Originally Posted by cruisercruiser
I know an instructor in SYFC who advised me to seek a "written blessing" from the GM of SYFC that they'll employ me after I get my CPL/IR from MFA, before I embark on the course. I haven't done so since I'm still short of about 2/3 of the sum required! Any thoughts on the "written blessing" and clocking hours as a AQFI/QFI in SYFC? Any comments positive or negative most welcomed!
Hi,
If you can get a job at SYFC, then its good. I was a student there once. They impose high standards on training and on instructors as well. But be mindful that the kind of flying done at SYFC is very limiting. You basically fly round and round in circles in the training area. No cross-country flying, no multi-engine, no instrument flying, you don't get to shoot instrument approaches. I'm not even sure if there is a VOR station to track.
After too much of visual single-engine flying, you might get rusty on other advanced flying techniques, then that's not very good. Moreover, having a couple thousand hours on a PA-28 isn't going to do much good for the airlines.
SYFC has a very "military" culture, because of its close links with the air force. Many of the instructors are former/current air force pilots. When I was flying there (many years ago), there were a few self-sponsored CPL guys, don't know if they're still there now. During those days, students were allowed to dress casually for flying lessons. Now they have to wear "flight suits". I think the instructors as well (?)