Advice from the people who know.
 

Hi guys,

Been browsing the forums for months and I've seen so many conflicting views that I think it's time I started to make a decision for myself - however, I will gain some last ditch pieces of advice.

I'm a 19 year old from Dublin, Ireland, and have been saving in order to start Flight training for quite some time now, the only problem is - where? I have attended the Flyer exhibition, year after year and it still doesn't really make it easier - A school that may have impressed both me and my parents the year before, might be quite sh!t the next year! It's really hit and miss.

Now, I have read loads of different opinions, views and arguments on this site and various others regarding where gives you the best training in terms of weather, instructors, ground school and of course, cost.

Being 19, Money of course is an issue to an extent, but if needs be, I can get it with the help of willing parents.

In Ireland, training in the PTC can prove to be very costly and their constant phonecalls after flyer exhibitions come across as a little desperate and are definitely a put off.

FTE Jerez always seems a decent shout and I actually know 2 guys there now training, who love every minute of it.

Then there's the US. Always seems deceivingly cheap, or does it? That's what I want to know. I've seen Airline Pilot Programmes for in and around $55,000, which is quite cheap in comparison to training in Europe. I may seem a little naive, but why is this?

How good are flight schools such as Pheonix East Aviation or Orlando Flight Training? Can you reccommend anymore in the US?

Advice and insight would be much appreciated,
Until then,
Over and out!

Fizzy D,

You will find that most guys who have been down the road of self sponsorship have asked all the same questions. And, I appreciate you predicament.

One of the ways forward is to take all the advice you have received, and use it to make some sensible decisions, however do take note of some of those key elements.

There is nothing wrong with going to the US, but just be careful and shrewd with your hard earned cash. I am sure you have read in previous posts, but never part with large sums of cash with organisations offering large discounts. If you can pay as you go, then you can control your finance and evaluate whether you are happy with your training.

I spent many years going to and from the USA to fly, and had a great time doing so flying at various different schools.

Its difficult to give you sound advice, because a lot of guys here myself included did our training some time ago, and things change so much. However, on saying that, we were all in the same boat, but made it in the end, from taking on a cautious attitude.

When I went through the process of getting my licences, everything seemed to slot into to place, adopting the attitude above, given a few ups and downs along the way.

I wish you all the best.

Good advice there CAT3C. I've trained in the States and it's OK if you're careful.

I see, kind of what I was thinking really.

Of course, if you could save about 30,000euro, you would, but can you really? I've been warned of all the hidden costs from these FTO offering 'cheap' training.