Any Airman FS people???

[MFRskyknight]

I just moved out to Norman, OK with the ultimate goal of attending the Airman Flight School up at Westheimer Field. Right now I'm just settling in and working on getting finances, etc. in order, so I'm not starting right away, but I just would like to hear from people who are currently up there doing that, or here for the same reason. Maybe find some folks who know this area better than I do right now. Once I get a little more moved in I will take a drive up to the airport and talk to students/staff at the school.

Oh my God..... I just drove 2,000 miles to OKLA-FRICKIN'-HOMA!!!!


MFRskyknight

 

[ClassG]

Hard to believe a person would relocate to attend a flight academy without doing some SERIOUS research first, but I hope this helps in your experience there.

I went to Norman in 1999 to complete the CFI/CFII/MEI program. It seemed an excellent opportunity for my shallow pockets. Luckily, I didn't have to finish my training in the time advertised. I was able to spend an entire 2 months there, as it was impossible to do anything within a "schedule."

Now I'm not saying the instruction was substandard, but you will benefit greatly by not letting yourself be RUSHED through anything. Be ready to study as often and as long as possible as you ready yourself for your checkrides and DO NOT expect to be spoonfed anything useful. Also, don't fly unless you feel you are ahead of your studies and have a thorough understanding of what was covered the previous flight. Take advantage of any and all FREE simulator time you can get. Hang around the building and absorb EVERYTHING you can from other students and instructors. Attend ground schools more than once, if possible. Fly the back seat of other student's training flights when possible.

As long as your expectations are not too high and you can be a patient student with few outside commitments, you will learn just as much there as any student at a hig-priced school. It's all up to you, though.

Also, I haven't seen the place in over 5 years, so they may have painted a wall or something. The airplanes were also ready for the scrap yard. Maybe they've made some upgrades. I doubt it, though.

Best of luck. It worked for me.

PS. Norman is a pretty cool place to hang out if you're in your 20's or so. OU is right there and there are an unlimited number of cute blondes hanging around. Try some of the bars on campus. You can't go wrong.

ClassG

 

[minitour]

I have to agree with ClassG for the most part. Currently enrolled in the "upgrade course" which is the Instrument through CFII.

When I called about the program, I was told that I could expect to fly 2-3 times a day even with ground school and with that in mind, could probably complete the course in 8-9 weeks.

So I got the loan, and made the trip down here. Since arriaving 2 weeks ago I have 8 hours of flight time and 3 hours of LOGGED sim time (I have put in about 10 more just on my own time trying to get done quicker). I came in with a lot of the "knowledge" learned, and was just looking to be polished up and pointed in the right direction.

The flying part isn't all that difficult, nor is the knowledge. The hard part is waiting for stage checks, and trying to understand why you expected to be done in another 7 weeks and don't even have the instrument rating yet.

The planes could use some TLC but they are airworthy. Sometimes, I'm not quite sure, so expect some extra time dedicated to preflight.

All in all, the instruction is superb, the ground schools informative, and they don't wait for anyone. If you don't have the information you just discussed in ground school, expect to go home and read and study until you do get it.

I play (tomorrow) to ask to be concurrently enrolled in the instrument program to try to get more flights in and push on the training a little faster. I figure if I can take the commercial checkride right after the instrument, then I can do the CFII (you do that first, then add the CFI) while I do the commercial multi...kind of work on two ratings at once, maybe that will help.

They'll start you in the 152s for the Private, 172s for Instrument, 152s for the Commercial to learn the maneuvers then 10 hours in the RGs to get your complex endorsement and the required time. You move on to the Duchess (which they just got a "new" one) for the ME and then back into the 152/RG for the CFI while using the 172 for the II.

Get your writtens out of the way quick, and it will open up more time to fly and 'get-er-done'. Keep your nose clean, work hard, and try to be the best in your class and there may be a job in it for you.

If you need any more info, PM me and I'll show you around the place.

-minitour

PS
Yes, I'd recommend it if you're willing to work.

 

[FracCapt]

Oh my God..... I just drove 2,000 miles to OKLA-FRICKIN'-HOMA!!!!

2,000 miles? Where'd you drive from, Alaska?

 

[350DRIVER]

I did my CFI/II training with Airman and it is the best set-up and program that is out there. I looked into the different schools (AF, ATP, FSI, etc) and the Airman route was the best out of any of them in my opinion. Be prepared to study, put in the time, and get as far ahead as you can. As the previous poster brought to light, they will not hold your hand nor will they spoon feed you the information. You will be responsible to come to class prepared which in reality means putting in a lot of self study time in on your own.

I think you made the right call. . Sad that Mr. Nash bit the bullet and is no longer around. I think our class was one of the last that was able to fly with him before the C421 accident killed him and a pax trying to get back into OUN in the C421, ironic cause that plane was the first plane I took my 135 captain ride in. What a great pilot with superior skills and knowledge, too bad he pushed the limit(s) that one day and is no longer with us.

3 5 0

 

[DFries]

Hey 350,

Did you happen to read the toxology report in the ntsb breif on that accident? it seems they found quite a few illegal substances in his system, including methanphetamine. as well as at least one or more bags of Cocaine on board. as for the pax, a fifteen year old pregnant runaway. The report indicates that he ran out of gas. It also says that he attempted at least one approach into Norman before the crash. Sad part is, there is a CatII ils 5 miles away at OKC. I remember Earl, he was a nice guy, but nevertheless he was on a drug run. he was using drugs and when you play you pay.

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief2.asp?ev_id=20001218X45437&ntsbno=FTW01FA033&akey=1

 

[MFRskyknight]

Thanks all. I have actually been researching Airman for the past 2-3 months, and finally made the move out here. Part of that whole shock is just that I'm a kid out on my own for the first time, but I'm getting used to Norman and I know I have a lot yet to prepare for mentally (and financially) before I start the program.

Alaska was close, but no, I came from Oregon. It was a hell of a drive. Can't complain about that plentiful supply of hot OU chicks here though.

MFRskyknight

 

[minitour]

...Can't complain about that plentiful supply of hot OU chicks here though.

MFRskyknight

Being a married man, I can't say that I condone such activity, but you might wanna check out the "social activities" Tuesday and Thursday nights. I'm sure 350 can give you a better description and all of the details, as I for one woule never go to such events.

 

[350DRIVER]

Hey 350,

Did you happen to read the toxology report in the ntsb breif on that accident? it seems they found quite a few illegal substances in his system, including methanphetamine. as well as at least one or more bags of Cocaine on board. as for the pax, a fifteen year old pregnant runaway. The report indicates that he ran out of gas. It also says that he attempted at least one approach into Norman before the crash. Sad part is, there is a CatII ils 5 miles away at OKC. I remember Earl, he was a nice guy, but nevertheless he was on a drug run. he was using drugs and when you play you pay.

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief2.asp?ev_id=20001218X45437&ntsbno=FTW01FA033&akey=1

DFries,

I am well aware of the accident, circumstances, and the final report, I have probably read it atleast a dozen or so times if not more since it happened.. It was pretty hard to swallow when the facts came out. He was a sharp pilot and a very personable guy, atleast to me. What is even more sad is the innocent pax that was onboard as well. . . I did my spin endorsement and CFII checkride with him. A sad loss for the Airman family.

Being a married man, I can't say that I condone such activity, but you might wanna check out the "social activities" Tuesday and Thursday nights. I'm sure 350 can give you a better description and all of the details, as I for one woule never go to such events.

I will partially take the 5th on this one since one of my g/f's seems to be on to me.... I can suggest however that the female oil wrastlin' at the Ramada bar though is a sight to be seen as well as the college bars at OU. Lotsa "fun" to be had, that is 4 sure !! ..

Bricktown isn't too bad as well.....

3 5 0

 

[minitour]

...one of my g/f's...
3 5 0

The thought brings a tear to the eye.

God Bless America

-mini