American Flyers CFI Academy

[Canadair RJ]

I'm currently working on Commercial, and should be finishing it up this spring/summer. I plan on being a CFI so I can build hours for the airlines, but I'm not quite sure on what to do for my CFI/CFII training. All my training has been part 61 so far, and I planned on getting my CFI/II ratings at my local FBO. However, I had a friend who attended American Flyers CFI Academy, and really enjoyed it and learned alot. The only downside is that it costs around $4,000 to $5,000. It would probably be cheaper to stay at my FBO, but I feel I can learn more at AF. Also, you can get your CFI and CFII is 30 days. So, I'm not quite sure what to do. Any CFIs out there who can shed some light would be appreciated and anybody else who has gone through this academy. Thanks for the help!

 

[xshuttlefa]

I am currently going through the same thing. I was going to stay at my local FBO, but they almost never have planes when I want one. They began phasing out the 152 slowly, but that leaves only the 172's for primary and advanced instruction. Not enough airplanes in other words.

I have looked into American Flyers too. And if you search this board, you'll find many differing opinions on Am Flyers, ATP,etc. I may go to American Flyers in Cleveland ( it's the closest to me and I have a brother who lives in Akron, not close, but free). Am Flyers is also a 30 day course that gives you CFI and double I as well, so take that into cost consideration compared to your FBO.

The regs state that the minimum flight time is 15 hours in the airplane type you'll be instructing in. That's the minimum, we all know that can be different for each person. I am guessing that's the same for each instructor rating you add, so I am guessing at 30 hours flight time for CFI and double I. At my FBO:
172 at $100/hr
Instructor at $35/hr
Tax at 7%
$10/hr fuel surcharge,

= $154/hr or $2300 for the 15 hour min. A 182 (they are more available) will be $700 more for the same time (182 is $145/hr.)

ATP gives you CFI, double I, and MEI provided you have a multi rating ( another $1000 if you don't). But at $5995, it's a bit steeper then Am Flyers. It is only a 14 day course at ATP, but to me, that's a lot to cover in 14 days. But if you only have 2 weeks to do it, that might be an option.

Whatever I decide, I'll post here. Hopefully, you do the same.

 

[rickair7777]

AF CFI program can be a good deal for the money, but expect to pay a little more for some extra flight time.

The local manager and/or chief pilot makes a big difference in the program, so go talk to them first...if they seem like slimeballs, they probably are!!!

KSMO has good folks.

 

[infiniti757]

Which location?

Which location will you be training at? I used to work for them long ago and location makes a big difference. The program is great if you want knowledge. If you just want a rating go somewhere else. If you do go to Flyers insist that they don't pass you around like a sorority girl. Get them to keep you with the same two or three instructors through the program.

 

[dal757]

Did the CFI Academy at DWH in Houston. Great program. You will get your moneys worth for sure!

 

[Slim]

I did CFII at ADS in the early 1990s. I stayed with two instructors the entire time.

If...IF...they don't require the money up front, DON'T pay a lump sum. I did that and it took nearly a year to get the balance back. I had $700 remaining on account and they will never know how close I was to using an attorney (a co-worker's husband) to get that money back.

If you use American Flyers, pay as you go.

All that said, it was money well spent and I was well prepared. If you apply yourself and prepare ahead of time, it's great. Otherwise, it costs you more. The interaction you experience with fellow CFI/CFII applicants is invaluable.

Good luck...fly safe!

 

[TheGreatChecko]

I agree with everyone here. You WILL learn, you WILL become a confident instructor, and you WILL blow everyone out of the water when you interview because you know how to teach.

I'd also avoid ATP's 14 day program. You will get your ratings and not be able to teach a damn thing. All its good for is getting your rating in no time. Not recommended for an initial CFI.

I've done both (CFI & CFII at Flyers, MEI at ATP).

GreatChecko

 

[Canadair RJ]

Thanks for the advice! It will really help me make a decsion here. If I do choose AFA for sure, I will be applying to the FLL school and I'll hopefully be attending in July.

 

[UndauntedFlyer]

The A/F program does a great job of teaching how to teach but spends very little time on teaching the basics of the private/commercial oral type questions. Most CFI applicants that fail from Flyers do so because they don't understand such relationships as CAS/IAS/TAS/GS, altimetery, engine operations, the map, CTAF, performance, etc., so in those cases the applicants can not explain what they don't understand themselves. However what little they may understand beforehand, they can usually explain well. Unfortunately, that just isn't good enough.

So the bottom line, Flyers does a good job if you really have the knowledge you should have for the certificates already held. Otherwise get up to speed first then go to Flyers CFI Academy.

Neither American Flyers nor anyone else mortal can work miracles.

 

[BYUFlyr]

I did AFA in Pompano Beach, FL for my CFI/CFII and paid $3,000 (it may be more now) I finished my training in the 10 hours of flight time they include with the fee. Take advantage of the free frasca time they offer while you prep for your CFII ride. Also, I recommend taking your CFII as your initial ride instead of the CFI, I think its easier to do the CFII as the initial as long as you're current and proficient.

The only compaint I had was the $160 they required me to spend on "textbooks", which consisted of FAA manuals photocopied, 3-hole punched, and inserted into a fancy American Flyers binder. Don't do it! Ask them to see the "textbooks" before you pay for anything and inform them that you can purchase the same material at an FBO for less than $40.

Other than that Pat (at the Pompano location) is a great guy and a great ground instructor.