Originally Posted by
Robbiee
I thought the school I went to for my ppl was the best of the best. Then I went back a year later to get my instrument and now I think they suck!
That's the problem with schools, its really the instructor that makes the experience, and once they leave,...?
Agree! The instructor is the most important thing. The organisation has more to do with facilitys, aircraft and setting the bar for what is the lowest permissible level is allowed, wich isn't what we're shooting for i assume by the nature of your question.
Most recommendations i ever had has been from ppl who dont really have anything to compare it with. Someone getting any of the basic licenses at low total hours are very easily impressed and tend to be bias since the spent a small fortune there (myself included).
I have received training in 3 countries by 9 flight schools in total spending probably 120.000-150.000euro, probably 60-80% came out of my pocket one way or another.
Had some different combos of able and or motivated instructors.
Not saying im right or that there aren't exceptions but with the experience i have today reciving and providing training i would:
- Not get a licence above PPL from a school that can't provide a instructor with solid commercial experience as a primary instructor.
-Not get a FAA IR with a instructor unless he/she has plenty of accual IR experience.
- ask how the school pays their instructors. Think about their incentive... As a rule of thumb they should be well payed per duty hours and not per flight hours. Plenty of exceptions though.
- Test a few school and make up your own mind!
- make sure the school does emergency manuvers all the way to ground, good indication that there is competence in house. Ask them to demo if when you go there for a show and tell and demo flight. Went for a Type Rating m(EC120)and it was a bit of a rush job, last session it turned out they didn't even roll off for autos. The 3rd party owner didnt want them to.
Ask hard questions like how the school precives its quality and what they are doing to improve it, goals ect. How they train their staff, what their staff turnover rate is, ask for reference from several ex student.
- Avoid flight schools with a short track record.
- Avoid big "pilot factories"
And in general:
Any good flightschool has low staff turnover, experienced happy employees that train for reality not for licance requierments and personally knowing the differance.
Glad to hear you are looking for quality, make them work for your money. Hope you find what you're looking for