Hello. I am currently trying to organize my flight training, and although I have searched for a lot of information I still seem to either get outdated info (from a number of years ago) or not enough info (hard to find useful info). So, since this forum seems so useful in the type of information I seek-I thought I would just make my own post on here specific to what I am looking for!
I am a *US citizen*, I have already done some (FAA) PPL and will complete that before I start additional training. But I definitely want to train through CPL and possibly ATPL, in order to work as a pilot, and I also definitely want to get the European ratings as well (formerly JAA, now EASA).
I am open to the idea of either European-specific license training (focusing only/specifically on that training), OR to do FAA licenses with European conversion (either simultaneously OR a later conversion after FAA training is completed). I would like to find a flight school in the US that either does the European training OR that does the FAA but still at least has the option of adding/tailoring their information towards the European training as well (in preparation for eventually converting from FAA to European licenses).
I know that most of the European-specific flight schools are in Florida, but I REALLY do NOT want to need to go to Florida, for many reasons. I would very much love to be able to do my training within California, for many reasons. And if possible, somewhere in reasonable distance to the L.A. area (Los Angeles, Long beach, Van Nuys, etc)--although I would consider other areas of California as well.
So, my question is if anyone has any experience or recommendations for possible flight schools to consider, that have the European training OR knowledge of the European ratings (and that offer to add some focus onto that, for you)???
Some schools that I have heard/seen named already in my searching (but would still like more info about, if anyone has any!) are:
UK Flight Training,
www.ukft.com (I haven't heard good things about them, so I am not really considering them)
American Aviation Academy,
www.flyaaa.com (They are all the way in San Diego, but yeah... I also have heard mixed reviews about them, I also don't get the best feeling about them from emails I've had with them, and they also currently don't have a ME rated CFI!)
Accelerated Flight Training Center,
www.aftcenter.com (The person I phoned and emailed with was VERY nice and helpful, but I haven't found much info about them online (other than their own website) and it also didn't sound like they were the most organized when it comes to anything European related?)
Aviation Pacific,
www.aviationpacific.info (Their website doesn't give much info, which sucks! And it's hard to find much info on them, either)
Angel City Flyers,
www.angelcityflyers.com (This one sounds the most organized, known, & respectable in the area, so far...)
I am in need of any information that anyone might have on any of the above flight schools, in regards to their training in general, or their European-related training/knowledge, or the ease of transition between any of these flight schools and getting the European rating conversion....
I am also looking for any possible information/suggestions on OTHER flight schools in California that might be of interest to me!
Please let me know any information you can offer, here or by private message!
Although I am a US citizen and I don't need to be concerned with the TSA and visa requirements to go to the US schools, I would additionally be interested in info and perspectives about factors related to foreigners going to these schools, as well, to give info to a European friend of mine that is also interested in going to a California flight school!
Thank you, in advance!!!
