Phoenix Schools
 

I am looking at starting my training around the first of the year and I am interested in hearing both good and bad about schools in the Phoenix area. I live on the FAR north side of Phoenix so Deer Valley and Scottsdale are the two primary airports that I am looking into.

From what I saw, while visiting the facility, I liked Westwind a lot! They do seem to be a bit excessive on cost however when quoting prices. 15K for PVT, seriously, along with 44 hours of Dual. Something doesn't add up. While I have no ratings, I was brought up in the industry and am familiar with ratings and requirements. That said, I like the equipment, the people, the opportunities!

That is all I really have. I look forward to all responses and thank you for your input.

Go Eff Bee Oh!

Other than that, I can't really help you. I never flew out of either DVT or SDL. I know for a fact Chandler Air Service at CHD is a quality operation, but that may be too far from N. Phoenix.

There was a club I was looking into based at DVT. The rates weren't bad, and they had instructors there. It may be worth looking into it. Here's the address: Valley Flying Club - Phoenix, Arizona
I don't know if it's a quality club, but seems like it could be a good thing!

Sorry I couldn't help more.

I appreciate the feedback and the information about Valley Flying Club. I went to the website and had a look. It seems like a very nice club with nice equipment. However, when comparing their hourly rates and monthly dues, they are no cheaper than Westwind on a custom plan. Kind of stinks. I like what I saw, however, it actually comes out to be more expensive in the long term I think. Again, I thank you for the information.

I did my flying here: Charter Flights Arizona Aircraft SALES Charter Jet Charter Aircraft Rental Charter Aircraft Private Aircraft Charter Private Aircraft Cirrus Charter. I did my private and instrument there and then ran out of money. :o

It is out of Falcon Field (KFFZ). I liked it a lot. Good instructors, nice airplanes, good airport. Price is probably pretty competitive for what you have access to.

Primary training is done in a Piper Archer that has a/c, dual garmin 430's, HSI, autopilot, 180hp. Good little plane.

I too am looking to finish up my PVT (ran out of money as well). Anyone know anything about Arizona Aviation or Falcon Executive Aviation out at Falcon Field?

Let me tell you what, you guys buy a plane, I'll do the instruction for free as long as I can take the plane out for gas when you're not using it.

Given my age and my desire to start the process sooner rather than later, I am considering possibly ATP Phoenix or Westwind Aviation. I have toured Westwind and like what they have to offer. However, they are a bit pricey when compared to ATP. I will be touring ATP this week. Anyone have anything to report on either one of these schools? Thanks

Hey, never heard of Westwind, but I am going to ATP this month. They got a special promo going on but you must make the August 16 reserve date. I am also a little older than most guys that go to the program, 34 to be exact. Im not going to dwell on it too much, all i can do is make the most of my 50k investment. I hope you find something that works for you. I have made up my mind about going to ATP.

Best of Luck!

Atp
 

I'm looking at ATP as well, it seems that for the price what the have to offer is pretty competitive, not to mention the fact that you're not completely on your own when you're done. And, for the record, I'm 34 too so you're not the only one who is late to the prom:D

Arizona flight schools
 

Depending on what you need, you might check out Sheble Aviation in Bullhead City (Sun Valley airport - small, but keeps you on centerline!).

I did Commercial ASEL and AMEL there. They also have single and multi (Beech 18) seaplane, which I want to do sometime. I don't know if they have ATP, but they're very cost-effective, and just across the river from Laughlin, so you can get some economical hotels and meals. It does get warm there this time of year, but if you start at 6 AM you can get time in before it's too hot.

Walt