FSI Academy...How Much...really?

[Tailwind]

Already have the Pvt.

Any info on FSI? Good? Bad? Ugly?

How much will it cost for the Inst.,Comm, Multi, CFI-I, MEI?

I want to instruct after earning the ratings. Will they hire you?

Thanks,
Tailwind

 

[B190Captain]

Already have the Pvt.

Any info on FSI? Good? Bad? Ugly?

How much will it cost for the Inst.,Comm, Multi, CFI-I, MEI?

I want to instruct after earning the ratings. Will they hire you?

Thanks,
Tailwind

Sounds like questions for FSI to answer.

When I went through the program there 10 years ago, I had nothing but good things to say. Strict syllabus, good, standard instructors, mechanically sound aircraft. Always available aircraft. Not one time did I show up and not have an aircraft available to me for xc and so on. The only con I had was that alot of instructors were being hired to regionals so I had 3 instructs from my 0 time to Commercial, Instrument and Multi.

I have no complaints. Good School.



As for the cost, it was too long ago to make any estimate. You should give them a call and ask them.

 

[whatwasthat?]

I recently instructed there and would agree with b190captain - good equipment, maintenance, etc. However you do pay top dollar for it, about $50,000 for the private, inst., multi-comm. And don't forget living expenses for a year in FL as you'll train pretty much full time. You'll also need the Single engine comm., and CFI at a minimum to get hired as an instructor (not included in course) and you pay dearly for these as well. Last I heard they had a hiring pool of about 60 people waiting for an instructor job!

If you are wealthy and a $75,000 bill doesn't phase you then go for it, why not? It's just money. Otherwise, all things considered I feel you can get the same or better quality of training at a local FBO for much cheaper if you are a discriminating shopper. At one point I considered the same route, in retrospect I am very glad I didn't. Although you may have a wonderful experience and become a sharp pilot with FSI, Comair, Panam or whatever on your resume - how will you sleep at night with that kind of debt and a $1500/mo. income (if you're lucky).

 

[flybub]

I also went in with my private, graduated the CIME program 8 months and about $38,000 later (graduated Apr. 02). That was with a crew partner which can help keep the cost down a little bit since you split the preflight and postflight brief. It was well worth the money and I loved every minute of it. Good Luck