Choosing A Flying School/ Training Organisation??

[dasco04]

Hi,

I am from Australia and planning to come to the States to finish my commercial licence and further my certificates/ ratings.

I'm finding that the hardest part is choosing the most suitable flying school. I assume it will be the same as Australia that there are a lot of mediocre schools out there, and a lot that are well known for money milking rather than good, honest training.

I need a school that is going to take the time to modify the syllabus to suit my situation, and accommodate the hours that I have already done. As well as one that generally has a good reputation and good outcomes.

At the moment I am looking at American Aviation Academy in San Diego, I would prefer California purely because of weather and location, but am willing to go anywhere in the States. Does anyone know anything about this school, or have any recommendations or tips when choosing a school?

Thanks!

[StatorVane]

Sorry you've had no replies. I'm afraid I cannot comment on that specific school but having trained in the US (albeit many moons ago) I can say that there are indeed many mediocre schools nestled neatly between very good ones and very poor ones. It is just the same here in the UK where I am now.

If you have a specific training plan give a few schools a call and run it past them. Listen carefully to that initial response it may tell you a lot. Consider writing off any school that is slow to respond or doesn't grasp your requirements - in my experience this will make for problems down the line as thy rarely improve. i have also found that larger schools (not exclusively talking about the US now) with high profiles tend to be less enthusiastic about "converters" such as me -perhaps they have enough custom from ab initio customers and don't need the headache. You may find that a mediocre school is going to be better for you.

I'm afraid I cannot name names here as it is so long since I flew in those parts. I can, however, wholeheartedly recommend flying in Southern California!