American Flyers CFI Academy ????

[nufft]

Greetings All,

I'm trying to get some info on the American Flyers CFI Academy in Addison (ADS), TX.

Fisrt of all, has anyone out there been through this program, and if so, what was your first hand experience? If anyone else has heard anything at all about this program, I would like to hear from you too.

Secondly, I have heard that American Flyers has run into problems with the FAA regarding their DE's, and as a result some of their students are under investigation. Does anyone have any further information, or maybe even more accurate information?

As usual, all & any information is greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Nufft.

 

[CougarAviator]

I'm at American Flyers in Houston. The training is OUTSTANDING!!!!

I have not heard anything about DE's or student's getting investigated.

If I were you, I'd be frank, and ask them directly. They should have nothing to hide....

JMHO

 

[ViperX]

It has been awhile since I've been in the Addison area so my info may be outdated.

From what I remember American Flyers is a typical "pilot factor" flight school... very organized, very structured training program. I am not sure if they are still on the field but I did my CFI at Monarch Aviation and was very pleased with the program. If they are still there you might want to check out the prices and compare the two.

I thought general avaition was being discouraged at Addison and that airport officials were trying to cater to corporate flight departments? It is rumored to be the busiest single runway airport in the US. I flight instructed out of that airport for a year and it was quit challenging...no touch and go's allowed and you constantly had C-152, then a twin Beech, then Falcon 20, then the Dallas Mavericks MD80 landing.

 

[BYUFlyr]

I too went through the program. I graduated from the CFI Academy last August and I have no complaints with the training; Pat was great in KPMP.

My one complaint is that they will milk you like no other for your money. They made me buy a flight manual at over $100 consisting of photocopies of government manuals in a fancy binder. The worst part was that I did not even need it because I already had my CFII ground course/written complete. I never even cracked the stupid thing open.

The thing that killed me was that they knew I wasn't going to use it, and I could've bought a manual with the same EXACT page contents for $25... in fact, I already had it in my flight bag!

Good training, but be careful with the salesmen behind the glass.

 

[CFIjim]

Glad to hear the American Flyers CFI Academies in Texas are well-run. Did not find that to be true last year at their Chicago (DPA) location.

I will try to be as objective as possible, here goes:

PROS: Your classmates, if they are equally dedicated. The practice teaching (ground) and preparing lesson plans was the strongest part of the program.

CONS: Only one in four at DPA were passing checkrides the first time. Some took 3 attempts. This goes for many of their classes last year. Some were so discouraged they gave up. The FAA was keeping close tabs on that location and that probably did not help the pass ratio.
I agree with BYUFlyr about the costs. They charged me $320 for manuals, then said I had to have the FAA books also. If you can avoid it don't buy the manuals. They didn't seem to mind that you would need additional training because they charged $140 dual for a 172 and $65 per hour ground. I returned home and finished up with an excellent local CFI/CFII for $35 per hour.
Also, the written prep was a joke. We were asked to take turns reading the material outloud to the class. Our reading skills improved, but we all used ASA or Gleim materials to review for the exams to get good scores.

CONCLUSION: If you have any teaching, training or formal presentation skills already, you would probably do better to find an experienced CFI in your hometown. If you do go to American Flyers, turn down buying any of the extras and if you need any additional training, run don't walk to a local CFI.

P.S. - I heard a rumor that they shut down the DPA CFI Academy and added additional hours of dual to the program (it was 10). If you need any additional info or want to buy some manuals cheap p.m. me.

 

[nufft]

Thank you all for the posts. I will continue to do my research.

I really do appreciate all your replies.

Nufft.

 

[TEXAN AVIATOR]

Go to airman flight school up in Norman, OK for your CFI ratings. It's as advertised, very structured, and the folks there are great.

 

[leardrivr]

I attended the commercial and CFII cources at the fort lauderdale school about ten years or so ago. Great group of folks and good training. definitly worth the money! Just one guys opinion though.

Good luck!