Hello everyone,
I am trying to find a flight school that has a fast track program. I am about to get my instrument license. I am looking for a school that can take me up to CPL,ME,MEI,CFI,CFII in about three months. Since I am not American, ALL ATP does not accept my application (apparently TSA deny clearances to ALL ATP). I found FLYAVIATOR, in Florida, has a similar program. Has Anyone any info, critics or suggestions about FLYAVIATOR or other fast track school?
Thank you

 

I did The Aviator's time building program about 2 years. Their operation is somewhat similar to All ATPs, but not nearly as structured or quite as expensive.

The instructors I came in contact with were all professionals, many of which were originally from foreign countries. The aircraft are old and high time, as a consequence you will experience quite a few cancellations due to maintenance. Also you will pick up a few emergency stories for future interviews.. that's the positive way to look at it I suppose. I was there for less than one month and I only had 2 problems.. others will report more or less. I got stuck in TLH because a starter solenoid failed and I lost an alternator one night; neither one were that bad. I have heard of quite a few people encountering engine problems / failures though.

In general, Ft Pierce is a sh!tty, high crime area. I'd recommend staying near Vero if you do decide to attend Ari-Ben.

 

Yes, what KiloAlpha said. Stay away, the school has a very bad reputation especially about their old planes. The cost of the school is not 36K it's more like 43K after all the extras like exam fees. Also nobody finishes that program in 3 months, most take about 6 to 10 months. Also their location is horrible, Ft Pierce is a dump.

 

Ari ben Is probably your best bet if you dont have any other way to get hours. They are one of the only schools that are approved for J1 visas. You will allso get ~ 1000h multi while instructing. Be advised that their hour building program isnt valid to JAA-countries unless youre in the left seat. DO NOT GET YOUR FAA INSTRUMENT PRIOR TO ENROLLING IF YOU WANT THE J1 - INSTRUCTOR JOB!

 

Thank you all for the suggestions. I had the feeling that that was a scam.

 

My total price was 39K for the entire program and the 3 months of housing. You can finish the program in 90 days if you put the effort into it. People take 6-10 months because they either goof around, or don't fly twice a day. I personally didn't want to spend anymore money than I had to, so I was willing to fly twice a day...and put the time and effort into studying. It paid off...and I was very happy with the flight school. The planes are old, and are flown the heck out of...but I was lucky to never encounter any major mx issues other than one alternator out.

I will agree however that Ft. Pierce as a city is extremely boring, and Vero Beach isn't much better. But...in defense it'll provide you with a lot of time to study...which should be your number one priority. There's a few malls, and the beach...which isn't anything to brag about. They just switched housing locations, and I liked the new location.

Like I said in the other thread about this school, go tour it and talk to current students/instructors because you have to make the decision for yourself. While I loved it, others obviously hated it...and had completely different experiences because I'd go back in a heartbeat.

Good luck.

 

Thank you planecrazyjenn. It will be wise to get down there and have a taste of it. Is the housing that they offer far from the airport? will I need a car to get around?

 

It took me about 15-20 minutes to get to the school. The housing is in Vero Beach. I had my own car and did drive myself because I wanted to volunteer with the animal shelter while I was there, but they do have a shuttle bus that leaves every hour for the school during the day. I never had a problem taking people along and once you get to know people, you'll go do things as a group. Umm lets see...what else. The three months of housing is included with the price, but if you stay longer then you'll pay per month...so I'd just keep that in mind. I believe the current price for the apartment is 600/month. They aren't bad. Nothing to brag about, but they aren't bad. There's a pool in the middle if your into swimming. Wal-marts about a mile, and the mall is a little bit more down the road.


Anyway I gotta go shovel more snow (got another 2.5 feet yesterday - gotta love upstate NY). I'll try to think of more things to say. I'm sure there's some bad things I can think of...no place is perfect.

 

I went there...Place sucks. Look elsewhere. Cohen is a liar and will do whatever he can to get your $$.

Jenn, where in Upstate are you? I'm thinking about transferring bases to up there.

 

DME - I'm north of Syracuse. Before you transfer...how much do you like snow? We got POUNDED this year. Not so much more snow than normal, just more at once. It really makes driving and getting around an utter nightmare.

Where are you looking to transfer to? SYR?