Sorry, Flight schools in Florida Again!
 

I'm sure this topic has been up a few times but I really need some advice. I'm planning on going to florida in DEC/JAN some time to do a PPL. Ive got 4 schools that I think sound reasonable. For accomodation reasons they all need to be around Ft. Laudradale/Hollywood/Miami area. I also know I need to get an M-1 visa which doesn't seem to be too much of a hassle.


Like the look of this one, not sure about price though.
http://www.airbornesystems.net/index.html

http://www.tradewinds-flight.com/

http://www.americanflying.com/

Sounds Expensive.
http://www.flyaloha.com/aloha.htm

Has anybody had any experience or know anything about these 4. The best ones seem to be the top 2. All these schools only do FAA PPL's If anybody knows any in the area that do JAA, I would like to know. There seems to be loads around the rest of florida that do JAA but none in the Miami area.

Thanks very much in advance.

Chris

US PPL Training schools
 

Hi Cabair have a school in Orlando that does JAA PPL's, see http://www.flyorlandoflorida.com/

Hi,

I have been looking into training in the U.S. for the last few months. There is one thing I have found that is very important. You must be on the proper visa. You can get the full details from the U.S. Embassy at 0207 499 9000.

There was a post over the weekend that really sums up the training situation in the U.S. I highly recommend that you read it as the starting point for your research into training:

GoneWest's Comments on Flight Training in the U.S.A.

TTF

schools
 

Hey there
there is 1 school in Boca Raton...south sky aviation
You can look them up as www.southsky.com
and also the Comair academy in Sandford just East of Orlando apparently does a JAA course.

Riddster - European Flight Training are in Ft. Pierce - about two and a half hours drive North of Miami - along Interstate 95.

Naples Air Center are two hours West of Miami along Interstate 75.

Both are visa approved. (Neither of them come under the comments referred to by Time to Fly).

Yea I just wish southsky did JAA, there seems to be nothing within 1/2hour of ft.laudradale.

Riddster

Then do an FAA PPL and convert it later!!

European Flight Training
 

I feel that you should contact European Flight Training, good facilities, well run school and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, that encourages pilots to enjoy flying. However, they do get the job done in a profesional manner and without the "hidden extras", as a student there I would highly recommend them to anyone. Details are available on their web site @ www.europeanflighttraining.com.

I did similar to yourself last year (even got the ticket!) anyhow, I found Naples Air Centre exceptional.

Seriously consider them before making your decision. Naples is boring but safe and has a fabolous airport.

VT

US flight schools
 

Agree there are good ones out there, beware of the dodgy ones, Opps IFTA springs to mind.

Naples is an excellent airport, like it was said do the FAA PPL convert later, get night experience with that too:cool:

I am just back from completing my CPL/MEP/FI at EFT in Ft. Pierce. Dont make a choice without talking to them first. I have had nothing but bad experiences with flight schools until I went there.
They are very professional and clear in all their dealings and being small you get the dedication you require for your training. Hard work is made to seem like fun and the standard is high. The instructors are all great and I cant recommend them enough. Good luck wherever you go.:) :)

OFT have just got there Visa approval I've just been sent my paperwork, I have been there previously and to Brittania, must say I had a great time at both, I got to fly a new aircraft at OFT which was a bit of a thrill, also did an hour in a chopper "what a laugh" highly reccommended.

Hey there D.W.,

I was wondering what visa OFT issued? I spoke to them recently, when I was researching schools and they did not have a visa to offer. I just want to make sure I do not get suckered and make a mistake like I almost did with IFTA.

Maybe I am looking too far into this, but I did see that you just made your PPRuNe account today on 30th October 2002 at 09:44. The other thing I do not understand is you are posting like you are a long time poster on PPRuNe and your only posts were in the threads about flying in florida, all saying the same thing.

TTF

I know you are really looking at Ft.Lauderdale/Miami areas, however i would strongly recommend Orlando Flight Training (OFT - Run by Cabair) who are based in Kissimmee Airport Orlando & Air Orlando based in Orlando Executive Airport (KORL).

I obatined my PPL in the UK but i went initially to OFT (previoulsy Euroflight) to obatin my IMC & Night Rating. This school will with out a doubt give you the best experience of being in Florida whilst you fly & have an excellent flight training program (the instructors are very friendly and their style of relaxed flight training is very encouraging), however at the time (1999) their selction of aircraft were limited. Im sure that this has all changed since Cabair got involved and from what i have heard from other people has changed for the better!!

Air Orlando in Executive Airport are only FAA approved, but the flight instruction is excellent, their aircarft are immaculate and well kept, and although a small school in comparrison to some 'sausage factory's' they really make an effort in one-to one training. You might want to consider going down the FAA route and converting later (its not as difficult at PPL stage as opposed to Commercial ) and if this is the case i really cannot go on about this school enough. Since 1999 i continually return to Air Orlando for hour building, sight-seeing (the airport has good facilities and is a good base for seeing most of florida). The website is :


www.flyairorlando.com

EMail Trudy , she is very helpfull and can give you suggestion on accommodation, car hire etc.

Good Luck on your flying, Florida is a great place to fly..........

Hey FunnyOnion,

I guess you just made your account too on 30th October 2002 just like DeltaWhisky. Welcome to PPRuNe.

I guess today is the day to make an account and praise OFT. :rolleyes:

TTF

Time To Fly,


Thanks very much for the welcome, Having only joined yesterday i am already enlightened with a mountain of information from some of you guys - This Forum ROCKS!!!

Instead of willing the hours away in my current job with my feet firmly on the ground, I can now chat to you lot and browse the many interesting forums - Now the hours fly by, although somehow i don't think my boss would be too impressed that i was planning my next career move.

Cheers,

FunnyOnion