IS Flight Safety Academy better than DCA

[SBD]

As a student I truly enjoyed the DCA experience. I am well aware that I paid a little too much for my training. I've met great friends that I will keep for a lifetime. It's a little like college. You can get flight training anywhere. Just do your research before choosing a school. DCA has great training, but it costs a pretty penny. Now that I work there I see both sides of the coin. I'm a dedicated instructor that puts the students b4 the politics. I went with DCA and I am fully aware of where I wanted to work. I hope this gives you a little insight.

 

[mddg3581]

Be honest? I like the Detroit area much better than Sanford which Im sure is no surprise. Plus I grew up here. After finishimg DCA I was not sure whether to do the corporate or airline route. The company I work for pays 2x more than DCA with full benefits so thats pretty good. As you can imagine the choice was easy to stay up here. Family, friends, sports...etc.. Sanford was good because of the people we meet there. Instructing would not have been too bad because of that fact. The pay sucks but you have too put your dues in somewhere right?

 

[mddg3581]

What do you mean, the real truth?

 

[rfresh]

I have the same thought so I'll say it too:

Why not do your CFI ratings at your local FBO?

 

[mpflies2]

Flight Safety Academy

First hand experience....great CFI program, if you were doing anything ratings before that I'd say dont go there. CFI is overpriced, but if you get the job with them and can handle staying for 800 hours dual given, then they'll pay for your II and MEI. So thats 3 ratings for bout 10,000. Plus the living is rather cheap, and once your hired you'll get a hefty discount to live on campus....Possibly half off. Will be something like 250 a month to live and theres no bills for utilities, cable, etc. You also get discounted rate on personal aircraft rental and pilot supplies in the bookstore.

If you get hired, its the way to go. If not, then you just bought a very expensive CFI. I'm a few weeks away from finishing mine at FSA and hoping I get hired. If not, I don't regret the experience.

Oh and it may cost you a bit more than 10K if you come from outside the program for CFI. They have different procedures for alot of things and takes some getting used to. I had to buy an extra 6 hours of solo flight just to get used to the practice areas and checklists because the first flight you have to be effectively instructing, including knowledge of practice areas and all checklists....

Hope this helps on the decision.

Marc