Questions to ask Schools

[ATIS31]

Hi I am shortly going to visit Ground and Flying Schools and was wondering what all questions to ask them. Thought someone had posted a list of questions to ask schools on here but I can't find them using the search
anyone kind enough to pass on some questions to ask incase there is some i miss.

Thanks

[RMarvin86]

I think that the questions depend on the type of training, modular or integrated, and the course your looking for. Some general questions may be:

- number and type of aircrafts in fleet
- aircraft's equipment
- number of flight instructors
- "type" of flight instructors, full time or part-time hired.
- instructor's availability
- number of students enrolled
- Time taken to complete the training
- Avg time required after finishing the training to take the skill test (in my case, I'm waiting to take the ppl skill test since May!)
- Ground school total hours, in case of modular ask for time and day of lessons
- Total cost of the course, always ask for hidden cost like training material such as books, plotters, charts, additional landing fees. Check if the skill test is included as well as the theory and written test.
- Ask on what type of aircraft you will be flying and if you can switch or try other types during your training.
- Ask if they're open all days of the week. My school is closed on monday and thuesday. I didn't ask, so I didn't know when I started
- if maintenance is done by the school personnel or by other staff locally based. From experience I've seen that schools doing their maintenance on other airports from where they are based take a longer time to have their aircrafts back in fleet after maintenance done, and if this school as a few planes they may be all out of service and you could be unable to fly for maybe a week or even more...

That's it. If I'll have other question then I will add them to this post.

[BigGrecian]

If a school in America or some training in America - whether they have JAA qualified instructors or just FAA instructors approved to teach such a course - this one catches a lot of people out.

[Mordacai]

Oh god...not again please!

Can't Y'all be nice.......opinions like ass holes an' all!

If ya wan't JAA training, get a JAA instructor....if ya want FAA training get an FAA instructor.

[geordiejet]

1. Can I see the contract that I will be signing, in advance, so I can read it?
2. What's your cancellation policy.
3. I'm NOT going to pay up front. Is that ok?

[Okavango]

ATIS31 - have a look in my threads or search on my name and you should find the thread fairly quickly. To be honest, I think just by visiting the schools and going off your impression of how you're dealt with will serve you well - it's very easy for anyone to give you any answer they think you want to hear - visit a few schools and you'll soon realise who you're most comfortable to deal with.

[BigGrecian]

There is absolutely NO reason that a JAA course can't be taught by a properly trained FAA instructor under the supervision of a JAA CFI.

EASA doesn't agree.

All I'm saying is that it'd be nice to know what your getting since often people don't realise what they're getting.

Also ICAO instructors can give part 61 instruction, provided it's outside the states.

[LocBlew]

I guess RMarvin86 pretty much covered everything.

Although, as important as it might be to know the answers to all those questions, when it comes to knowing if the school is right for you or not, I'd talk to current and former students. They will give you the best and most honest insight into the school.