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Best place to knock out your private license during the summer?

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Vandal

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 19, 2002
Posts
347
Hiya! My little brother is a sophomore in college and is looking to get his feet wet in aviation this summer. He is looking for an organized, fast-paced private/instrument program to do over the summer. Location does not really matter. We were looking at ATP but they only do their private license program if you are going to roll right into the whole airline program. Any ideas? Thanks!
 
find a solid 141 program in his area with consistent good weather and have him interview the instructors and find which one will dedicate themselves to getting him done. I got my private in 2 1/2 weeks a couple summers ago at monarch air at ADS. Its also cheaper than going to a rating farm typically.
 
Most reasonable size flight schools can provide the training quickly. Have him tell them of the time frame he wants to be done in and if he's willing to put the time in he could probably get it done. I've seen 25-30 day private pilots under part 61. All a question of having the CFI/aircraft/weather available.
 
solid fast track

Arizona Aviation in Arizona has a good program. I believe the record was 28 days for a ppl, i know an instructor who had a few "fast tracks" done in less than 30 days. VERY affordable too! they do have housing avaliable.
 
Just go to a local flight school nearby. If he is dedicated and can fly at least once a day (maybe even more) he could get it done real quick. Not to mention, the local flight school will be way cheaper than one of those pilot factories.
 
Try Mazzei Flying Service in Fresno, CA. Part 141, self-examining authority, guaranteed fixed price (in writing), includes all books, equipment, checkrides and housing. They will get him done in 3-4 weeks. flymfs.com
 
looking for an organized, fast-paced private/instrument program
Keep in mind he will need 50 hours PIC X/C to do the instrument rating part 61. He can do the instrument part 141 without the 50 hour PIC X/C requirement.

I would not advise a fast paced private only - but with an instrument rating, go for it!
 
Stewarts aircraft Service, Waynesville, Ohio

They can get him a private off a grass strip in a J-3 Cub and teach him aerobatics. Great way to start a career and great stuff to talk about in an interview. Several of the instructors fly for large cargo carriers and fly airshows and teach aerobatics. He will have the rest of his life to fly the same types of aircraft as everyone else. Rural countryside. They have sailplanes too. A sailplane private license is also a great way to start. The air force academy teaches every student to solo a glider.

Don't send him to some standard flight school and let a bunch of 250 hour CFIs teach him.( I used to be a 250 hours CFI/now I am a 6500 hour professional pilot-civ/mil). Find the most experienced professional pilot who has a flight instructor rating (an old military pilot, corporate pilot, crop duster, or retired airline pilot) and pay them extra to "mentor" him.

also, in chandler, airizona there is a small flight school that teaches in Piper Super Cubs and Huskys. Hot as Hades in the summer though. www.aerobatics.com

Third alternative. Send him to a military aero club on or near a military base. All he has to do is join the civil air patrol and get a membership card. The membership card can get him into the aero club. H enever has to go to a civil air patrol meeting (although he might want to..he can fly there planes with a private for $25.hour plus gas..well maintained) Great rates, great aircraft (well maintained),and solid instructors.
Jacksonville, FL
Cocoa Beach, FL
Charleston, SC
Norfolk, VA
Quantico, VA
Willow Grove Naval Air Station, PA Near philly
Wright patterson AFB Ohio
Hanscom AFB, MA boston
Eglin AFB, FL
Maxwell AFB, AL
Dobbins AFB, GA Atlanta
Memphis Navy flying club
San Diego Coronoado Naval base flying club
Scott AFB flying club St. Louis
Elemdorf AFB, Alaska
The list goes on

Bottom line. Don't waste your moeny on a "big name" flying school when you can do it better while spending less money. Save the money for his instrument rating.
 

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