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who can tell me some info on airmanflightschool
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MFRskyknight
Don't F with Chuck
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2004
- Posts
- 315
gordon24 said:
GAcfi said:
Speak of the devils....
About 1 out of every 2 students at Airman, if not more, is from outside the country. While that doesn't bother me per se, all the heavy accents on the frequency do get confusing. If anything I just remain more alert when I'm in the vicinity of the airport, since I assume that ATC understands that gobbledegook as good or worse than I do. Seems like once or twice I've heard Tower say something to the effect of, "Uhm, okay Cessna 954, you do that," just for the sake of not cluttering up the radio with asking them to repeat themselves. I don't know much about the recent management change, but I went up there today to sign my life away for the upgrade course, and I can report that they have new tables and cushy yellow chairs in the hallway and debriefing room. Ooh la la....
MFR
NYCPilot
Incorporated.
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2001
- Posts
- 645
Last year I went down to Airman for my CFI/II and received both in exactly 3 weeks as promised. Before going down there I had all of my written exams passed (FOI, CFI, CFII, AGI and IGI) and prepared lesson plans for every maneuver for the Private, Commercial and Instrument rating. It seems that this wasn't at all necessary as you only need to have one for what you will be asked to teach. I also did most of my studying before going down there. My suggestion is to read from cover to cover the FAA's "Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge," "Instrument Flying Handbook" and the "Aviation Instructor Handbook." All three are great sources of information and stuff that WILL be asked during your oral. The better prepared you are, the quicker and easier your time there will be, especially if you intend on getting out of there on schedule.
Definitely know the FOI stuff inside and out. YOU WILL be asked everything from that reference material. Agreeably, the book seems like a lot to digest, but a helpful resource guide to understanding this material in a more concise way would be to supplement it with Gleim’s “Flight Instructor Flight Manual.”
When I was down there last summer, Dale Davis was the ground instructor who goes over most of the material that will be covered in the CFI/II course. It would be wise to listen up on all the topics he discusses and take notes, as most of what he mentions will be asked on the exam. Dale is an immensely knowledgeable person and also the Director of Operations at Airman too. Nice guy I might add and helpful.
They are a very busy flight school and so you should stay on top of your instructor in terms of making sure you are on the schedule for the next day. Try to fly as often as possible, even twice a day if the instructor is available, nights too, because there will be days when a plane gets taken off line for a myriad of reasons. It makes sense to get those requisite 15 hrs. of instrument time you’re required in a 141. Luckily, I got to shoot a few approaches down to minimums at OKC and OUN in actual. I also flew my first backcourse ever and in IMC too. A tip I learned from my instructor was to always remember that you are the needle. Easy way to know which way to correct back.
Another thing I did before heading out to Airman was to review the OKC and OUN approach charts and have frequencies, MAP, etc. memorized. It makes it that much easier to get through the program quicker. If you have a PC sim, that would be a great help too. Just download the charts from the AOPA website if you’re a member and fly them. It would also be a good idea to do some flying from the right seat at your home base so that you’re comfortable. Practice your partial panel skills and be able to do compass turns without thinking. They’re big on that.
In terms of accommodations, I stayed at the local motel for like $175 a week. They’ll set you up with this. It comes to only $25 a night. Very cheap. I think it was a Days Inn (not sure) and it was within walking dist of many restaurants and Wal-Mart. You’ll find yourself there quite a bit. There’s also a place called “the Golden Corral” which has an all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner buffet. Its not far from the hotel and great for loading up.
Oh and if you do end up staying at the motel, you’ll be provided free transportation by the school van. But be advised, it is a little fickle. You should be there at least 10 minutes before its expected arrival to ensure you get on it. They’ll leave without you in a heartbeat. Although the pick-ups and drop-offs are on a set schedule, it rarely comes when it is supposed to. Sometimes not at all. If you feel its running late, you better give them a call on the celly.
The instructors are mostly grads from the full zero to CFI program and are very knowledgeable. You’ll fly with a different instructor for each rating. Most of their planes are pretty beat up with crappy avionics. The only maintenance issue I had was an AI that would roll-over occasionally and a GS malfunction. One of the other students lost a cylinder on the missed approach – instructor took over and headed for the numbers.
On my CFII checkride, the oral consisted of knowing and explaining ALL of the FOI stuff, with less emphasis on the instrument knowledge. I also had a lesson plan prepared for a holding pattern which I taught to him. In the air, the examiner flew an ILS and holding pattern which I taught throughout, including the how and why of wind correction. He asked a lot of what and why questions as he flew. My hand-flying consisted of unusual attitude recoveries full and partial panel. I also flew a partial-panel localizer with a circle to land.
The CFI ride, which is an add-on, was to proficiency. Your instructor will go through all private and commercial maneuvers to make sure you are within standards before signing you off. The hardest part for me was getting the 180 power-off spot landing down. Being that I had zero hours in the RG, it took me like 8-9 hrs. to get signed off. The oral wasn’t too bad and quick since I rattled off my answers and gave very in-depth knowledge. He recognized this and moved on to the flight portion quickly without much more probing. The examiner did half the flying; I did the other half. Expect to perform Private and commercial maneuvers along with emergency procedures. All in all, he was a very fair guy.
What else, overall I was happy with my experience down there, but wanted out as soon as possible, it was very hot and living in a $25 a night motel for 3 weeks wasn’t too fun. Basically, just go down there prepared. Not sure what they charge now, but I felt the $4995.00 was steep but worth it as I got what I wanted in a short amount of time.
Hope this helps.
Definitely know the FOI stuff inside and out. YOU WILL be asked everything from that reference material. Agreeably, the book seems like a lot to digest, but a helpful resource guide to understanding this material in a more concise way would be to supplement it with Gleim’s “Flight Instructor Flight Manual.”
When I was down there last summer, Dale Davis was the ground instructor who goes over most of the material that will be covered in the CFI/II course. It would be wise to listen up on all the topics he discusses and take notes, as most of what he mentions will be asked on the exam. Dale is an immensely knowledgeable person and also the Director of Operations at Airman too. Nice guy I might add and helpful.
They are a very busy flight school and so you should stay on top of your instructor in terms of making sure you are on the schedule for the next day. Try to fly as often as possible, even twice a day if the instructor is available, nights too, because there will be days when a plane gets taken off line for a myriad of reasons. It makes sense to get those requisite 15 hrs. of instrument time you’re required in a 141. Luckily, I got to shoot a few approaches down to minimums at OKC and OUN in actual. I also flew my first backcourse ever and in IMC too. A tip I learned from my instructor was to always remember that you are the needle. Easy way to know which way to correct back.
Another thing I did before heading out to Airman was to review the OKC and OUN approach charts and have frequencies, MAP, etc. memorized. It makes it that much easier to get through the program quicker. If you have a PC sim, that would be a great help too. Just download the charts from the AOPA website if you’re a member and fly them. It would also be a good idea to do some flying from the right seat at your home base so that you’re comfortable. Practice your partial panel skills and be able to do compass turns without thinking. They’re big on that.
In terms of accommodations, I stayed at the local motel for like $175 a week. They’ll set you up with this. It comes to only $25 a night. Very cheap. I think it was a Days Inn (not sure) and it was within walking dist of many restaurants and Wal-Mart. You’ll find yourself there quite a bit. There’s also a place called “the Golden Corral” which has an all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner buffet. Its not far from the hotel and great for loading up.
Oh and if you do end up staying at the motel, you’ll be provided free transportation by the school van. But be advised, it is a little fickle. You should be there at least 10 minutes before its expected arrival to ensure you get on it. They’ll leave without you in a heartbeat. Although the pick-ups and drop-offs are on a set schedule, it rarely comes when it is supposed to. Sometimes not at all. If you feel its running late, you better give them a call on the celly.
The instructors are mostly grads from the full zero to CFI program and are very knowledgeable. You’ll fly with a different instructor for each rating. Most of their planes are pretty beat up with crappy avionics. The only maintenance issue I had was an AI that would roll-over occasionally and a GS malfunction. One of the other students lost a cylinder on the missed approach – instructor took over and headed for the numbers.
On my CFII checkride, the oral consisted of knowing and explaining ALL of the FOI stuff, with less emphasis on the instrument knowledge. I also had a lesson plan prepared for a holding pattern which I taught to him. In the air, the examiner flew an ILS and holding pattern which I taught throughout, including the how and why of wind correction. He asked a lot of what and why questions as he flew. My hand-flying consisted of unusual attitude recoveries full and partial panel. I also flew a partial-panel localizer with a circle to land.
The CFI ride, which is an add-on, was to proficiency. Your instructor will go through all private and commercial maneuvers to make sure you are within standards before signing you off. The hardest part for me was getting the 180 power-off spot landing down. Being that I had zero hours in the RG, it took me like 8-9 hrs. to get signed off. The oral wasn’t too bad and quick since I rattled off my answers and gave very in-depth knowledge. He recognized this and moved on to the flight portion quickly without much more probing. The examiner did half the flying; I did the other half. Expect to perform Private and commercial maneuvers along with emergency procedures. All in all, he was a very fair guy.
What else, overall I was happy with my experience down there, but wanted out as soon as possible, it was very hot and living in a $25 a night motel for 3 weeks wasn’t too fun. Basically, just go down there prepared. Not sure what they charge now, but I felt the $4995.00 was steep but worth it as I got what I wanted in a short amount of time.
Hope this helps.
BushwickBill
Registered Abuser
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2005
- Posts
- 822
BushwickBill
Registered Abuser
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3
350DRIVER
NYC, very good post and I applaud you for not jumping on the anti-Airman bandwagon that has seemed to have been forming for quite some time on this board. Everyone I have sent there in years past have all been pleased with the exception of one person. A "few" unhappy students can pretty much be found at any flight school in any state. You will never be able to please 100% of the customers, just not possible. Again, very good post NYC with regards to sticking to the facts and not taking a shot at the place. Sometimes a few will allow emotion to influence a response/post versus just sticking with the factual information.
Lear60Guy
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2005
- Posts
- 94
Rumors around the airport is that airman is shakey financially, i've heard that for years though, who knows for sure, personally i wouldn't give that much money to someplace unless i was absolutly sure they are going to be around for a while. I have heard that the guy that owned it sold it recently after he personally filed for bankruptcy, now from what i understand it is owned by 3 of the employees. It might be wise to sit on your money for a few months to ensure the stability of the company, and once you do pay them, get it done fast...
By the way i know which controller you are talking about.... he reminds me of that guy on king of the hill.....
By the way i know which controller you are talking about.... he reminds me of that guy on king of the hill.....
3
350DRIVER
Youens said:
Not sure if he filed for bk or not but I have heard from more than a few that the main reason was that he is terminally ill and dying as to why he was forced to sell so take it for what it is worth. I can't see the place closing it's doors but again if you do decide that this is your best route then if at all possible try and speak to the legal team that handled this change over and see if you are able to get some sort of feeling as to what the current financial situation is both short and long term. I don't think any lending institution would have given Brenda & company the money to "buy" this place if any doubts were present and evident that this school was in financial shambles but again I don't know all the details pertaining to this agreement/transaction and I would only assume much more is behind this than what meets the eye. My own personal opinion is that their are a few key players (investors) here that backed them up to get this done. I find it hard to believe that a few office workers were able to obtain that sort of financing/credit given numerous factors. Try and speak to current students and employees and if at all possible try and touch base with the attys. that handled this to get the best possible factual information to make a wise choice and decision.
MFRskyknight
Don't F with Chuck
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2004
- Posts
- 315
MFRskyknight
Don't F with Chuck
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2004
- Posts
- 315
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