please--what flight school in FL for CFI & II

[chaingang]

I have va benefits I would like to use (if it's worth it going 141 instead of 61) But as far as upfront money only $5000 and thats it! I've looked into these accelerated programs at American Flyers in pompano beach and ATP in Daytona to complete my CFI and CFII.......any input, info, advice, suggestions would be much appreciated!! At ATP they have you get your MEI first then MEII and then single add on, which I would only be able to afford the MEI ....Doesn't sound very smart only get the MEI for right now instead of the CFI.....build multi time great but could I make much of a living only having a MEI.......or forgo the MEI and just get the CFI, II..........decisions decisions...what program and what school???!! Please help!

 

[Aviation Geek]

I did American Flyers in PMP and the CFis (especially the multi instructors) are first class. In my opinion, the training they gave me was the best I have had to date.

 

[siucavflight]

American Flyers at PMP is a great place to go, and it is cheap.

 

[RemoveB4Flght]

if you don't have very much time, getting an MEI as your initial instructor ticket might not be the best way to go for these reasons:

1) you probably don't have a whole heck of a lot of multi time to begin with, and 5 grand ain't gonna get you much more
2) if you get a FSDO ride, and you do it in the central FL area(read: Orlando FSDO covers all of it) they are very very tough on MEI's as the initial instructor rating
3) Flight schools are hurting in a lot of places true, but many aren't crazy about hiring low time guys into that role.... meaning don't expect to waltz into a medium to larger school with zero dual given and get all that coveted multi time... no my friend, too many of the rest of us have slugged it out in the 150's and 172's and PA-140s and waited our turn.
4) Also even if you get MEI, and a job... there's not a ton of multi students beating down the doors.. whereas getting your CFI and II means you can take on private, instrument, commercial, BFR's, IPC's and pick up flights for other instructors.

With your funds, you can get CFI and CFII and maybe have enough left over to get your resume copied at KINKOS

 

[chaingang]

Thanks for the info and input......After talking to someother experienced pilots I am gonna get my CFI and CFII first and I've actually come up with more money and could get my MEI if I wanted but was told it really would be better just to wait and get experience as an instructor........which all makes sense to me I very little multi time and no dual given...so anyhow now I'm just hoping to hear alittle more input about American Flyers in pompano beach FL......general experiences anyone has had with the CFI and II 30 day academy- the instructors and the aircraft......

 

[Aviation Geek]

Thanks for the info and input......After talking to someother experienced pilots I am gonna get my CFI and CFII first and I've actually come up with more money and could get my MEI if I wanted but was told it really would be better just to wait and get experience as an instructor........which all makes sense to me I very little multi time and no dual given...so anyhow now I'm just hoping to hear alittle more input about American Flyers in pompano beach FL......general experiences anyone has had with the CFI and II 30 day academy- the instructors and the aircraft......

My experience at Flyers/PMP was outstanding. I did my commercial multi there. The instructors are very good, in fact they are both top notch. Both had a ton of experience with the plane and teaching multi. It took a few days longer than I had hoped due to weather and my request for a day off in the middle of the training. Other wise, I would have finished in exactly the amount of time they promised and at exactly the dollar amount they quoted.

The best thing about Flyers, and how they differ from some of the other big schools, is they take into account how you learn and what you know. My experience at some of the other large schools, and it is an expensive lesson to learn, is that if you do not fit their idea of a "student" you are not going to have a good experience. Most of the big name schools are very rigid in their curriculums and their timelines. Flyers has both curriculum and a timeline for completion, but adjusts them to your needs. If you take more or less time their is really no penalty. If you want a second lesson on a topic, whether in the plane or on the ground, you can have it, even if they do not feel it is necessary. If you need a day off, you can have it. Of course, if you go off their syllabus, you will incur the cost of the additional training.

PMP is a nice facility and is a maintenance base as well. The Duchess they use was a lot of fun to fly. I really liked the airplane. It feels bigger and more substantial than the Seminoles other schools fly. The plane is older, but nicely maintained. It has some inop equipment (cabin heater - but who needs that in Florida) and other little idiosyncrasies, but is a strong airplane. On a funny note, the interior is very "1973 Oldsmobile Tornado." Kind of fun and retro if you like 70s cars and planes.

They really stress customer service, completion and quality training. This commitment is from the top of the organization. I had the opportunity to meet one of the company's owners and flight training is truly his passion. Now mind you, they are running a for profit business, not a charity, so they have to take the bottom line into account, and your individual flight instructor may not be as "rah rah" as a company owner, but overall, they are really committed to a quality flight experience.

There are a couple of downsides to Flyers. They are expensive. There are cheaper flight schools. But truthfully, you get what you pay for at Flyers. They are the Cadillac of flight schools.

The other downside is they are rather corporate. Some people do not like that environment. While everybody is very friendly and professional, it feels a little forced sometimes, especially at PMP. They are not ones to let their hair down until they know you. If you are going to the 30 day academy, you will probably see them act a little more naturaly as you get to know the instructors and your classmates.

My advice would be to go there and do the academy and have a great time!

 

[siucavflight]

Nice post Geek, my experience was very similar to yours, I did the academy at the DPA facility a few years back, I thought that it was some of the best training that I have ever received. But I did not think that the price was high, it seemed pretty reasonable to me compared to other places that offer the same type of training.
What ever your choose have fun and remember to have fun doing it.