Soon to graduate looking at WA flight schools
 

Hey, so I have never posted on here before but I thought with the amount of experience that exists here that maybe someone might have some insights they wouldn't mind sharing with me. I am currently a student at Central Washington University in their flight program and am going to be graduating in July 2011. I am planning on having my CFI, CFII, and MEI by the time I graduate as well as about 350-400 hours total time. I would really love to stay and instruct in the northwest, preferably in western Washington or the Portland, OR area, and while I have done some research in to flight schools: Hillsboro, Galvin flying, Auburn Flight academy, I was really wondering if anyone had really positive or negative experiences with any flight schools in the areas, or would recommend working for a particular one? Any and all input would be greatly appreciated!

--Damien

I went to Hillsboro Aviation and LOVED every minute of it. Lots of airplanes and if yours is under mx its very easy to transfer into another plane. There's a good flow of JAA students so, you'll be flying a lot! While I was there, they had a program for the CFI's where you had the opportunity live in the schools apartments for a reduced monthly rate. HAI, is across the street from the MAX (light rail system) which takes you everywhere you'd want to go for less than a few bucks.
Every Friday was a school BBQ, they have many activities for students/CFI's to take part in like, ski trips, water rafting, camping and fly-ins on the beach ect...
I really miss HAI, the people are great and Wayne Moore is an absolute hoot!!! I give HAI my endorsement. Hope this helps, CHEERS

You should check out Rainier Flight Service out of KRNT. I have instructed at a certain local 141 school and I have instructed at Rainier Flight. I'll just say that you can throw away money at a 141 or go to Rainier. Relaxed training environment, great instructors and pilot owned (and not by some dried up UPS captain with no GA knowledge). I'll just say that you could very well end up instructing at a great place. PM me for the web address if you lack google search skillz.

Thanks for the information, does anyone else have any ideas or know of any flight schools with good or bad reputations?