FlightSafety Wichita

[Pilot_Ryan]

Recurrent in 900XP starting 3/12. Always been a Simuflite man up 'til now, unfamiliar with Brand B. Best restaurants in the area? Tips? Etc.?

 

[Kingairrick]

They have a decent workout room if your hotel doesn't. (At least they did in 2003)

 

[TigerDriver]

still have a fitness center, they are doing quite an expansion to the training center, parking lot is limited by the center so you'll have to walk a couple of blocks or take the van they have. Plenty of good eats/beer places in the area, the girls at the front desk will have the info. I was a Simuflite guy myself until this current gig, FSI for 2 years now, No complaints at all.

 

[cjdriver]

Wichita is beautiful this time of year, and so are the women.

 

[ydoifly]

Having done initials at both I can tell you FlightSafety is light years ahead of Simuflite. No comparison in the quality of training.

 

[Freight Dog]

I got my King Air 350 type at FSI Wichita. Beautiful facility and the staff was awesome, the instructors were also great...

 

[Pilot_Ryan]

I'm getting all hot and excited now.

 

[satpak77]

parking lot sucks, no parking. recommend Marriott (full service, "the" Marriott) which on the east side of town and near the FSI Beech school

 

[semperfido]

have been to "witch-a-titty" for King Air 350 and enjoyed it. stayed at Marriott. there are better cities for food, but you'll survive. A place called "the grape" had good food, but that was quite a number of years ago. if my memory is correct, the bar in Marriott was fun.

 

[dogedog]

Try Scotch and Sirloin for some good food, we stay at the Homewood Suites, it's a nice place and about a 3 min drive to FSI.

 

[satpak77]

scotch and sirloin is recommended, plus the hot business chick crowd is there at happy hour time, fridays.

 

[Tgaug6300]

have been to "witch-a-titty" for King Air 350 and enjoyed it. stayed at Marriott. there are better cities for food, but you'll survive. A place called "the grape" had good food, but that was quite a number of years ago. if my memory is correct, the bar in Marriott was fun.

Yeah, the Grape was a good place. It hasn't been in operation for a few years now. The Red Rock Grill is very good. It is South of 21st St. on Rock Road. Just north of the Beech FS on Central and Webb is Abuelos (Tex Mex, Very Good), P.F. Changs, Chesters Chop House (Very expensive).

 

[Coool Hand Luke]

Hey Tgaug, I'm guessing you survived the bloodletting? If so congrats. I'll be up there at the end of the month for CE-650 recurrent.

 

[cjdriver]

So what's the difference between the 800XP and the 900XP (I'm guessing proline 21 and winglets)? Also, one of my favorite memory joggers: 33 time to pee.

 

[Pilot_Ryan]

So what's the difference between the 800XP and the 900XP (I'm guessing proline 21 and winglets)? Also, one of my favorite memory joggers: 33 time to pee.

It's an 850XP with TFE731-50Rs and tweaked winglets. It's got a bit better range than the 850, better high & hot performance, better climbs and better runways in general. The Proline 21 has been standard since the 850XP I believe (optional on the 800XP).

 

[ho1fo4]

Was in ICT for 800XP initial. I don't know if they still do this, but they make you know the memory items verbatim. No slang. Whatever the bold items are, you have to say them that way word for word. Was glad to get out of there.

 

[Choppy]

That's the way it was in the Military! It's better for you in the long run.

 

[Coool Hand Luke]

That's the way it was in the Military! It's better for you in the long run.

That's fine as long as everyone in the department goes to the same training facility. You can't have some going to FSI and some going to CAE. Taking that even further, you pretty much have to go to the same location of the same training provider as well. I've attended FSI Atlanta and it was completely different than FSI Long Beach, both for the same aircraft.

I'm not saying I don't agree with you here to some extent, it's not as practical on the civilian side. Of course you are always able to provide your own checklist to either training provider if you so desire. I know of several larger companies that do this.

Cheers!

 

[CitationXDriver]

Remember the Beech learning center is on the opposite side of town as ICT and the other FSI facilities, so get a hotel accordingly, there are plenty to choose from, I usually go with the Residence Inn, about 5 min drive. The parking lot thing is a mess, park like a block away and just walk, you will beat the van every time. The FSI break room is well stocked, you can put together a decent breakfast fast, and even a quick lunch if needed. Also a Quizno's within quick walking distance for a quick lunch. Head north or west and you will quickly run into many of the normal chain restaurants, along with some good local places. Have fun.

 

[cezzna]

In all the years I went there I found one good restaurant and it closed a few years ago!