I am not personally familiar with the Excel, other than what is on Cessna's web page.
However, I have been to FlightSafety more than a dozen times. Here is what you do:
Once you are signed up for the course, i.e. have a reservation and date, contact the Learning Center you are going to, in this case Wichita, and tell them who you are and your course date, and ask them to FEDEX the training manuals (including an AFM) to you. Tell them you want to study before you get there.
I did this before my LearJet type rating, plus other courses I have taken, and they will gladly send you the books. It helps to hit the books a little before you get there, so you are not studying until 24.00 every night.
Leave the books home, as you will get another set the first day of class.
I have been to the Cessna Learning Center in Wichita and it is First Class.
Also, the first week is usually ground school, starting on a Monday. You can look at the course dates on their web site to confirm.
Give yourself a couple of days to adjust to "jet lag," i.e. arrive in Wichita on a Friday or Saturday at the latest, otherwise you will be a little sleepy in class.
Good luck mate,
[ 30 January 2002: Message edited by: Check 6 ]</p>