Current Opinions

[sflax]

I was just wondering what people are currently feeling about Sierra, FSI and Comair? I know there has been alot of posts of what happened to people 2 or 3 years ago, but now that the industry is so low, what do you all think? People currently going would be a good help.

I am asking b/c I wish to attend one of these places. SO DO NOT TELL ME LOCAL FBO.

 

[bobbysamd]

FSI

I am a former FSI instructor. Just like all training providers, FSI has its pros and cons, but I believe its pros outstrip its cons.

The place provides good, standardized, disciplined training. Ground school is adequate. FSI has excellent facilities and good, well-maintained equipment. One thing that I feel sets FSI apart from others is the unusual attitudes and acro training. Students take at least a couple of flights in Zlins for spin training and acro. That training is not required by the FAA, but it is tremendous for your confidence. The school used Aerobat 152s and Decathlons when I was there.

You earn your initial Commercial-Instrument as a multiengine pilot. About 100 hours into your training you earn your Private Multi and continue in the multis until you're finished. You leave with about 50 hours of multi PIC. Aside from the multi time flying multiengine aircraft early in your flying is great experience.

FSI does have a CFI course. School graduates have availed themselves of instructing opportunities at the place. That is an ideal situation for a new flight school graduate - but times are slow and you might have to wait for your chance. Last I heard FSI had a six-month CFI waiting list.

At one time the place would upgrade new CFIs to CFI-I and MEI on its nickel if you committed to giving something like 800 hours of instruction. I understand that then the school would set you up with an interview with someplace like ASA. I know the place has historically had a tie-in with ASA. You would recieve a conditional offer of employment and write a check. I realize that sounds very much like P-F-T, but, somehow, it seemed somewhat less odious than the usual P-F-T scheme.

The Academy has good management now. I worked with three of the individuals who are in charge eleven years ago, and they are first-class people. I had met the current Chief Pilot twelve years ago during an interview at another school and did not care for him. I spent only about fifteen minutes with this man. I realize that isn't much time to get know someone, but that works both ways.

Negatives might be the cost, but I feel that in the long term you get what you pay for. Also, FlightSafety has been a political place, but so are most flight schools. Instructors at FSI were not treated well when I worked there ten years ago and morale was subpar. I suspect that has changed for the better with the new managers.

Hope this helps. Good luck with your school decision.