Florida Flying Schools

[alwayzinit]

Hi All.
My lad is expressing an interest to join the "ranks".
As a result I would be really grateful for any inputs regarding good or bad experiences with any Florida Schools or Academies.
Please PM if have anything.
Many thanks

[Sam Rutherford]

First question, FAA or EASA?

That'll either greatly widen or greatly narrow your options...

[this is my username]

Second question - PPL or Commercial / Instrument?

[alwayzinit]

Hi guys thanks for the questions.
Both, and all of the above, depending on how his application for citizenship goes..................

[Katamarino]

Citizenship isn't the relevant question; location of residence is (i.e., what reg aircraft will he be flying?)

If he's applying for US citizenship he must be living in the US as a permanent resident, so should look at FAA. I can recommend Cirrus Aviation in Sarasota, FL; did my IR and CPL with them, they were excellent.

[this is my username]

I trained with Tailwheels Etc - they were at Winter Haven at the time (about 6 years ago). Things were a bit chaotic at times but they were a very decent and honest bunch of people and certainly weren't out to fleece the customers. Arrived with about 1,500hrs TT but only 10hrs on aeroplanes and did an FAA PPL, IR, CPL then ME in 6 weeks. They've moved to Lakeland now and it looks like their leadership has changed so hard to know what they are like now.

[A and C]

Not the usual suspects

try to stay away from Florida and California as these places are the most expensive in the USA for living and they know how much it costs to fly in Europe.

try middle America for a much better deal on an FAA licences . I got my FAA CPL/IR just west of Detroit, not fashionable USA but nice people and a great deal.

[Ebbie 2003]

NS Aviation at North Perry.

Busy place, plenty of planes; ppl through to IR, CPL etc. there were airline crews from Spain learning there when I did my ppl - bilingual English/Spanish like most places in southern Florida.

Very tight, busy airspace - learning there and one is never afraid of AT and complicated airspace.

Training area nearby.

I learned to fly there and I am pretty useless if they can teach me they can teach anyone.

Not the cheapest place but effective.

[alwayzinit]

Thanks for the inputs guys, all much appreciated.

[alland2012]

Originally Posted by this is my username

I trained with Tailwheels Etc - they were at Winter Haven at the time (about 6 years ago). Things were a bit chaotic at times but they were a very decent and honest bunch of people and certainly weren't out to fleece the customers. Arrived with about 1,500hrs TT but only 10hrs on aeroplanes and did an FAA PPL, IR, CPL then ME in 6 weeks. They've moved to Lakeland now and it looks like their leadership has changed so hard too know what they are like now.

Correct Tailwheels ETC is no more following an acrimonious split up with the former family who owned Tailwheels, new name, new owners, based out of Lakeland, International Aero Academy, lots of students passing through, mainly South American, mostly the same old airplanes on the flightline, hopefully better maintained these days.

Originally Posted by alwayzinit

Thanks for the inputs guys, all much appreciated.

No affifiation with, but in central Florida I can 100 % recommend Bartow Flying Services based at KBOW, great operation, well maintained fleet, City owned operation so no issues with running off with your money, great instructors and management give it a family feel, Class D towered airfield with great ATC.

www.bartowflyingservice.com