FTC ? Worth the grey hairs?
Folks, I can also vouch for much of the details you see on this topic. The overwhelming common denominator are the instructors; all good to great and the only real asset that FTC can now bank on. That alone cannot and does not make a good school. Lack of aircraft is a consistent problem and the recent demise of one of the PA28's which crash landed at night in Botswana only makes matters worse. Prior to that one of the new PA28's was stuffed into a tree after the PIC concerned neglected to do a weight and balance calc prior to exit from a short strip north of Grand Central; the area was hot and high so that's another 'frame in the drain.
Other aircraft are tied up in maintenance. Management is quite the most appalling I have ever come across; head in the sand attitude does not even come close to describing the situation. Students and staff alike appear to be treated with utter disdain alike. The high volume rantings of one management member in particular, are lengendary; to be heard throughout the top corridor of the offices with little thought as to the impressions it creates for new students.
FTC only continues to be a success because of the high calibre instructor staff who put the needs of the students first. Without them the whole thing would implode.
In closing, consider most stongly your reasons for travelling all the way to SA to do any training with them. Cost is not everthing and your experience will not be without several headaches over and above those which could be considered reasonable.
You will have fun and SA is a wonderful place to fly. But.........?