Pan Am Flight Schools

[MacGriffyn]

Has anyone ever dealt with or attended the Pan Am International Academies in Florida or Arizona? I'm looking to attend a school and I'm checking up on a few of them. I haven't heard anything specific about this one in the forums.

I have spoken with them and heard what they had to say. But I would like to get an opinion that isn't attached to the school. What is their reputation? How well do they work with students?

Will I get a quality education for my time, effort, and money? I'm not so worried about the expenses, but only if the education is worth it.

All I want to know is that if I bust my a** and work hard, will I have a good base for getting into the airline industry? I know the industry is tough, so I don't want to fight with the school AND the industry.

Cheers.

K

[spudskier]

I've never been there, but I did almost go there late last year, but I decided I wanted to get my instrument training here in Ohio so I can deal with real IMC. They've always been very up front and courteous (sp?) taking time to answer all my questions.

I've gotten the hurry-along/brush-off with other schools I've looked at *cCoUgHwEsTwInDcOuGh* that just didn't really care about me, just wanted my money.

I like them and their philosophies, it's VERY expensive, but worth it. Look into possible something up north though so when you do your instrument rating you're getting into the real weather you're training for. I know guys that have come out of universities up north with several dozen hours of Actual instrument and people from florida/arizona who have MAYbe 1 hour. My common sense tells me airlines like a bit of actual under your belt if that's where you're headed.

P.S.

one other thing to consider... PanAm does NOT give you a 4-year degree. They're associated with Utah Valley State College where you do distance learning to earn your bachelors degree. this takes a LOT of effort and extra money. Also PanAm encourages you NOT to do the distance learning during the time you are with them.

More and more airlines and flying businesses expect a 4-year degree of some sort, any sort, just a 4-year degree. Plus as you've probably heard time after time, it's good to have something else to fall back on... just in case...