atprider

Hello everyone,

I am looking at Cloud Dancer Aviation (Cloud Dancer Aviation ? Deland, Florida ? Home) for my CFI-A and CFI-I.

Any ideas about the school, instructors, airplanes?

Also how is the weather in Florida this time of the year? Is it suitable for flying or do I have a better shot if I wait till February or March?

Locals, does the area have public transportation?

Thanks in advance.

blinkpilot182

I dont really know anything about the school, but the weather in Florida this time of year is ideal. I wouldn't wait until February or March just for weather.

You'll see you low IFR conditions in the morning very often throughout the winter, but it generally dissipates by 1000 or 1100. Afternoon thunderstorms are not nearly as bad as they are in the Summer. The only time you'll really see bad Thunderstorms in the Winter is if a cold front pushes a line through.

Not too sure about public transportation in DeLand. Its not a very big city. But having a car in Florida is always a good idea.

-Blink

oldveedubs

Cessna 152, N49054: Accident occurred August 21, 2012 in DeLand, Florida - Aviation

MaxRate

Public transportation is limited in that area. There aren't many housing options within walking or biking distance to the airport either, so a car (or if you have no shame, a scooter) is really going to be a necessity.

atprider

blinkpilot 182, thank you, that was really helpful.

oldveedubs, thank you for that as well.

MaxRate, thanks for letting me know about that.

I may reconsider and head off somewhere else.

thank you all for your replies.

Great Cornholio

Glad I saw this. I may be a bit biased cause I worked there as a CFI years ago before they moved out to Deland. Anyways it was a good school.

Maintenance and conditions on the planes were average to above average for what you'd see anywhere else in FL.

Don't let the housing or transportation issue make up your mind without actually talking to Dave. Right before I left DAB they had just bought a house that they were going to use kind of like a dorm for students, and also had a few deals set up with local hotels for students to use as housing. So give them a call and see if they set something up like that in DED.


Lastly the main reason I'd say to go there is Dave. No one at all that is more fair to students and renters. I have seen on numerous occasions where he has given people their money back by writing a check right on the spot. He also doesn't charge a fee. Other schools take 5-7 business days and charge a percentage of the amount of money you have on account as a fee. I saw one time where a student had car issues and needed $500 to fix his car. He told Dave the story and Dave cut him a check for $500 right on the spot. Another time a student was not happy with the school and asked for all his money back. Dave cut a check for the full amount on account right there on the spot. Like I said no other school does this...and really that alone is a main reason to go.