How's ORLANDO? How's FLORIDA?

[Aerocadet]

Good day!

I am planning to train for FAA PPL to MEI ratings in Orlando, Florida area.

Could anyone share their experiences in some flight schools in that area? How about the training in Orlando airspace?

And also, can you recommend good flight schools which caters foreign students? By the way, I plan to rent also at Air Orlando Aviation. I've already made contact with a flight instructor there.

Thanks a lot!

[jamie230985]

spent a total of around 6 months in Kissimmee now over the last 3 years doing a little flying, cant comment on Air Orlando but i used OFT which was "interesting". Flying in Florida is easy, very little airspace & good weather.

Where are u looking to fly the majority of the time? if its in USA then this will be fine but if its somewhere like the UK its very different & takes a lot of time to get out of the habits you learn!!

[gfunc]

Air Orlando

I rented from Air Orlando for a trip to the keys - a well run organization with nice aircraft. I rented a newish 172SP which was very nicely equiped and well priced - I would recommend them and use them again myself. ORL is pretty close to MCO, so you have to keep your wits about you to prevent infringement, the GPS and a couple of landmarks (e.g. power station) should help you with this.

On the ground, I personally hate Orlando, just a big sprawling mess of apartment complexes and strip malls for miles!

Hope this helps,

Gareth.

[Aerocadet]

Orl.. Mco..

Did you have problems in the air traffic?

Delayed clearances.. Many aircrafts lined up.. etc..

I think it's ok to train/rent in a busy airspace so that you'll be able to practice more on radio procedures. Am I right?

Thanks!

[Round D. Globe]

Aerocadet

As a relatively high time pilot and an Orlando resident, I don't think you will any concerns with the questions you posed regarding flying in Central Florida.
But since you have made contact with an instructor, I would think he/she could answer any of your concerns.

RDG

[gfunc]

When I flew there in May last year ORL wasn't exceptionally busy, maybe a maximum of four in the circuit at any one time with the odd biz jet popping in and out. MCO's surface airspace is only a little to the south, so you have to be on the ball a little bit if you don't have clearance. The only downside was we needed a little bit of transit time (10 mins) to get to a patch of sky (over Lake Apopka) where the controlled airspace had a high enough base for stalls etc - this is pretty typical of anywhere really.

The controllers handling the class B are friendly and accomodating for the most part and clearance through there zone is a doddle.

If you haven't seen it, take a look at the sectional chart and TAC available on skyvector.com (just put ORL into the search box). Personally I think it is better to learn in busy airspace as I think its easier for someone who has only flown in busy airspace to adapt to quiet airspace than the other way round. That said, for some people it may be better to build up in steps....

Hope this helps,

Gareth.

[worldpilot]

Talking to ATC is an opportunity to learn

I'm currently in Orlando, Florida, flying the skies out of Kissimmee. It is really fun talking to these great ATC guys. They are very thoughtful and helpful. Unless you don't really have a good command of the English language, I don't see no reason why you should avoid busy airspace. Even if you are not in any airspace, call ATC and ask for flight advisories and listen into the other conversations. It is an opportunity to learn.

Never hesitate to USE ATC!!!

Happy landings.

WP

[BelArgUSA]

Florida

Florida - Yes, good choice to do your FAA pilot training.
As to selecting Orlando, not so sure.
Orlando is primarily a tourist trap area, with amusement parks, etc.
Housing prices, fast food rates reflect the nature of the area.
xxx
I lived in USA 25 years, and knew Florida quite well.
But for training, instead, would select the Miami-Ft.Lauderdale area.
Housing/food/transport much better around MIA-FLL.
Consider the Tampa-St.Petersburg area as well.
xxx
MIA-FLL attracts tourists (Canadians, Europeans) from Xmas through Easter.
Thereafter, a studio rental might drop to one-half the price.
In addition, yes, you have heavy ATC for practice.
But there are numerous airfields where no delays expected for takeoff.
xxx
I know you are forced into FAR 141 schools (pardon me - "academies").
This because of the student visa.
So your flight training might cost you extra $$$ (to wear a uniform).
Bottom line is - lowest training costs - the licenses/certificates are same.
xxx

Happy contrails

[738FO]

Delta Connection Academy

Its located in sanford.

[malc4d]

Try avion air academy also at Sanford

[Aztec_Flyer]

Can't recommend Air Orlando highly enough. I've rented aircraft and toured fairly extensively around the US and they are the place that I return to time after time.

Good instructors, an owner who values the customers, and a good fleet of aircraft.

The proximity to MCO airspace is no big deal really, and both the MCO and ORL controllers are a great group who are EXTEREMLY patient with some of the students for whom English isn't their first language.