handbag
Gordy, will there ever be a time that you stop plugging that place?
Actually if you look at my posts, I have not "plugged" "that" place since I left for the second time in 2006. I have sometimes defended, but never recommended as such.
Without getting into it, in my opinion, the training there these days does NOT prepare one for a huge segment of the industry. It will prepare you to work in the gulf where you have "flow charts" and a hierarchal system. It certainly will NOT prepare a pilot for the world of utility, OR to go out in the field with an aircraft with little or no support team right there with you.
Obviously I am somewhat biased. They have their "box" within which you must stay, and make all your radio calls verbatim etc... That is not my style, as many who trained in years past know. And yes, I disagree with a whole bunch of the training style there now.
In my opinion for what it is worth, is that the school has slowly declined into a pilot factory---it was always accused of such, but I never thought of it that way. Some of the rules that are enforced make no sense what so ever---other than it was the whim of some senior instructor. (And yes, I agree I had some odd rules too many years ago).
So, would I recommend the school? Here is what I do know, you will get honest advice, excellent ground training, excellent instrument training, and sound by the book flight training. You will not be allowed to "discover" your style or do anything outside of their "box". If your intent is to work back in Europe or to work in a large company with lots of support, (i.e. the GOM), then I would say yes.
If you prefer more individualized attention, and maybe want to a utility pilot and work independently then I would say no.
Let the sparks fly...