AZ or FL???

[Sphinx]

There seems to be good schools in both,
RAA out of IWA in AZ looks cool,

but they're kind of green...I like the idea of Pan Am or DCA I've read the pros and cons here on DCA, but havent seen much on Pan Am???

AZ seems to have better year round weather for training...

cost of living is cheaper... the schools are about the same in $$.

0 hours...looking to put in my time...but want my right seat too!

(no I'm not falling into 90 day bs..and if the school I end up going to lands me an interview, that leads to employment...I'll fly for free for a year...cause we all know it's not gonna happen.)

but..any suggestions? pan am? DCA? or RAA?

 

[jeroom]

I like the idea of Pan Am or DCA I've read the pros and cons here on DCA, but havent seen much on Pan Am???

Panam, DCA, Capt program ERAU... Bottom is the same. Big academies, large fleets, CFIs dressed as valet parkings, all very expensive, but "you will get a *Guaranteed interview at one of our *regional airline partner"

(*Which doesn't mean that you will get a job)

 

[schoolio]

Out of the three you listed, I'd say Pan Am. Of course there are negatives about Pan Am, but I've seen far more negatives about the other two you listed. Good program, good instructors, good maintenance (top regional maintainer and avionics tech of the year). Of course I guess you could say I'm partial, since I am currently at Pan Am.

You're going to hear a lot of people tell you not to do the flight academy thing. I'm not saying they're wrong - I'm just letting you know that they're going to say it.

However, before you commit to any of those big schools, I would recommend you go get at least your private, preferably your instrument rating too, at a local FBO. This will allow you to figure out a couple of things: 1) Find out if you really do like it; 2) Find out if you can actually do it.

I can't tell you the number of people that I've seen come here and quit because they either can't keep up with the pace, or are unsafe, or just don't like it. And I've only been here since July. It's a fast paced, regimented program, which really appealed to me after getting out of the military. Most people here go from 0 hours to CFI/CFII/MEI in 10-12 months. If you come with ratings in your pocket already, obviously it will be shorter.

I think most of the instructors are getting 300-400 hours a year instructing. There is no shortage of students - Dutch (KLM), Koreans(KAL), and Chinese(???) students all train here, in addition to the American students.

If you want more specifics, drop me a PM with your email and I'll tell you everything about Pan Am, good and bad.

 

[jeroom]

Personnally,

I will find a local flight school with enough airplanes, one or two twins also. That way, you will save a bunch of $$, get a quality training and move on as quickly as in a pilot factory.

 

[mudkow60]

I was stationed out in FL and now live in AZ. They are both great places, but I would take AZ in a heartbeat. Be prepared for Hurrican Season if you go FL.

Have you looked into Westwind at Deer Valley, AZ?

Between FL and AZ, it is basically a win-win.

 

[mcjohn]

I went to Sheble Aviation in Kingman, AZ for Commercial Multi. That shiz was a lot different than anything in Florida. Kind of like comparing 'Road Warriors' to 'Caddy Shack' or something.

New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern California = save $$ cause weather hardly exists there. (hell, hardly ANYTHING exists there)

 

[Metro752]

Why not IOWA or ILLINOIZ

 

[Sphinx]

Mudkow60- no I havent....but I'll do that...thanks for the heads up.

Schoolio - Great Blog ! and thanks for the info on Pan Am

Everyone Else...thanks for your opinions...keep em comin'...

 

[Sphinx]

Iowa or Illinois? Snow? lol...

 

[twighead]

i did my training in FL. no doubt you will have less cancellations due to wx in AZ, but you will also fly into about 1 cloud/ year. if you want actual IFR time on your resume, go with FL. just watch out for the thunderstorms .