Did my US CPL there...
Planes are old instructors mostly at the time very inexperienced. School expensive to the point where people have to obtain additional loans to complete training. I for one was not stisfied with what they where offering. And what I have heard an seen things have all but improved from my times. I do visit the are quite frequently so I have an idea what is going on there.
Just talked with a couple of my friends that are instructing there. Now great deal of the instructors are foreign, should I say most of them, as regional grab locals or ones with greencards in a heart beat.
What I was told that the airplane situation has improved considerably, but he was wondering for how long would that be as airplanes are not getting any newer and are used a lot.
Instructor pay has also increased to the point that it is actually better what most commutter airlines offer for their F/O´s during the first year of flying. This obviously inorder to keep an experienced instructor for a little longer. Seems that it is also difficult to find 2 year CFI´s
( One that can send a initial CFI candidate for flightcheck ) Most of these being from outside US as well.
Still If you are interested I am more than willing to give some contacts there so that you get the scoop. As for prospective students... I could never recommend Sierra Academy as their pricing is higher than similar schools. ( Not what you see in brochures but hidden charges )This combined with the very high living expences in the San Fransisco Bay area make it a worthwhile option to have a good look at schools located in South Africa and even in EU.
JJ