what a time to learn !
Despite economic circumstances, I remain an optimist and am about to embark on learning to fly. I am a 37 y.old from London England and moving to San Diego by the end of the year.
Here's my issue: In April I looked at flight schools at Montgomery field in San Diego and narrowed down the choice to one. This school will enable me to complete my PPL, IR, CPL, CFI and CFII and offers Part 141 courses taking 20 weeks with ground schools / classroom instruction (292 hours); ground flight instruction (30 hrs); Cessna 172 solo/dual (162 hrs); simulator (10 hrs) plus flight instruction / ground instruction manuals, headset usage, exam fees (not CFI-A/CFII) for $33,000. I also can obtain a M-1 Visa (right to live/work for 1 year) via this school which is vital to allow me to further my desire to live in USA permanently.
Somewhere someone told me the school I have chosen & visited is a good school, well rated and regarded in the USA . All that being said though, I agree with many comments I've read, that it all boils down to having a great instructor / mentor and getting the most out of that relationship.
One of my dilemnas has been finding a generic source of info that can actually rate schools and come up with a recommendation of what /how to choose.
Not being savvy of all the necessary info and questions to ask about courses, types of plane, et al I am unsure what school is the right one to learn / gain the hours / and be able to obtain that all important visa to stay in the USA uninterrupted throughout the next year. This school said at the end of 20 weeks it would employ me as instructor. Sounds good, but am I missing something ? I like the idea of instructing though going further as a CommPilot is of interest too (given my age maybe for smaller airlines / private fleets).
I want to make the USA my home and have plans to do that via establishing a company but that may take a while longer than one year to give me right to live in USA. Hence the Visa M1 visa is a big interest in choosing where / how I learn.
I am willing and prepared to spend the time full-time over xx months, to gain my flight ratings.
Anyone out there with wise thoughts as to good schools in the San iego area and decision criteria to consider.
Thanks !