Yet another boring bobbysamd FlightSafety shill post
Once again, for those who've read my previous FSI posts, please bear with me because this is a new query.
I really am not a shill for
FlightSafety Academy. I worked there in 1991-'92. I was impressed like crazy with the place during my interview - probably because it rolled out the red carpet for me. To say the least, working there was far less impressive. But my experience as an employee does not detract from my enthusiasm for the program.
Without a doubt, it is expensive. But, after training students there for all ratings after Private and training about a half-dozen for their initial CFI, it is my belief that you receive value for what you pay. As I've written before, the ground school is fine. It is adequate. It provides a foundation upon which to build your knowledge.
Where the place really excels is the flight training. FSI really stresses profiles and checklist discipline. The checklists are laid-out airline-style. When I was there, the Chief Pilot liked the Alitalia instrument approach profile so well that he adopted it for the entire school. As well as checklists and airline-type profiles, FSI students receive real unusual-attitudes and elementary acro training as part of the regular course. It's taught in Zlins; in my day Aerobat 152s and Decathlons were used.
Equipment is first-rate, plentiful and well maintained. Facilities are excellent. I know three of the people who now run the place, and they, too, are first-rate.
FSI does have airline connections. The place still has the conditional-offer-of-employment program, in which you get the offer but must instruct 800 hours. In line with that, I have heard that the school will upgrade you to CFI-I and MEI on its nickel in return for your 800 hours of instructing. FlightSafety International still carries great name-recognition in aviation.
There have been comments about the FSI experience not meeting expectations because of an instructor(s). That can happen anywhere. No matter where you train, it is still up to you to advocate for the instructor you want.
Once again, I had problems with my employer-employee relationship at FSI. But, I always liked the program and still do.