nickjp19

Hey,

Does anyone know of/recommend any flight schools near or around Boulder, CO? I've done some research and have looked into McAir Aviation, which I think is based out of Broomfield, and also Journeys. Does anyone have any experience with these schools? Any other schools? Any info is much appreciated.

zondaracer

I did some training at Journeys. Some planes were nice and they also had some older cessnas if you wanted to spend less. The folks were nice and one of my friends was my CFI. I knew a guy who did all his training at McAir and I never heard anything bad about them. This was 2004 so I can't speak for now. Also, the Boulder FBO had some flight training but the owner was cranky and my friend who rented from there got fed up, but I think the same people are gone. Also I think Journeys has also started up operation in Boulder.

nickjp19

anyone else have any advice/ideas?

das0618

I dont know how close to Boulder you are looking. Aims Community College has an aviation program in Greely, Colorado Northwestern Community College in Rangely, if you are considering UT, then there is Utah State, Westminster College, and Untah Valley University. Depending on how far you want to travel there are a few options. I'm a Westminster grad myself.

Cubdriver

Yeah I have one. It's on your other thread here.

threeighteen

As Cubdriver mentioned, Western air is a great school!

nickjp19

Compared to McAir and Journey's, is Western air a better school? Also, people who have experience with Western Air, what was your cost of obtaining your PPL?

4GPilot

I did my Private and CFI w/ McCair (the rest of my ratings at school) and was very impressed with their operation. It isn't cheapest you can get at BJC but close to Boulder, and being a Cessna Pilot Center, the training is well structured and you're flying nice new 172s. I think I also saw they have a LSA that might make some portions of your training cheaper. The best part I liked was that they actually get to know you, all the way from the people behind the counter to the owners. A good personal, safe feel.

threeighteen

I have 0 experience with McCair besides what I've heard. They seem to be more expensive.

PPL at Western can be done part 61 for pretty cheap, part 141 will run you the standard $8~$10k.

Systemized

keeping this thread alive... not sure if you have chosen a school yet, but I would say there are a lot of good schools in the bouler/broomfield Erie area.

First, have you done any training so far, or have any flight time? Are you looking for a career in aviation and planning on getting a CFI? If you are starting fresh with 0 flight time and looking to fly professionally someday my advice would be this. Find a school that is not too small with a good amount of students, and instructors. Try to plan on getting all your ratings, including CFI with the school you start with. If you show great work ethic, and make a great impression on everyone around you while you are at the school, then you will most likely get hired as a cfi once you complete your training. This is very important if you desire a career in aviation because CFI jobs in the denver metro area are slim pickings these days and you will likely need at least 500-1000 hours before you can find a decent entry level flying job.

BTW I don't think there is any flight school that you could go wrong with in the denver/boulder area.