F900B,
Since you live in S. Florida I would like to extend and personal invitation for you to stop in and look at the numbers. Come meet the instructors and talk with them. The current record for two weeks of instruction given is around 107 hours. (I do not remember the exact number.)
Clear Prop,
I agree with you. If the J.A.A. tightens the regulations to require J.A.A. instructors for all instruction in the U.S., it will be a lot easier to get visas. Also, instructors will be in demand. The only problem I see is the cost. If it becomes the case that J.A.A. instructors will be required, the cost of getting those instructors will drive the prices up in the U.S. to a point close to what it costs to get a license in the U.K. The only advantage for coming to the U.S. will be, to do your license in 4 to 5 weeks vs time it currently takes in the U.K. due to weather.
If that happens, the students will be the ones loosing since a lot of people will not be able to afford a PPL. I might be wrong, but I thought the main mission of the J.A.A. was suppose to bring flying to the masses, not to make it so expensive that it becomes elitist.
Rotobike,
The schools I know that issue the visa require the money up front. If you can find a school that does not, better. I suggest that if a school requires the money up front, pay them with a credit card. If anything goes wrong, a credit card gives you good recourse to getting your money back.
When I have student come for a professional course I have a program setup with my local bank for those students. They get free checking and other bank services while they are at my school training. Other schools should have a similar setup for their students.
SuperTed,
I do not know if this will answer your question. I suggest that you get the cost of the aircraft rental and instructor at the school you figure on attending. Then using the requirements for each license, figure out how many hours you will require to obtain those licenses. That should be the cost they quote you. If they quote you something significantly higher, I suggest you look at another school.
GoneWest,
Instrument Rating Requirement for Flight Instructor. Under F.A.R. 61.183(c)(2) it reads "An Instrument rating or privileges on that person's pilot certificate that are appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought,..."
Happy to help,
Capt. Richard J. Gentil, Pres.
Naples Air Center, Inc.
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[ 09 September 2001: Message edited by: Naples Air Center, Inc. ]