at this time quality is more important then comfort.

Appreciate the help

You might want to take a look at Slipstream Aviation at Dallas Exec. I knew the owner several years ago, and although we haven't talked in 3+ years, I can tell you he was a really terrific guy and one heck of a great aviator. IIRC, I signed him off for one of his CFI ratings... but I'd say he taught me more than I taught him whenever we flew together!

I heard through a friend that he started this flight school. I can't speak for the school itself, but if the owner is anything like I remember, he's likely upholding a high standard of quality and service.

Just thought I'd throw it out there - might be worth looking into.

Fly Slipstream Aviation - your source for flight training and airplane rental in Dallas Texas

I am located in Fort Worth and I will be starting my training as well in the spring, please keep me updated and me know if you find any great schools.

Thanks for the lead WAflyboy, I left them my information and hope to check them out this weekend!

I will let you guys know how it went

What about Dutch Wings? I also need more info to make decision. Why are their career package rates so low? What's the catch?

I'm not affiliated with this flying club, but when I went to Dallas in March '08 someone from this club contacted me and recommended I check them out. Send them an email and see if they can teach you.

RFC Dallas Flying Club

I started training with slipstream and I have to say i'm really pleased with them. Instructor is really good at explaining and allows me to sink in the information really well. Thanks for the help!

Paul