A couple I know will be based near PDK next month for a weekend and would like a tour or 'introductory' flight over ATL (hell if I know why :laugh
so my thought is what mom and pop shop flight schools based at PDK might have a CFI who would want to log an hour or so in a single to take them up?
I haven't been there in 3 years so I'm out of the loop....
I say mom and pop because this is a recession and it's the little guy behind the 8-ball who could use some business.
Thanks ahead of time!
DISCLAIMER - : All of these intro rides will cost money. Some think they are doing me (or flight schools) a "favor" by gracing me with an excuse to go fly by means of an intro ride. Pilots/Flight Schools don't need an excuse. They need money. So, with that said, price will be
about $250 for an hour...give or take $50. Big range, strange industry. Go figure. You'll see up to $200 less at surrounding fields, but you won't be in the air for more than 10-15 minutes (including taxi!). Also, they also want you as a student. Flight schools are dying (especially) now, so they're desperate to take your money. They'll tell you anything to get you in the door as their student.
American Air Flight Training: Expensive (you only fly with chief pilot), but good airplanes and hyper-qualified CFI (Ask for the new(er) Piper Archer with Air Conditioning. Nice in the summer. Make them use it---costs them money---too bad!).
Aviation Atlanta: Aircraft lackluster, but safe nevertheless and pretty good instructors. Competitively priced.
American Flyers: Not a fan of the instruction.
PDK Flight Academy: No. Just...no. I don't even know if they're still in business.
Quality Aviation: Phenomenal chief pilot (tends to hire good instructors), older airplanes (Beechcraft Sundowner), but well maintained. If you pursue your ratings, I would go here. Slightly higher in price, but you're paying for experience and great maintenance. Dan Emin (chief pilot) is a great guy.
Skybound Aviation: I haven't heard much about this one (newer), but the aircraft are older and the customers I've talked to seem to be satisfied. Competitively priced. Wild card.
Falcon Aviation: Good airplanes, but I don't know anything about the instructors.
Here are some other ideas:
Bi-Planes over Atlanta: Cool airplanes. Ask for Dave Hirschman. He's a seasoned flight instructor and will show you everything (limited because of the overwhelm-factor) a CFI would on an intro ride anyway. It's more of a sightseeing experience then the others.
Air Atlanta Helicopters: I hear this is super cool. I'm a fixed-wing pilot, so I'd love to do this some time. They have a good reputation, and...like the Bi-Plane rides, a fun alternative.
I was a student and instructor on the field for 3+ years. I hope this helps. Good luck!
