I did some flying at two schools whilst on holiday in Naples a couple of years ago.
I was entirely satisfied with customer service, aircraft and instructors at both schools and would happily use either again - but they were different so, ideally, visit both and decide which is more suited to you.
Naples Air Center Richard Gentil (Owner) and all the FIs with whom I flew were friendly and helpful. I was happy to fly with whoever was available, sometimes at short notice, and was very satisfied with the instruction I received on each occasion.
The Warrior was old, as they usually are at UK flying schools/clubs, but that didn't bother me. I'm used to flying vintage aircraft a lot older than that. It performed and handled well and I had no reason to doubt that it was properly maintained. (Their C172s are newer but I wanted Warrior time.)
RexAir The atmosphere was welcoming, helpful and professional. When I asked about the C172 I'd be renting for a trip to Key West a couple of days later I was invited to inspect their aircraft. The C172 I flew was in immaculate condition - one of the newest school/flying club aircraft I've ever flown. Their dedication to customer satisfaction was second to none that I've encountered over a few decades' flying in the UK and in several other parts of the world, including other states in the US.
BTW, although flying in America is much cheaper than in the UK the actual cost is often higher than appears in the advertised rates. It's important to establish before you fly precisely what will be charged and how it will be charged.
- Is there a fuel surcharge? If so, how much is it per hour?
- UK schools don't usually charge for pre/post flight briefings but American schools commonly charge it as 'Ground Instruction'. If there is a charge, what is the rate? (Distinguishing between instruction and general conversation could be tricky. I haven't thought of a solution but if I was going to do a training course with an American school I would try to devise one.)
- If you land away when dual, will you be charged for FI time on the ground? I haven't experienced that in the UK but American schools usually charge. If so, is it at full or reduced rate? (I don't know what NAC charge because I didn't land away; RexAir charge half-rate.)
I highly recommend a flight to Key West - fabulous scenery en route and an interesting place for lunch/to wander around. It's 2½-3 hours round-trip in a C172. We did some sight-seeing, and a touch and go at Florida Keys Marathon Airport on the way home, so it was 4 hours total.
Downwind at Key West International
Base leg
Overseas Highway - part of the famous Seven Mile Bridge
Tudor Owen