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?