Privateer383

Greetings fellow Rotorheads!

In seeking more specific information about the four (4) "TSAir-endorsed" flight schools which we are eligible to attend, I decided to initiate a specific forum for any and all who wish to provide information about those schools, and thereby assist those of us newly engaged in the R2W program. The four schools are as follows:

1) Cornerstone Aviation Flight School; Salt Lake City, UT
2) Blue Line Aviation, LLC; Smithfield, NC
3) EFI Flight School; Murrieta, CA
4) Sky Warrior; Pensacola, FL

I will be posting my own experiences on this forum and look forward to viewing the feedback of others.

Thanks for your participation and assistance.

-P383!

Privateer383

Sky Warrior (Florida) had my contact info and my date of arrival for about a month, and didn't contact me until about three days before my arrival (which has been delayed for personal reasons). The woman to whom I spoke was not a native-English speaker, which is fine, but she was rather unknowledgeable about the program, and new nothing about my specific aviation needs. All she could say was "...you'll get assigned to a flight instructor when you get here and they will discuss your flying with you." I did not feel like SkyWarrior was really interested in earning my money. So, I've been looking at the other flight schools...

I contacted EFI (California) via their website and was emailed directly by the owner that same day. We spoke the following day and I was very impressed with his desire to get things done. I have been in contact with him over the last few days working through some minor hurdles and am very encouraged by his motivation and desire to "make it happen". I have still not heard from the other two schools, which were emailed at the same time as EFI. I think it most likely I will be heading to EFI in California for my remaining FW time (appx 120hrs).

I'll follow up with more when it becomes available.

-P383

PonceD1980

Hello P383,

I am interviewing next month with TSA and am excited about starting this. I am a rotor guy as well.

How far along are you in this process? You are finishing your training at EFI in California correct?

So correct me if I am wrong, you complete 90 days in St. Louis correct? Then move off to one of the flight schools to finish up. I had my phone screening yesterday and it was a lot to take in.

Greetings to the forum!

helininja

Just curious if you're currently training and what your thoughts are on your chosen school. Thanks in advance.

Rotor2prop

I’ll be starting at Blue Line Aviation some time in January. Once I get started I’ll post an update here. Blue Line is a pretty expensive school but their equipment is new and top of line. They also appear to turn out quite a few advanced certificates quickly according to their Facebook page.

Privateer383

I just returned from FW training at EFI. My program was abbreviated as I already had a bunch of FW time prior to arriving.

EFI only recently started the R2W program. I was one of the first students at EFI and was very pleased with the experience, and the weather in SoCal is unbeatable for number of flying days (except when the Santa Ana winds kick up). While there are a few expected "growing pains" as they fully develop their program, Dave (the owner) is very motivated to provide a professional and efficient learning experience. He is eager to improve the program at every step and listens carefully to the student's comments, taking immediate action when necessary.

At present, he is restricting his student load in order to avoid non-flying time and allow all students present to maximize their effort and move through the program quickly. So, if you want to go to EFI, contact Dave ASAP to coordinate your training dates and RSVP your slot.

Another significant asset at EFI is Tom- a retired TWA/American Airlines pilot who's primary focus is developing the R2W program. He takes a personal interest in the student's careers and has valuable advice to pass on during your time at EFI. Listen carefully!

EFI's flight instructors are mostly more mature and student-oriented individuals (as opposed to many younger CFI's focused on getting hours for their own airline career) - a good group!

EFI's fleet includes three Piper-28 variants, including one -28R, a Sirrus SR20, the usual staple of four or five C-172's, a C-150, a C-182, and a Beech Dutchess for ME time. Most are equipped with the Garmin 430, one C-172 has the G1000, the Dutchess has the Aspen six-pack as well as the G430, and the Sirrus is all glass.

Link: flyefi.com

FlyingPolarBear

I finished up at Blue Line and I was happy. If you want specifics PM me and can try to answer all your questions...

CC150

I am knocking out Part 61 and out of pocket. I have finished my Private ASEL and am at around 500 hours total time, would you say it is worth it to go Commercial ASEL and then go on to become a CFI or just go for what is required (initial commercial MEL)?

I am starting terminal this summer and could then attend a Sky Warrior or similar to really accelerate the training.