Hello,

I want suggestions on best flight schools in Texas (Houston area) for pursuing a career with airlines (lots of variables here ofcourse, but that is my goal).

My choices are:

Texas Flight - Spring - towered airport / part 61 and part 141
The Flight School - Cypress - untowered airport / part 61
ATP - Spring - towered airport / part 141 ab - initio

All of these schools are 15-30 miles drive away. I am considering career change and want to pursue either Regional or Corporate and possibly (if it happens...majors)

I have upto Masters degree (Business) and work in Financial Services. I am 40 y/0 - age and cost are major factors that will affect my training and career choice (also I would rather pay as much as possible to avoid taking any loans)

1) Any advise on school and career option in general? 2) What should I look for in choosing any of these schools? Have you heard these names and if so what are your opinions about these schools for training with possibly a career in mind.
3) Is it better option to pursue some of the training in part 141 schools (IFR / Commercial / Multi)?

I have a Student Pilot Certificate and Medical Third Class (I will go for Medical First Class before starting Commercial, though I am generally in good health so far)




Thank you

I did a checkout flight and subsequently rented a 172 from Texas Flight about a year ago when on vacation in the Houston area. I thought they had a pretty smooth operation. The practice area was a short flight from the airport which is good for saving time/money during private/commercial training. My instructor was really good, which to me is the most important aspect of choosing a flight school. We only did one flight together (the checkout flight), but I was impressed with his teaching ability. A "local" flight school is almost always going to be less expensive than ATP, and it's pay as you go, so you have more control over the finances. You also have more freedom to move between instructors if things aren't working out for whatever reason. I would go fly with multiple instructors at Texas Flight and The Flight School and see what you think. There's no harm in taking multiple intro flights with multiple instructors. It may cost a little bit, but it counts towards your training time, and it's an "investment" into finding the best instructor for you.

I began my flight training at The Flight School at Weiser (Cypress) It was a neat little school but at the time had a lot of CFI turnover (this was several years ago, not sure if its current)

Being a 9/27 runway orientation means you get tons of crosswind practice! And being 3000x25ft means you get real good at it!

I then trained at Texas Flight for a while, they were much bigger and felt less personal. CFI's were good but I always seemed to have difficulty with scheduling. I benefited from having a towered field because my comm skills were poor after so long training at an untowered field.

I agree with Cheese - you're investing in your own learning and technical expertise, and you want a solid product at the end of this process. Take the time to visit each school, and spend the money on an intro flight at each place. At the end of the day, all those hours will count, and you'll have a much better feel for what's the best fit for you. If you don't click with a particular instructor, be blunt about switching - you won't learn as well from someone you don't get along with, and you're going to be spending a LOT of time together.

Some schools have an instructor rotation, so you don't consistently have the same CFI. I recommend against that - it's good to fly with more than one CFI once you get more experience, but you want one primary person you'll spend 70-80% of your time with, especially at the beginning.

thank you Cheese7, deftone, flyerr.
I appreciate all your input.

Also i have seen info about schools in Florida, like Epic Academy where it is possible to obtain all the ratings in 10 months then build time as instructor CFI - with possibility of flying part 135 with Ameriflight (3 yrs contract - if completed all remaining loans will be paid off)

Is that worth considering due to my age? In other words, i'll get to my goal faster (ofcourse all depends on economy and i'll have loans to pay off)

Have anyone heard of this school and what do you guys think about their program? Instructors? Is it worth considering this?

Have you applied for the Republic Airlines LIFT Academy? Might fit what you are looking for if you are able to relocate to Indianapolis.

I haven't, will look into it. Thanks much.

Definitely recommend ATP. By far the best option in my opinion!!

hello Hou757, how would it be more beneficial than others listed in Houston area, besides being able to obtain the ratings qucikly.

I am researching some more and have inquired with Naples Florida Air Center and Dean International.

My plan is to get Private at either The Flight School or Texas Aviation, possibly The Flight School as it is closer to me.

Then possibly moving to FL, or elsewhere for fast track Instrument /ME / Commercial / and either CFI or trying out other options to build up hours.

As per the information on their respective websites, the cost seems reasonable for both.