FAA PPL+IR in the USA - Would American Pilots Please Advise Me.
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FAA PPL+IR in the USA - Would American Pilots Please Advise Me.
Hi Guys,
I am the holder of a current JAA PPL with about 160 hrs TT; most of the last 80 hrs of which has been on the Slingsby T67B 'Firefly' and the Italian 650TC 'Sky Arrow'. I am 65 yrs old, British, and female.
I should like to come to the US to do a full FAA PPL (not one that piggy backs on my JAA licence) and a single engine IR and I am trying to decide where to go for training. I intend to pass the written examinations in the UK before departing for the States. I should be very grateful indeed if American pilots would kindly give me some suggestions about where best to train.
In choosing a training location, there are certain criteria I should like to satisfy.
1. I want to train on aircraft with ordinary, old-fashioned, round instruments, (not a glass cockpit) and without using GPS, because that's going to be mostly what's available when I return to the UK and resume my ordinary flying.
2. I want to train in cool, stable, atmospheric conditions, so I need advice about which states and during which season I am most likely to find these.
3. I don't want to train on anything with the word 'Piper' on the side, (I HATE the Cherokee/Warrior series in its entirety). Cessna, Beech, Grumman American, or anything else is fine.
4. I want to train with experienced career instructors, not hours builders.
5. I don't want to be rushed through my training programme. I'm not under pressure of time or money like a young person might be. I envisage coming to the States for perhaps two months or more and flying perhaps twice daily. I should be quite happy to consider a small establishment as well as a large one.
What would you recommend?
Best regards,
BroomstickPilot.
I am the holder of a current JAA PPL with about 160 hrs TT; most of the last 80 hrs of which has been on the Slingsby T67B 'Firefly' and the Italian 650TC 'Sky Arrow'. I am 65 yrs old, British, and female.
I should like to come to the US to do a full FAA PPL (not one that piggy backs on my JAA licence) and a single engine IR and I am trying to decide where to go for training. I intend to pass the written examinations in the UK before departing for the States. I should be very grateful indeed if American pilots would kindly give me some suggestions about where best to train.
In choosing a training location, there are certain criteria I should like to satisfy.
1. I want to train on aircraft with ordinary, old-fashioned, round instruments, (not a glass cockpit) and without using GPS, because that's going to be mostly what's available when I return to the UK and resume my ordinary flying.
2. I want to train in cool, stable, atmospheric conditions, so I need advice about which states and during which season I am most likely to find these.
3. I don't want to train on anything with the word 'Piper' on the side, (I HATE the Cherokee/Warrior series in its entirety). Cessna, Beech, Grumman American, or anything else is fine.
4. I want to train with experienced career instructors, not hours builders.
5. I don't want to be rushed through my training programme. I'm not under pressure of time or money like a young person might be. I envisage coming to the States for perhaps two months or more and flying perhaps twice daily. I should be quite happy to consider a small establishment as well as a large one.
What would you recommend?
Best regards,
BroomstickPilot.
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Originally Posted by BroomstickPilot
3. I don't want to train on anything with the word 'Piper' on the side, (I HATE the Cherokee/Warrior series in its entirety).
Training in the USA
Minor detail - what time of year are you looking at. The fall is a great time to fly in the North east.
It sounds like FL is out. Also sounds like you are not too interested in the average PPL assembly line place.
You might want to consider buying or leasing the plane you want in an area that suits you and then find an instructor. Either an independent or someone at a smaller FBO. Most of the mills do not want to pay a real wage so you are not going to find the grey haired types there.
You could check the classified ads in the local flying rags, Southwest Aviator, Mid Atlantic Flyer, AOPA pilot etc to find the type of instructor you want. They are out there. Also check out NAFI - they have "Gold Seal" intructors who tend to be high timers at the end fo the cycle.
Finding something with round dials and no GPS shouldn't be a problem.
If you are interested in the New York area pm me and I'll send you a few contacts you could try.
Good luck, sounds like fun.
20driver
It sounds like FL is out. Also sounds like you are not too interested in the average PPL assembly line place.
You might want to consider buying or leasing the plane you want in an area that suits you and then find an instructor. Either an independent or someone at a smaller FBO. Most of the mills do not want to pay a real wage so you are not going to find the grey haired types there.
You could check the classified ads in the local flying rags, Southwest Aviator, Mid Atlantic Flyer, AOPA pilot etc to find the type of instructor you want. They are out there. Also check out NAFI - they have "Gold Seal" intructors who tend to be high timers at the end fo the cycle.
Finding something with round dials and no GPS shouldn't be a problem.
If you are interested in the New York area pm me and I'll send you a few contacts you could try.
Good luck, sounds like fun.
20driver
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Cherokee/Warrior
flyboyike,
Perhaps I've been spoiled. Most of my training (before the Sky Arrow) has been on ex-airforce trainers such as the Tiger Moth, Chipmunk and Firefly. Even the Auster I originally did my PPL in was a cut down version of an aircraft used by the British Army, (an American Taylorcraft made under licence in the UK).
I think it is significant that the US Air Force has used Cessnas for years, but so far as I know never used Cherokee/Warriors.
The Cherokee/Warrior/Archer/Arrow series was never intended as a training aeroplane range per se; it was intended as a touring range that could be used for training if need be. Otherwise, why does it consist of four seaters rather than two seaters.
Hence, the Warrior has visibility from the cockpit like an armoured security van and handling like a truck, except the trimmer wheel which seems to be connected to the trimmer tab with elastic bands.
For training, you need an aeroplane with good visibility and precise handling.
Broomstick.
Perhaps I've been spoiled. Most of my training (before the Sky Arrow) has been on ex-airforce trainers such as the Tiger Moth, Chipmunk and Firefly. Even the Auster I originally did my PPL in was a cut down version of an aircraft used by the British Army, (an American Taylorcraft made under licence in the UK).
I think it is significant that the US Air Force has used Cessnas for years, but so far as I know never used Cherokee/Warriors.
The Cherokee/Warrior/Archer/Arrow series was never intended as a training aeroplane range per se; it was intended as a touring range that could be used for training if need be. Otherwise, why does it consist of four seaters rather than two seaters.
Hence, the Warrior has visibility from the cockpit like an armoured security van and handling like a truck, except the trimmer wheel which seems to be connected to the trimmer tab with elastic bands.
For training, you need an aeroplane with good visibility and precise handling.
Broomstick.
Last edited by BroomstickPilot; 17th May 2006 at 09:10.
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Lease the aeroplane and hire the instructor
20driver,
Thanks for your reply.
Yes, I think you're right, Autumnal conditions would be ideal for my purposes and the North East or Northern Mid-West States would be the best regional area.
However, I think I would be nervous of following the 'lease the aeroplane and hire the instructor' route. If I was more familiar with the USA (perhaps if I had lived there at some time) I would be more confident. However, I have only ever been there once before and that was only for a couple of weeks. (Georgia/South Carolina area - I LOVED the place)! If anything went wrong, doing it independently as you suggest, (i.e. if the instructor proved to be a rogue or the aeroplane a lemon), I would be on my own trying to sort out the mess with the financial clock ticking away.
For this reason, I prefer to look at some kind of establishment. For preference, I favour a small but locally well regarded FTO. A very promising one has been suggested to me already, but I should like to hear of more.
Very best regards,
Broomstick.
Thanks for your reply.
Yes, I think you're right, Autumnal conditions would be ideal for my purposes and the North East or Northern Mid-West States would be the best regional area.
However, I think I would be nervous of following the 'lease the aeroplane and hire the instructor' route. If I was more familiar with the USA (perhaps if I had lived there at some time) I would be more confident. However, I have only ever been there once before and that was only for a couple of weeks. (Georgia/South Carolina area - I LOVED the place)! If anything went wrong, doing it independently as you suggest, (i.e. if the instructor proved to be a rogue or the aeroplane a lemon), I would be on my own trying to sort out the mess with the financial clock ticking away.
For this reason, I prefer to look at some kind of establishment. For preference, I favour a small but locally well regarded FTO. A very promising one has been suggested to me already, but I should like to hear of more.
Very best regards,
Broomstick.
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Originally Posted by BroomstickPilot
flyboyike,
The Cherokee/Warrior/Archer/Arrow series was never intended as a training aeroplane range per se; it was intended as a touring range that could be used for training if need be. Otherwise, why does it consist of four seaters rather than two seaters.
The Cherokee/Warrior/Archer/Arrow series was never intended as a training aeroplane range per se; it was intended as a touring range that could be used for training if need be. Otherwise, why does it consist of four seaters rather than two seaters.
I have some 120 hours in a C172 and some 350 hrs in various Cherokees. I don't think either one is better than the other as a trainer.
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Broomstickpilot--
You might want to consider doing your training where you are at present i.e. The UK !
Damp, wet, stable conditions in fact ideal for IR training
There are FAA instructors here and you can avoid the paperwork, cost and hassle of visiting the embassy in London and spending half a day of your time just to be able to train in America (assuming you have paid for fingerprinting and have taken the time to get those done as well).
Time and money saved not to mention accomodation costs etc
If you are not in a rush then why not train in the UK and then when ready for the checkride just fly to the USA for a week or so (no visa needed).
Worth a thought ?
You might want to consider doing your training where you are at present i.e. The UK !
Damp, wet, stable conditions in fact ideal for IR training
There are FAA instructors here and you can avoid the paperwork, cost and hassle of visiting the embassy in London and spending half a day of your time just to be able to train in America (assuming you have paid for fingerprinting and have taken the time to get those done as well).
Time and money saved not to mention accomodation costs etc
If you are not in a rush then why not train in the UK and then when ready for the checkride just fly to the USA for a week or so (no visa needed).
Worth a thought ?
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Cherokee/Warrior
flyboyike,
Yes, I'm aware that the T-41 is just a four seat Cessna 172 and likewise not designed specifically as a trainer per se.
To be truthful, I'm not particularly struck on the Cessnas either, but I strongly prefer them to the Cherokee/Warrior series.
In the Cessna, you have better visibility from the cockpit, better handling and an entrance hatch (and therefore means of escape) on both sides of the fuselage.
Broomstick.
Yes, I'm aware that the T-41 is just a four seat Cessna 172 and likewise not designed specifically as a trainer per se.
To be truthful, I'm not particularly struck on the Cessnas either, but I strongly prefer them to the Cherokee/Warrior series.
In the Cessna, you have better visibility from the cockpit, better handling and an entrance hatch (and therefore means of escape) on both sides of the fuselage.
Broomstick.
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UK Option
unfazed,
Yes, I'm aware of the UK option of doing IMC first and then moving onto the FAA IR syllabus in the UK. Then going to the States for the last couple of weeks' preparation.
I haven't ruled it out, but it could so easily turn into a financial black hole into which vast amounts of time and money vanish without trace.
Broomstick.
Yes, I'm aware of the UK option of doing IMC first and then moving onto the FAA IR syllabus in the UK. Then going to the States for the last couple of weeks' preparation.
I haven't ruled it out, but it could so easily turn into a financial black hole into which vast amounts of time and money vanish without trace.
Broomstick.
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Yes it will be more expensive and I just realised that you wish to gain an FAA PPL as well prior to the FAA IR so that does mean more expenditure.
Suggest you get some quotes from a UK based FAA Instructor and see how it compares against training in the US.
Good Luck !
P.S. Did mine in USA and even with the visa and fingerprint hassles I did get things finished very quickly and had a lot of fun as well (I recommend OFT as long as you plan well ahead and manage your own progress).
Suggest you get some quotes from a UK based FAA Instructor and see how it compares against training in the US.
Good Luck !
P.S. Did mine in USA and even with the visa and fingerprint hassles I did get things finished very quickly and had a lot of fun as well (I recommend OFT as long as you plan well ahead and manage your own progress).
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Thanks to all concerned
Thanks, Everybody,
This is jut a note of appreciation to all those who posted to my thread or PM'd me with valuable information. Many thanks to one and all.
Broomstick.
This is jut a note of appreciation to all those who posted to my thread or PM'd me with valuable information. Many thanks to one and all.
Broomstick.
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Hi there,
You could train in S. Fl in winter, the meteo would be almost ideal for your objectives, might have a bit of an issue with fog early in the morning, specially in the more rural areas, as long as you don`t want to stretch your training period over 3/4 months, as that might have an effect on the weather.
As I am sure you know, you would still be allowed to use your flight time towards your stand alone FAA licence, and might not need much training at all to reach your goals.
I had a very good instructor in Neaples, ex German Air Force, extremly personable, not quite sure if he is still active ( I left UK in 2000...), pm me if you want more info on that.
Also I have a friend that just bought a 152, and might be renting it out, again, PM if you are interested!
Good luck!
SK3
You could train in S. Fl in winter, the meteo would be almost ideal for your objectives, might have a bit of an issue with fog early in the morning, specially in the more rural areas, as long as you don`t want to stretch your training period over 3/4 months, as that might have an effect on the weather.
As I am sure you know, you would still be allowed to use your flight time towards your stand alone FAA licence, and might not need much training at all to reach your goals.
I had a very good instructor in Neaples, ex German Air Force, extremly personable, not quite sure if he is still active ( I left UK in 2000...), pm me if you want more info on that.
Also I have a friend that just bought a 152, and might be renting it out, again, PM if you are interested!
Good luck!
SK3
