Has anyone attended this academy or have any info about it? How does it compare to ATP or Flight Safety Academy? Also, unlike ATP, they don't advertise a price for the program. Anyone have a ballpark estimate? thanks for the help.

I went there through instrument so I can give you my experience through that. The schools EDUCATION is top notch, I really learned a lot and feel I recieved a great education. The price is another story. They say to estimate 60,000 or so....keep goin up id say 70-80. Housing is a major factor in this. Get your own place if you go it will save you money. Realize that most things they want you to buy in the school store you can save on at other places. Make Ramen your new best friend. Finally realize DCA will blow smoke up your behind on pretty much everything. Like I said though the education was excelent. Worth as much as I paid? I dont know to be honest dont have a comparison. Would I trade it back? probably not...maybe to try ATP but that'd be it. I would look into ATP and FS first but dont rule out DCA just make sure you can make it through and be willing to work your butt off. If you have any more specific questions or questions at all pm.

Oh my freaking lord....

I guess the good ol' FBO is still a well kept secret. Funny- I literally paid a quarter of that and came out with the same tickets. Hmm...

Seriously. That is ALOT to spend. The only reason I am researching these academies is because a.) It's structured and is all inclusive. b.) It's a sort of a funnel into the regionals.

What I might do is get my private, insturment, and comercial, then go to a place like ATp and get CFI and those ratings to gain hours. It just seems like i'd save me and my parents alot of money by going to an FBO.

Also, Squawk_5543 you might could help me answer this....

So in order to be qualified for a regional position, I need the following certifications?

Private
Insturement
Commercial
Multi engine

and in order to gain hours, bot TT and ME, I would need a CFI, MEI?

I figure I could get the four main certifications through an FBO for cheaper than an academy, then go to an academy for my CFI stuff in hopes that they would hire me as an CFI.

Any suggestions or insight would be much appreciated. thanks

Thats exactly what they want you to think. Thats how they hook all these guys. Trust me....you don't need to pay an extra 40 thou to get a job. Look at the demand right now.

Went through the DCA program a few years ago. I agree that the quality is top notch but, knowing what I do now I would just bust my butt at a local FBO and get the same pieces of paper. I didn't instruct for DCA and I was able to build time faster and move on before my classmates. Thats my .02....

I would suggest doing your PPL, IR, CSEL, CMEL, CFI, CFII, MEI

The commercial is broken down into single and multi. Cheapest and most efficient way is to do your initial comm single and add-on your comm multi.
And realistically you should knock out the CFI stuff at the same place. You can get a job ANYWHERE instructing. CFI's are in big demand due to the regional hiring. I don't expect to be instructing too long. You may not even use your CFI tickets long, but having them will earn you respect and look good on a resume...not too mention always having them to fall back on.

The "funnel" thing is a myth and you'd be wasting your money. Everybody in my class has about the same times, ATP, DCA, FBO, university. It doesn't matter. Meet the qualifications, get hired.

Do it as fast as you can by spending as little money as you can. There are lots of instructors at the local FBO that would love to have a student coming in 4 or 5 days a week. You'd get through just as fast and save tons of money by not having to move and forget about trying to have a job for a year or more.

Isnt that the truth...forget a job. Most people I know there have 90,000 dollar loans which is the recomended amount when you enroll. Luckily I had a college fund....oh wait i think i might need that in a few months again....lame.