Florida Flight schools - Advice appreciated
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: UK
Best flying school in Florida?
Hi,
Can anyone recomend a flying school in Florida (or any other part of the USA) to convert a JAA/ICAO CPL ME IR to an FAA CPL ME IR?
I would like to choose a good flying school because if I am on an M-1 visa I will not be able to change once I am in the USA. I would prefer a school with good availability (instructors & aeroplanes), and G1000 glass panels if possible.
Someone recomended 'University Air Center' Gainesville, FL?
Can you recomend any other flying schools?
Can anyone recomend a flying school in Florida (or any other part of the USA) to convert a JAA/ICAO CPL ME IR to an FAA CPL ME IR?
I would like to choose a good flying school because if I am on an M-1 visa I will not be able to change once I am in the USA. I would prefer a school with good availability (instructors & aeroplanes), and G1000 glass panels if possible.
Someone recomended 'University Air Center' Gainesville, FL?
Can you recomend any other flying schools?
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Shucky's back yard
I would approach this from the negative - please do not touch any of the Florida schools with UK CAA accreditation.
There have to be FAA schools that are better than this bunch of wets. They spend their waking hours bitching about each other and dreaming up cunning wheezes to circumvent the principles and rules laid down by the UK CAA for them to act on their behalf.
You have the whole of the USA from which to choose. Have you considered converting in Norwich? I know there is an FAA school there...
I wish you happy hunting!
There have to be FAA schools that are better than this bunch of wets. They spend their waking hours bitching about each other and dreaming up cunning wheezes to circumvent the principles and rules laid down by the UK CAA for them to act on their behalf.
You have the whole of the USA from which to choose. Have you considered converting in Norwich? I know there is an FAA school there...
I wish you happy hunting!
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
EchoKiloEcho,
I've just returned back to the UK from Florida having done a similar thing - I have a JAA Commercial (no IR yet) and needed to get a FAA CPL ME-IR.
The school I eventually choose, after a lot of research, was Europe-American Aviation based at Naples, Florida.
Quite simply, they were excellent. The standard of instruction (from 1000hr+ instructors), the aircraft (G1000 equipped DA-40 & DA-42), the availability and the way the school is efficiently run, is second to none.
Flight training in Florida gets a bad reputation in Europe, mainly due to the 'JAA' schools out there (rightly so) but I found EAA ( which is just an FAA organisation) to be superb.
PM me if you want more details
I've just returned back to the UK from Florida having done a similar thing - I have a JAA Commercial (no IR yet) and needed to get a FAA CPL ME-IR.
The school I eventually choose, after a lot of research, was Europe-American Aviation based at Naples, Florida.
Quite simply, they were excellent. The standard of instruction (from 1000hr+ instructors), the aircraft (G1000 equipped DA-40 & DA-42), the availability and the way the school is efficiently run, is second to none.
Flight training in Florida gets a bad reputation in Europe, mainly due to the 'JAA' schools out there (rightly so) but I found EAA ( which is just an FAA organisation) to be superb.
PM me if you want more details
Joined: Dec 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 424
From: GA, USA
if I am on an M-1 visa I will not be able to change once I am in the USA
You actually have 6 months to do so.
The caveat is that the school needs to amicably agree, they are obliged to transfer you in the SEVIS system.
Most do some don't. Get in writing beforehand that they will transfer you if you are not satisfied.
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: california
In case you are looking for a good flying school in Florida, I would suggest Jacob Flight services. One of my friend had pursued Degree in Aviation for Fixed Wing program from there. The main focus they put is on your practical exposure to your commercial pilot training.
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Grand Cayman
Florida Flight schools - Advice appreciated
Good day to you all.
I'm looking for some advice and feel a little background about my situation would be useful.
I'm a 30 year old British Woman living in Grand Cayman. My husband and I relocated here for his work and we are now in the position that I can finally learn to fly. For financial reasons my husband will have to remain in Cayman whilst I relocate to undertake training. I had come to the conclusion due to the close proximity to look at flight schools in Florida.
I have been enquiring with Florida Institute of Technology (F.I.T) as they offer a dual licence course (FAA & EASA). I felt this would be a good option so that we would be able to return to the UK or Europe in the future.
My question. Can anyone recommend flight schools in Florida? Or even better have any experience with them.
I also wanted to ask about the dual licence and would this be a good way to go?
I appreciate any input or advice.
Many thanks
I'm looking for some advice and feel a little background about my situation would be useful.
I'm a 30 year old British Woman living in Grand Cayman. My husband and I relocated here for his work and we are now in the position that I can finally learn to fly. For financial reasons my husband will have to remain in Cayman whilst I relocate to undertake training. I had come to the conclusion due to the close proximity to look at flight schools in Florida.
I have been enquiring with Florida Institute of Technology (F.I.T) as they offer a dual licence course (FAA & EASA). I felt this would be a good option so that we would be able to return to the UK or Europe in the future.
My question. Can anyone recommend flight schools in Florida? Or even better have any experience with them.
I also wanted to ask about the dual licence and would this be a good way to go?
I appreciate any input or advice.
Many thanks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Kuala Lumpur
Dual licence
My advice would be to do EASA PPL and then FAA CPL (which is basically an advanced PPL .
Use the intervening flight hours to do get more quality experience like building x-country and night hours etc so that u r ready 4 t FAA CPL.
Cannot comment on FL flight schools as it is a long time since I did mine.
Use the intervening flight hours to do get more quality experience like building x-country and night hours etc so that u r ready 4 t FAA CPL.
Cannot comment on FL flight schools as it is a long time since I did mine.
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
From: N/A
Take a look at CTI professional flight training.
They have two locations, Ft Lauderdale Executive Airport, Florida and Millington, Tennessee.
I highly recommend Millington Tennessee over Florida.
It’s just North of Memphis in case you were wondering.
They have a nine month program with Private, Instrument, Commercial, Multi for $50,000.
Housing is $500 a month.
I’ve visited it for my British daughter, and spoke with the chief instructor/examiner Peter.
It looks ‘spot on’ to me.
You would have 200 hours of Diamond DA-20 for private, Cherokee Arrow for Commercial, and Diamond DA-42 for Multi/IR time.
Then you could self study for your EASA ATPL written exams with Bristol Ground School.
Followed by a conversion to CAA/EASA with a DA-42 school like FTA at Brighton, or Diamond, Sweden.
Woops! I just think I gave our plan away for free.
CTI is a Pt 141 school. The main advantage of this is the chief instructor can give check rides and issue licenses to people going thru their course.
A huge problem in America is a lack of DPEs (Designated Pilot Examiners) and the money they now charge.
Which is why, if you have the money, I’d recommend you go with any Pt 141 school.
You don’t have to do all the hour building of a regular Pt 61 school, which is perfect if you doing a conversion to EASA.
Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) is one of the finest schools in the world. The chief instructor is an Irishman, Antony. You can do a EASA Commercial with him as he is an EASA examiner as well, but the Instrument has to be done in European airspace. It’s 'kind of' expensive, but if you’ve 'kind of' got a lot of money, what does it matter. The residence halls are at the University. As a 30 year old, I’m not sure if your not past all that or want to relive college life again.
Another option is Airline Transport Professionals (ATP). They have over 30 locations all over the country. If you have somewhere to stay with friends or relatives for 12 months you can do a PPL, Comm, Inst, Multi, CFI/II/ME for $70,000. A year is too long to spend with people you don't know, and be away from friends and family. Don’t know how this plan will affect a marriage.
All three of these places are at the top end of the scale. It can be done for a lot less if you don’t have that kind of money. But time is also money, and what you get at a place like these is consistency.
You can also get an EASA CPL at Space Coast Aviation in Merritt Island Florida, and in San Diego California.
I'd just stick with a conversion as the I/R has to be done in European airspace anyway.
Personally I’m not a fan of South Florida.
They have two locations, Ft Lauderdale Executive Airport, Florida and Millington, Tennessee.
I highly recommend Millington Tennessee over Florida.
It’s just North of Memphis in case you were wondering.
They have a nine month program with Private, Instrument, Commercial, Multi for $50,000.
Housing is $500 a month.
I’ve visited it for my British daughter, and spoke with the chief instructor/examiner Peter.
It looks ‘spot on’ to me.
You would have 200 hours of Diamond DA-20 for private, Cherokee Arrow for Commercial, and Diamond DA-42 for Multi/IR time.
Then you could self study for your EASA ATPL written exams with Bristol Ground School.
Followed by a conversion to CAA/EASA with a DA-42 school like FTA at Brighton, or Diamond, Sweden.
Woops! I just think I gave our plan away for free.
CTI is a Pt 141 school. The main advantage of this is the chief instructor can give check rides and issue licenses to people going thru their course.
A huge problem in America is a lack of DPEs (Designated Pilot Examiners) and the money they now charge.
Which is why, if you have the money, I’d recommend you go with any Pt 141 school.
You don’t have to do all the hour building of a regular Pt 61 school, which is perfect if you doing a conversion to EASA.
Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) is one of the finest schools in the world. The chief instructor is an Irishman, Antony. You can do a EASA Commercial with him as he is an EASA examiner as well, but the Instrument has to be done in European airspace. It’s 'kind of' expensive, but if you’ve 'kind of' got a lot of money, what does it matter. The residence halls are at the University. As a 30 year old, I’m not sure if your not past all that or want to relive college life again.
Another option is Airline Transport Professionals (ATP). They have over 30 locations all over the country. If you have somewhere to stay with friends or relatives for 12 months you can do a PPL, Comm, Inst, Multi, CFI/II/ME for $70,000. A year is too long to spend with people you don't know, and be away from friends and family. Don’t know how this plan will affect a marriage.
All three of these places are at the top end of the scale. It can be done for a lot less if you don’t have that kind of money. But time is also money, and what you get at a place like these is consistency.
You can also get an EASA CPL at Space Coast Aviation in Merritt Island Florida, and in San Diego California.
I'd just stick with a conversion as the I/R has to be done in European airspace anyway.
Personally I’m not a fan of South Florida.
Last edited by button push ignored; 25th October 2017 at 01:08.
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Santo Domingo
Trustable Flight Schools in FL for foreign students
Hola everyone!
I just got my bachelor's here in my home country so now, in order to pursue my dream of becoming an airline pilot I'm deciding to move to the US since here we don't have a "good" yet trustable flight school sector honestly.
I've done my research and I'm quite informed about the options and stuff. However, I've seen manyy negative reviews about every school down in FL!!
I would just like to know if maybe one of you that might be up to date about the topic; help about letting me know about any good school where i might get all my certifications in a reliable environment, with good quality instructors and without hidden fares. My biggest fear is going to school that i trust and give my money and end up in an institution interested only in emptying my pockets. Btw, i think that the best program that might fit to me is the Part 141 one.
Im pretty excited about this journey that I've decided to follow and im lloking forward to hear any previous experience about any of you or advice.
Thank you very much in advance
I just got my bachelor's here in my home country so now, in order to pursue my dream of becoming an airline pilot I'm deciding to move to the US since here we don't have a "good" yet trustable flight school sector honestly.
I've done my research and I'm quite informed about the options and stuff. However, I've seen manyy negative reviews about every school down in FL!!
I would just like to know if maybe one of you that might be up to date about the topic; help about letting me know about any good school where i might get all my certifications in a reliable environment, with good quality instructors and without hidden fares. My biggest fear is going to school that i trust and give my money and end up in an institution interested only in emptying my pockets. Btw, i think that the best program that might fit to me is the Part 141 one.
Im pretty excited about this journey that I've decided to follow and im lloking forward to hear any previous experience about any of you or advice.
Thank you very much in advance
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2000
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 14,479
Likes: 178
From: UK
Have a look at Crystal Aero Group at Crystal River, Florida. I know several people who have done licences there in the last year, all seem very happy with the experience. They have a facebook page and website.
Joined: Jan 2005
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 303
Likes: 6
From: NA
Technically you cannot 'convert' anything. Although prior training and experience is accepted.
First you'll need a license verification from both the CAA & FAA.
You can sit the optional Knowledge Test “Instrument for a foreign pilots”.
Your new (foreign based) FAA certificate will give you private privileges, (and IFR).
Before you solo/PIC, you'll need a Flight Review (and IPC).
These would typically be completed as part of a checkout process anyway.
The next stage will be training, as required, to meet the ACS standards for the Multi & Instrument check-ride.
Before your check, you'll take the 2 Knowledge Tests, and verify you meet the aeronautical experience required.
If you want SEL privileges as well, you'll need another check which includes some manoeuvres you may not be familiar with. If you have the hours/competence for the EASA CPL/IR, it shouldn't take too long to complete.
I’d recommend a Part 61 school, rather than Part 141, as the latter has to fly according to the syllabus.
You'll also need TSA approval for both the Multi & Instrument. But since you already have the “foreign qualification” this can sometimes be conducted on a 'B' Visa, which gives you flexibility to change schools.
I realise this is an old thread, but since the question comes up regularly, this is an accurate summary.
Good luck and enjoy.
First you'll need a license verification from both the CAA & FAA.
You can sit the optional Knowledge Test “Instrument for a foreign pilots”.
Your new (foreign based) FAA certificate will give you private privileges, (and IFR).
Before you solo/PIC, you'll need a Flight Review (and IPC).
These would typically be completed as part of a checkout process anyway.
The next stage will be training, as required, to meet the ACS standards for the Multi & Instrument check-ride.
Before your check, you'll take the 2 Knowledge Tests, and verify you meet the aeronautical experience required.
If you want SEL privileges as well, you'll need another check which includes some manoeuvres you may not be familiar with. If you have the hours/competence for the EASA CPL/IR, it shouldn't take too long to complete.
I’d recommend a Part 61 school, rather than Part 141, as the latter has to fly according to the syllabus.
You'll also need TSA approval for both the Multi & Instrument. But since you already have the “foreign qualification” this can sometimes be conducted on a 'B' Visa, which gives you flexibility to change schools.
I realise this is an old thread, but since the question comes up regularly, this is an accurate summary.
Good luck and enjoy.
