Good (But Affordable) Flight Schools
 

Looking for a good but affordable flight school in Miami. I am simply interested in getting an Instrument Rating, Multi Rating and a Commercial rating without the $50-60,000 price tag. Some have recommended Deans International and Hollywood Flight Training. Does anyone know about these schools? are they any good?

Dean has a crappy rep, they're a pilot mill for foreign contracts. It is cheap though. Last time I saw their planes they were in pretty crappy condition and

TMB can be a pain to train in...there's long taxis and that's going to eat up Hobbs time. Not to mention the foreign accents on the radio, improper or non-existent communications in the training area and down right chaos at times. Teaching in the area scared the crap out of me.

American flight academy is another and they have a good chief flight instructor who gives it his best. The short time I was there gave me mixed feelings about the quality of training other instructors were providing, but then again it could be student shortcomings or failure to take an active part in their training and actually study. They will work with you to keep your cost down, which is great for the student.

NS Aviation is located in North Perry airport. I know their prices have crept up over time, but their quality is very good. The owner runs a good school there and having worked there 4 years myself, I feel comfortable recommending you go there.

Endeavour flight training at OPF is also very good, not sure about their prices since its been a while. But their equipment is newer..so that's usually costlier.

Other option is to work with an independent CFII. There are some in OPF (myself included) that can work with you and keep costs lower. A good instructor who can remember what it's like to be in your shoes can give you tips on how to train to avoid high ground school cost and how to prepare on your own so that you progress steadily is something you should always look for.

If you have questions or want to know more about the independent CFII route, PM me.

If it's gotta be Miami/South Broward, my choice would be NS Aviation just as eman posted. If not, try Aviator College in St. Lucie County. They have a Commercial Pilot Program starting around 39K.

Good luck to you!



atp

Thanks for the recommendations. Many foreign pilots go to Deans and yes I have heard the stories. I am more so looking for a school that has a cost structure similar to Deans but without the common complaints

Dean has an atrocious safety record. I think they've crashed at least 3 aircraft since 2008. Mostly pilot error but you'll be flying clapped out 152's.

Unfortunately I believe this is a "you get what you pay for" type of industry. If it's even that.... If I were in your shoes definitely look into the independent CFII route.

You said it man! If you're looking for cheap instruction, you're gonna pay a high price when you realize what value a reputable school that has a good rep is worth.

To the OP, I know of a couple of really attentive and dedicated CFI's in S. fl who enjoy aviation and teaching.

Don't screw yourself out of a good education just because of money; you'll regret it

There's good flight school and there's affordable flight school, good and affordable?

I've heard that Hollywood Flight Training is pretty good and affordable but If anyone has had any experience with them I would love to hear it.

Thanks for the advice btw.

I just joined up and I am interested in hearing more about working with an indipendent CFII, has anyone done it or have experience with it?

sure what do you need to know? I'm a CFII and it's not my full time occupation but I still do it and did for a few years. Another user on here who seems to really be into instructing and could be of help is CubDriver. Seems to me he's the kind of instructor with the right attitude and frame of mind, he'll also tell you what to look for in a CFII.


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Basically, how this works verses using a flight school. I currently have roughly 3 hours of flight time so I am basically starting from scratch and my goal is to get to CFII. I am looking to do this in a timely fashion when I do decide to pull the trigger and get started.

How would working with an individual usually work? Do you usually have a private plane owned by the individual or just rent a plane and they meet you at the airport?

I guess it would depend on the individual, but how long can you expect it to take timewise, to go from 0 to CFI? I assume it would be longer than a "Fast Track" type school but any ideas or experience?

Any other general knowledge or advise would be more than welcome. I am trying to learn as much as possible so that I can make the best choice for how to get started with my flying career.

0-Commercial flight training at US Aviation Academy is estimated to be $47,500, so slightly below $50,000 and very competitive among well reputed flight schools.

Most independent CFI's will have access to airplanes through an FBO ect. Some (like myself) instruct using their own aircraft. How quickly you progress by using an independent CFI, mainly comes down to your drive and the Instructors availability. The training is done under faa part 61 rules vs part 141 that most pilot factories operate under (I'm partial to part 61 training as it offers more flexibility in tailoring a students training to their learning needs).

On the whole, you'll probably wind up saving a ton of money training with an independent flight instructor. My suggestion is to get your Private Pilot Certificate with an independent instructor to see if it's a good fit for you continuing forward.

I'm in the same boat,but I do have my Commercial MEL.I can't afford to spend thousand's of dollars to get my commercial single engine add-on,CFI & CFII. Are you looking for students? If you are then would you please send me detail information about getting a certificate with independent flight instructor.If you are not looking for students then do you know other peoples who are? Anything would help.Thank you!

Alpacharlie, we're always looking for more students.

Our instruction rate is $40/hr.
The 172 is $70/hr (dry, with a pre-purchased 10hr block).
(this is equivalent to a wet rate of $97.44)

We utilize an outside vendor where a complex airplane is required. This aircraft rents for $85/hr dry.

We don't quote individual course prices for the Commercial ASEL add-on, or the CFI and CFII courses since these vary greatly depending on student aptitude.

If you want to know more, go-ahead and send me a PM, I'm always happy to help.

PM sent,Sorry I took a long time to reply .Thank you

Anyone have any advice about ATP Flight school? would you recommend it? :D

Hi.
I am new on APF, and I'm also looking for information to complete CFI & CFII ratings around KOPF or KHWO area. Wonder if it's possible to complete both with a budget of less than $5,000. Thanks!

Have you look into american flyers?

No I haven't. Thought they were not around anymore.....I definetely have some homework to do :). Thanks!