Which Flying school in Florida?
Join Date: Apr 2002
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Britannia FS
I have just returned from florida where I trained with Britannia FS who I would definitely recommend. They are known as one of the friendliest flight schools out there, and I had a fantastic time and am still depressed about being back in the UK with all this lovely weather!! (NOT!!)
I did look into numerous schools out there before I parted with my hard earned cash, including NAC and OFT, but they appeared to be that little bit more expensive. For example, the NAC PPL cost didn't include accomodation when I looked, whereas the Brit FS did so that was what swung it for me being on a rather tight budget.
If you want me to give you any more info on it, then drop me a line. I'd be pleased to drone on about my time in FL to someone who was STILL interested!! (I get the impression that my colleagues are all a bit bored with hearing about it!!
I did look into numerous schools out there before I parted with my hard earned cash, including NAC and OFT, but they appeared to be that little bit more expensive. For example, the NAC PPL cost didn't include accomodation when I looked, whereas the Brit FS did so that was what swung it for me being on a rather tight budget.
If you want me to give you any more info on it, then drop me a line. I'd be pleased to drone on about my time in FL to someone who was STILL interested!! (I get the impression that my colleagues are all a bit bored with hearing about it!!
Join Date: Jul 2001
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Don't wish to join the 'my favourite' Florida flying school (or employer) guys on here but there are some genuine posts and problems.
One problem, in training anywhere, has always been finding out how much it will all really cost to get to the stage when you will have a valid application. They will say how much an hour it will cost for hire and instruction and multiply (by the minimum) to give a cost but..... many omit to mention that you may not make it in the minimum AND all the extras, such as exam fees, medical, landing charges, RT, books, night rating, etc. Another con. is that you can't actually use (booked, not available) the aircraft type which was quoted and cheapest. I prefer the Warrior but it won't be as cheap as a 150. If you go abroad, there will be more 'extras', such as accommodation and transport. Are they included?
Also, the potential problem of not being able to pass in the minimum time or at the first attempt is a common cause of trouble. If you are not on a fixed price package, the school and instructor make more money if you have to take more time to be ready for and 're-sit' exams. That is one reason for course which you thought was £4 k ending-up costing £6 k., before the other extras!
The only answer to the above is that any reputable school will supply a WRITTEN quote of all the costs associated with any of their courses and confirm exactly what is included or extra. If they won't, don't go there, whether the school's in Florida or Farmer Giles' fields nearby.
Some people don't have 3 weeks or £3k for a PPL and it may be cheaper in the Third World but the USA is the sensible choice for most. It is not only the cost but the fact that you can actually get the flying done which makes it so appealing, relative to here.
However, don't assume, or be fooled into believing, it will be easy or pleasant and forget theme parks and parties, until you've finished. Prepare yourself, as far as possible, for plenty of studying and flying. Apart from acting as though they are on holiday, another mistake a few made, or seem to attach great importance to, is the personal side- 'friendly' etc. Remember that they don't choose you or any of their students and, when all is said and done, you are there to accept instruction = do as you are told. The attitude of the owner, CFI or Chairman, as well as other people, is important at any flying club or organisation, but rather irrelevant in a short course. For that, your priority is the true cost and the likelihood of passing. Most estate agents and financial advisers are extremely friendly and attentive, like front men and agents for flying schools, but only because they hope you are another sucker for their slimy selling skills !
Some of the schools abroad are British, which is important as the latest rumour is that others are actually foreign with a token trainer listed by the CAA. However, every school will have some locals and you mustn't assume that Americans will appreciate all your habits or humour. I was told that we are usually dirty (high temperature/humidity requires regular showers and changing into clean clothing) and very mean (don't tip properly). As there have been millions of UK visitors to California and Florida, plenty of people are already bored with Brits. and some, such as Irish Americans, are often 'anti' so, as you come from a distant and minor island, where you have been taught to speak some quaint version of their language, just behave like a humble and polite foreigner, in awe of their aviation and everything else in their country.
Hope the above advice assists.
One problem, in training anywhere, has always been finding out how much it will all really cost to get to the stage when you will have a valid application. They will say how much an hour it will cost for hire and instruction and multiply (by the minimum) to give a cost but..... many omit to mention that you may not make it in the minimum AND all the extras, such as exam fees, medical, landing charges, RT, books, night rating, etc. Another con. is that you can't actually use (booked, not available) the aircraft type which was quoted and cheapest. I prefer the Warrior but it won't be as cheap as a 150. If you go abroad, there will be more 'extras', such as accommodation and transport. Are they included?
Also, the potential problem of not being able to pass in the minimum time or at the first attempt is a common cause of trouble. If you are not on a fixed price package, the school and instructor make more money if you have to take more time to be ready for and 're-sit' exams. That is one reason for course which you thought was £4 k ending-up costing £6 k., before the other extras!
The only answer to the above is that any reputable school will supply a WRITTEN quote of all the costs associated with any of their courses and confirm exactly what is included or extra. If they won't, don't go there, whether the school's in Florida or Farmer Giles' fields nearby.
Some people don't have 3 weeks or £3k for a PPL and it may be cheaper in the Third World but the USA is the sensible choice for most. It is not only the cost but the fact that you can actually get the flying done which makes it so appealing, relative to here.
However, don't assume, or be fooled into believing, it will be easy or pleasant and forget theme parks and parties, until you've finished. Prepare yourself, as far as possible, for plenty of studying and flying. Apart from acting as though they are on holiday, another mistake a few made, or seem to attach great importance to, is the personal side- 'friendly' etc. Remember that they don't choose you or any of their students and, when all is said and done, you are there to accept instruction = do as you are told. The attitude of the owner, CFI or Chairman, as well as other people, is important at any flying club or organisation, but rather irrelevant in a short course. For that, your priority is the true cost and the likelihood of passing. Most estate agents and financial advisers are extremely friendly and attentive, like front men and agents for flying schools, but only because they hope you are another sucker for their slimy selling skills !
Some of the schools abroad are British, which is important as the latest rumour is that others are actually foreign with a token trainer listed by the CAA. However, every school will have some locals and you mustn't assume that Americans will appreciate all your habits or humour. I was told that we are usually dirty (high temperature/humidity requires regular showers and changing into clean clothing) and very mean (don't tip properly). As there have been millions of UK visitors to California and Florida, plenty of people are already bored with Brits. and some, such as Irish Americans, are often 'anti' so, as you come from a distant and minor island, where you have been taught to speak some quaint version of their language, just behave like a humble and polite foreigner, in awe of their aviation and everything else in their country.
Hope the above advice assists.
Join Date: Aug 2001
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Which schools have you seen that do not include this because all the schools I have seen include all the exams etc.
In addition, what is the point re the owners of a flight school. As I understand it one of the biggest schools on our own British soil are owned by an American Company!!!
As long as the school abide by the JAA and are approved this should not be an issue, however I do believe that the schools I am familiar with have British owners. I am not familiar with anywhere else but I believe that is the same as Jerez and SA.
In addition, what is the point re the owners of a flight school. As I understand it one of the biggest schools on our own British soil are owned by an American Company!!!
As long as the school abide by the JAA and are approved this should not be an issue, however I do believe that the schools I am familiar with have British owners. I am not familiar with anywhere else but I believe that is the same as Jerez and SA.
Join Date: Mar 2001
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With only one exception - all the advertisements I've seen for JAA approved schools out here do make it clear that their "quoted price" is based on the minimum flying time required by the syllabus...and that any additional flying time will be charged at the current aircraft hire rate.
The one exception - which I find very scary is the advert that promises a "guaranteed pass" .
The one exception - which I find very scary is the advert that promises a "guaranteed pass" .
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Just in case you have missed it!
The rules concerning flying training in the US have, or are about to be changed.
It will no longer be possible to undertake flying training on a tourist visa as before. You will require a FULL visa which you should obtain from the American Embassy in your own country. This new rule may or may not apply now. But you should check - before making any arrangements.
It will no longer be possible to undertake flying training on a tourist visa as before. You will require a FULL visa which you should obtain from the American Embassy in your own country. This new rule may or may not apply now. But you should check - before making any arrangements.
Flies for fun
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A guaranteed pass is a guarantee IF YOU COMPLETE THE TRAINING THROUGH TO THE CHECK RIDE. But, how about this scenario. Mr punter pays money up front as required, three parts through the training, Mr Boss of establishment decides that Mr punter is just not up to the “Guaranteed Pass” so tells Mr Punter that he is not suitable for the guarantee and points to the small print in the contract which Mr Punter signed giving Mr Boss the right to terminate Mr Punter’s training at Mr Boss's sole discretion and make all sorts of outlandish administration and other charges like charging for the training and aircraft rental to date at the “standard rates” which means that Mr Boss throws back a few crumbs to the hapless Mr Punter who wonders off into oblivion - Been there, seen it happen!
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Join Date: May 2001
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I was chatting to some CAA examiners a few weeks ago along with a few other FL graduates.
And we actually managed to get one of them to go into a mild shock with some of the things we were telling them about.
I don't know why the CAA dosn't write to everyone that passed at that school with a no come back if you grass them up line.
I know that I would be more than happy to stand up in court and tell all.
MJ
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And we actually managed to get one of them to go into a mild shock with some of the things we were telling them about.
I don't know why the CAA dosn't write to everyone that passed at that school with a no come back if you grass them up line.
I know that I would be more than happy to stand up in court and tell all.
MJ
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mad_jock,
You were either holding back or you don’t know as much as some of us do otherwise I'm sure that they would have been traumatised 
I was chatting to some CAA examiners a few weeks ago along with a few other FL graduates. And we actually managed to get one of them to go into a mild shock with some of the things we were telling them about.
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To be honest its not really our problem. All the officals in the land know of him.
I will and do tell it like it is to anyone I come across who thinks about going there.
But if trading standards won't do anything about the advertising.
The mags keep running the ads.
The CAA won't follow up any of the reports sent to them about the school.
All we can do as ex students is make sure we spread the info by word of mouth.
Its a shame really, it would be a great set up if not for one person.
MJ
