Encore Flight Academy, Van Nuys CA?
 

After a month+ of research of which flight school I should attend for a professional carrier, so far Encore Flight Academy is the winner in my book, considering location, cost, friendliness of staff, etc...everything based on my visit there.
Since I always measure twice and cut once, I decided to read some Yelp reviews on the school. There were a few negative ones that caught my eye about airplanes being very old and poorly maintained, student's flight schedules being changed without notice constantly, etc.
Does anyone have any experience with them and if yes what would be your recommendation?
Thanks

If you can, go hang out near their facility and talk to current students.

Good advice.

I feel that yelp reviews are often misleading. I believe that most people generally write them when they have a poor experience. Don't let a couple bad reviews sway your opinion.

Also, have you gone on a discovery flight with them? This will give you an idea of the teaching style they have to offer.

I haven't. I got a walk-through their fleet, training facilities, etc. I was hoping someone who has recently trained or is a student now to pitch in.

It's really hard to know the quality of training when you are a student. It usually becomes evident after you move on and experience the industry and other flying. I'd look for someone that has graduated/got their certs from there and then ask them.

Agreed. That's what I tried doing by creating this post.
:D

I'm also curious about this academy. I've been interested in the career program as well. I met with an instructor and took a tour; seems like a legit fleet and a decent facility with sims and all. Does anyone have any experience with this school or any feedback on the program yet?

They're extremely expensive compared to other schools in the nearby area that offer DA40s instead of DA20s. You're also training out of KVNY which is the busiest GA airport in the country and def. not a good place to train from scratch (16L which is their shorter runway has no vasi/papi and has obstacles on the approach end that you just cannot see at night).

Just a few things to think about......I think training out of KVNY is the major factor to consider - and I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea to get the experience at a busy airport, but it will def. cost you a whole lot more...

Stay away from this place!
I'm currently in a small claims lawsuit and I know at least 2 other students trying to get their money back. ****************** My CSEL DPE had to stop conducting tests there.
I've trained at 6 different schools (3 in the area) and this is by far the worst of them. Fleet of 14 advertised....one is IFR legal!
Owner is a smooth talker that will tell you lies to hand over the cash.

Long shot as this thread is very old, just wondering how you got on in small claims? I am possibly going to have to go down the same route very soon.