school research

[jeepthrills]

I am in a fairly unique situation. I am 33yrs old, and in dire need of a career change. I have been looking through the course catalogs at local university (NAU) with nothing grabbing my interest for more that 5 minutes. I hold an Assoc. in Laboratory Technology, and have 3.5 yrs under my belt as a chemist (that was 5 years ago, and the rest of the time in NY was as a manager for a statewide alcohol interlock program).
Fast Foward to today.
I am setteled here in Flagstaff, AZ (we relocated in 2003). I own my home (not outright..but better than half), my wife has an aspiring career in real estate. No kids, just a dog.
I have always wanted to fly. Up till now I have quenched that craving with simulators and 5 years of RC flight.
For me I think the time is now. I am going to be starting my PPL with Wiseman Avation (the only game in town). For all of my other ratings I am thinking about Pan Am in PHX, ALLATP in Sac(wifes brother with a spare bedroom in Vacaville) or PHX, and now possibly Ari-ben ( I see they include housing). I am looking for insight from the informed, and that falls to all of you.
I really appreciate all the info you may impart.
Thanks in advance!!

 

[minitour]

I am looking for insight from the informed

oh boy, did you come to the wrong place

Okay, I'm joking...

Seriously, go though the PPL and see from there. I'd look into ATPs. Mostly because of the ME time you'd build going through the program. Not familiar with the other programs, but ME time is good!

IMO

-mini

 

[User546]

For all of my other ratings I am thinking about Pan Am in PHX, ALLATP in Sac(wifes brother with a spare bedroom in Vacaville) or PHX, and now possibly Ari-ben ( I see they include housing).

Trust me when I say this, STAY AWAY FROM PAN AM in Phoenix. If your curious why, do a search of my previous posts on the subject.

I did all of my training in the area, and if I can recommend a school it would be AllATP in Phoenix. Stay away from the major flight academies in Phoenix.

PM me if you want more information!

Good luck on yoru pursuits, and now is the best time to pursue your dream as ever!

 

[qmaster3]

jeepthrills,

Another option is to buy a plane. Just make sure you're in good with an A&P, who's in good with an IA.

 

[jeepthrills]

Qmaster: A&P ?? IA?? and buy a plane??!!

My name is definatley not Rockafeller or Trump, or even Bush for that matter!!

I did the math today, to qualify for the ATP deal you need minimun of 85 hrs. If I manage to get my PPL at the FBO by 50 or 60, then I need another 25-35 hrs. Even on a block time discount thats another 2300 bucks, ontop of the 5900 they charge for the average students 50 hrs with 35 hours dual with instruction (also included in that is the written,the check ride, logbook, several text books...basicly everything but the headset).

ATP gives you 85 hrs, PPL, housing , etc in 60 days for $7000, only if you read the fine print will you see that it comes at that price if you pre-enroll in their 90 day fasttrac program.
I am going to think of that 2 grand difference as an insurance policy. If for whatever reason I decide professional flying is not for me, I am not obligated to continue in their training. If you dont comit to the extended program, the price goes up to about comperable with the FBO.

 

[sandslob]

Check out ASU - http://eastair.east.asu.edu/

 

[jeepthrills]

I dont have 4 years to dedicate to getting a CFI. If I am going to do it , I must be CFII and MEII within a year, two max.

Thanks for the option though!!

 

[lowtimeguy]

Call NorthAire in Prescott.

 

[jimpilot]

Good luck!

 

[mcjohn]

AZ training

You're in one the best places in the the world to train weather wise. One of the most affordable deals in the nation is in Kingman if you want to go the extreme casual route. Sheble Riviera Aviation is the name and it has some of the nicest folks on staff that I've ever met. If you get your private pilot, instrument, commercial, and CFI there they will want you to work for them and then all the other ratings will be given to you for almost free (CFII and Multi-engine stuff).

http://www.shebleaviation.com/index.html