Anyone working on their instrument rating in the Pittsburgh area?

[SmellsLikeAvGas]

Just trying to see if there's anyone out there working on their instrument in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area. Looking for some advice. Thanks.

 

[minitour]

well...I recently finished my IR...and I'm from the Pittsburgh area...kinda...a little north...

wacha need bro? (if its safety pilot time in a simple single, I'd love to )

-mini

 

[SmellsLikeAvGas]

Yeah, actually looking for recommedations on a good flight school, if you have one.. and yes, safety pilot is one thing I'm looking for as well. I'll be doing my commercial after I finish the IFR, so trying to make the best use of my time (e.g. any PIC XC time that also fulfills commercial requirements as well.) Do you fly out of AGC?

 

[minitour]

well I don't really know of any flight schools...actually I'm farther up north...more towards YNG...

I'll see what I can find out for ya...

if'n you have any questions, just PM me...

-mini

 

[350DRIVER]

Just trying to see if there's anyone out there working on their instrument in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area. Looking for some advice. Thanks.

Check out Beaver County, Butler, and New Castle. Haski Aviation has a pretty solid reputation and it has been a family owned and run flight school for many years. (KUCP). At one point in time they were also tied in with the CCBC aviation program. The prices are fair, decent equipment, and a few career flight instructors work there that are sharp. You will also have a chance to transition into the Navaslow fleet (part 135) if you stick around and instruct at Haski once you complete your required training and have enough hours to meet insurance reqts. You have quite a few options in the Pittsburgh area so keep your options open.


good luck,

3 5 0

 

[minitour]

They wouldn't happen to be looking for instructors that you know of, would they?

Perhaps I'll drop in to say "yo"

-mini

 

[350DRIVER]

I do not know so I really can't answer the question. You may want to stop in and speak to Marty Haski who is the owner, dpe, and 135 chief pilot of the operation. Four or five years ago they seemed to hire quite frequently from what I remember. The business and staff took a major hit in recent times when they lost the CCBC aviation contract so I assume things are probably relatively "slow" with very little movement present day. It doesn't hurt to inquire though since you have nothing to lose...........

A friend of mine who once upon a time was a CFI there that is now a captain with ExpressJet so I will see what I can find out next time I speak to him.

3 5 0

 

[minitour]

Thanks!

Time for someone to get rid of some PM's....too many messages from the girlfriends eh?

 

[flyfastinmy10]

There are a couple of schools at AGC. Where are you looking?

 

[350DRIVER]

Thanks!

Time for someone to get rid of some PM's....too many messages from the girlfriends eh?

I just found that out when I tried to respond to someone's private message. I also learned how quickly and easy it is to lose quite a few paragraphs of unsaved information as well. I will try and resolve the problem now....

3 5 0

 

[pilotman2105]

Butler has a pretty nice facility and some quality instructors from what I can tell. The only real option at Beaver is Pan Am, which is 141. I don't know anything about points north.

 

[SmellsLikeAvGas]

There are a couple of schools at AGC. Where are you looking?

I saw Pittsburgh Flight Training Center.. and they also have a flying club..

 

[PGH STEEL]

PFTC { Pittsburgh Flight Training Center} @ AGC is a good school thats where I did all of my training. They also have a lot of new aircraft.

 

[dondk]

As a former instructor at AGC...

PFTC is not too bad, a bit on the expensive side though. "Some" of thier fleet is new, the others have been around for a few years too many. I think the Katana's are the newest editions as well as some RG's. The core aircraft though are in good condition, albeit older than you. They have a corporate side of the house you can venture into if you stick around long enough, similar to Haski's operation although better equiped.

Alleghney flying club is the other operator on the field.. A bunch of free lance instructors and a handful of aircraft. The aircraft are not too bad, the prices are better.. but securing an instructor is the challenge.

If you hang out at the terminal on the weekend you may even be able to nail a few of the free lance guys who have access to decent equipment.

From experience though.. if your going to do your instrument at AGC, this is the best time of the year.. all the fair weather flyers are hangered for the season. ATC is light and as long as the cloud deck keeps you out of the ice you can do quite well in 2-3 months. As long as a little frost bite hear and there doesn't worry you