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TreeTopFlyer83

TreeTopFlyer83

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TreeTopFlyer83
Was curious of what you all think the best flight schools are for a guy with zero time. If any of you have any experience with certain schools or information on flight training schools I'd certainly be all ears on your experience with said schools. Any information provided is most appreciated. Thanks in advance. Might help if I added that the goal is to possibly be a captain for a regional airline or a cargo company. Thanks again guys.
 
Also keep in mind that while the school provides some organizational structure, it's still the quality of the instructors that are going to prove the benefit you are seeking. And that ranges from gawd awful to absolutely f'n fantabulous.

Qualities of a good instructor can include:
  • shows up on time and prepared for your lesson
  • Is properly organized
  • Utilizes written syllabus and lesson plans
  • Keeps track of your performance and keeps you informed of your progress
  • Adapts his teaching style to your learning style
  • Keeps the lessons fun, but challenging
  • Teaches you more than the bare minimum proscribed by the ACS
And more which the others here will explain.
 
Knowing where you live or where you are willing to relocate to will help to eliminate suggestions that are outside of your geographical preferences.
 
Another comment about schools is the financial end. Be extremely wary of any zero to hero school that makes you pay for the entire amount up front. Many stories exist of schools who did that suddenly shutting down, running off with all the money, leaving their students out in the cold.

If a block rate (I.e. a reduced rental price) is provided by maintaining a certain amount on account (like $1,500) that's okay and very common.
 
Adding to Skydog's query, will you be using any military benefits to fund this training?
 
SkyDog58 said:
Yep, that would also narrow down the options.
Click to expand...

I do not have a geographical preference. I'm in the Charlotte, NC area so I have several options that are close by and others that are still on the east coast. I'm certainly not opposed to heading to the west coast for the right training/school.
 
TreeTopFlyer83 said:
I do not have a geographical preference. I'm in the Charlotte, NC area so I have several options that are close by and others that are still on the east coast. I'm certainly not opposed to heading to the west coast for the right training/school.
Click to expand...
Beyond "the right" or "the best", can you provide additional criteria? IOW, provide some specifics.

Are you seeking a "zero to hero" program that within 2-4 years has you employed with an airline? Or are you seeking something to properly train you to fly for yourself?

Describe how you like to learn or what method(s) work best when you learn. Reading books? Organized lectures? Watching training videos? Group studies? Something else?

@scottd and @flyingron and @eman are in your area... perhaps meeting up in person with them so they can provide some leads.
 
AggieMike88 said:
Beyond "the right" or "the best", can you provide additional criteria? IOW, provide some specifics.

Are you seeking a "zero to hero" program that within 2-4 years has you employed with an airline? Or are you seeking something to properly train you to fly for yourself?

Describe how you like to learn or what method(s) work best when you learn. Reading books? Organized lectures? Watching training videos? Group studies? Something else?

@scottd and @flyingron and @eman are in your area... perhaps meeting up in person with them so they can provide some leads.
Click to expand...


I am looking for a school who has great flight instructors with great credentials, not just CFI's looking to build time before moving on to the airlines. One with a great reputation with the FAA and airport. One with great aircraft that take care of their fleet. A program who offers some sort of structure with a solid lesson plan. I am not looking for a "zero to hero" type program. I'd love to build a great foundation and go from there before moving into a regional airline. I would honestly prefer a part 61 program as that would work for me better. Again, thanks for the information and additional questions.
 
ATP has a part 61 school at Concord (JQF).

Fly Carolina has both part 61 and 141 programs at Monroe (EQY).

Aerowood Aviation has a part 61 school at Monroe.

Academy of Aviation has a part 61 school at Gastonia (AKH). Might have 141 soon.

They all seem to do a good job.
 
TreeTopFlyer83 said:
I am looking for a school who has great flight instructors with great credentials, not just CFI's looking to build time before moving on to the airlines. One with a great reputation with the FAA and airport. One with great aircraft that take care of their fleet. A program who offers some sort of structure with a solid lesson plan. I am not looking for a "zero to hero" type program. I'd love to build a great foundation and go from there before moving into a regional airline. I would honestly prefer a part 61 program as that would work for me better. Again, thanks for the information and additional questions.
Click to expand...
Try https://app.instructair.com/flight-instructors/airplane

https://www.nafinet.org/

https://www.safepilots.org/library/contributed/Syllabi_Part61PrivatePilotTraining_5-12-11.pdf

Https://www.safepilots.org
 
Gold Seal has an online directory with over 1000 flight instructors listed by state, and sorted by city. Complete contact info is included for each one. You do have to register to get access to the directory, but that's just to protect those listed from being harvested by spambots. Registration just takes a minute and it's free. After you're logged in, click "Find a CFI" in the upper right.
www.GroundSchool.com
 
I feel like OP is describing programs like those at Embry-Riddle or UND .. neh? He wants the harvard of flight instruction?
 
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