Going to AAA soon
 

Hi all,

Im about to go to AAA in a few months to do some hour building. A friend of mine recommended it and all contact I have had with them so far has been awesome. Nothing to complain about there.

As been mentioned previously, the planes might be old(er), but at the same time, the price is pretty good too.

Anybody else going there in the start of June or so?

Safe skies

Hi Skycrew7,

Are you only going to do hour building?

If yes, then keep in mind it is a school so the students will have priority over you as far as airplane availability is concerned.

@TiltedTomato
Thanks for the info, I did not know that. Hopefully It will turn out for the best.

When I was a student there, there were other self-hirers/hours-builders. The school runs on online booking system that everyone who is registered can use and I don't see how they give precedence to the instructors/students? As far as I was concerned, it is first come first serve.

All right that's even better then... forget what I said.

TiltedTomato: When were you with AAA , and what is your impression of the school?

If the system is that first comes first and so on, then thats fair enough, at least for me.

I was there in 2009 for FAA PPL and went back in 2010 for IR and hour-building. And then went back late 2012 to do a EASA SEP rating which I hadn't. I like the school and the atmosphere but I remember it was not always possible to rent an aircraft for two days for instance. I really believe that's pretty much the case for every school though.

Aha, I see. This is going to be my first time flying in the US. And I dont intend to go on any 2 day trips with a layover somewhere. But Im guessing you are right, its pretty much the same no matter where you go or what school you go too.

Not to go too much Off Topic, but do you have any other recommendations while Im there or any place you think I should go fly too while in San Diego.

It is a few years since I was at AAA, but some of the staff had administrator access to the online booking system and could move or cancel bookings. This was usually done if an aircraft went tech (often!) and an instructor needed an aircraft.

The important thing is to stand up for yourself but also be fair to others.

There is some fantastic flying to be had from Gillespie:
Local flights around the mountains and reservoirs
Palm Springs (take swimming trunks - there is a pilots pool!)
Santa Monica (before it closes) via LAX overhead
Borrego Springs
Big Bear (take an instructor)
Catalina Island (not done it myself, maybe next time)
Las Vegas (overnight, if permitted)

Thanks a lot Tall guy in a PA 28 :ok: Great tips on where to fly!

I will be sure to check them out and also to keep in mind to check what the rules regarding airplanes are.

I did it from Van Nuys via the LAX overhead. I didn't see the sea for the whole trip, due to the marine layer fog, but the airfield (Avalon - the Airport in the Sky) is at 1600' on a hill and was sticking up above the fog. A small landing fee (the first one I have ever paid in North America) and a great restaurant for lunch (Buffalo burgers). Then back via the same route, with a detour to Burbank for an ILS.

A great trip. The only note of caution is that the runway is quite rough. I went there with an instructor and he did the landing, but let me do the takeoff.

American Aviation Academy San Diego
 

Hi All,

Jet wondering if anyone has any current experience with this flight school ? As in PPL training and hour building.

The chap I’ve been liasing with has been very helpful and informative however I’d like to know any past or present people’s experiences with things such as instructor / AC availability, any maintenance issues and general experiences of learning to fly out in So Cal. I’m aware there was a couple of crashes awhile back however this *could* happen anywhere unless there’s something untoward going on such as sloppy maintenance. Accomdation looks to be ok for a short duration, no frills required as it’s not the point of going out. as long as it’s clean and safe I’m not too fussed.

Thanks in advance
B

Don't know about particular schools but San Diego/SoCal is a great place to learn how to fly and also have a good time. A trip over the border for a belly full of tequila, tacos and Tecate is a must.

I grew up in El Cajon so I recommend it completly. When I was over there I flew with Golden State flying club, located at the other side of Gillespie.

And I flew to Catalina (with an instructor) and in spite of strong wind from the side, he let me land..and I must "brag" because I did a pretty good job of it!

For anyone interested here is my report, with pictures, of that flight:

http://www.dorrie.de/Flying/FlightLogs/1996catalina.htm

Absolutely! I lived in Texas for awhile so get a taste for all of the above!

Please please stay away, my partner from Germany had emailed the school prior to deciding to join and was promised the world, as in hours of flying and instructor availability, what was meant to be a memorable occasion in obtaining a license turned out to be the opposite, as in terms of flying and getting a licence, the school just milked him for his money and he returned without a license, in the 3-4 weeks he was there he only flew 7 times, again this was due to instructor availability and planes being in maintenance

there was only 1 instructor available at the time when there was 5 other students enrolled, the safety of the planes at the school was a joke, as in they were often in regular maintenance during his stay, also there was a death of a student that occurred prior to his enrollment, again it turned out the instructor who was flying the plane was not suitable to fly as it turned out many students previously complained about his conduct and behaviour, the instructor had decided to practice engine failures in a mountain terrain in low height and as a result the student died. Please see google news in terms of this incident

the school is a cash cow for European students/personal , if trying to complete an EASA license please refrain and spend money else where and if trying to obtain an FAA license please visit next door at Californian Flight Academy..