Flight School FBO or COllege?

Question

Is getting your PPL, IR, CPL, and CFI ratings at an FBO (Very Professional One) worse than going to a college that has a flight program? Does it matter? I already have a degree and don't feel like getting another one in aviation just to get flight training.

Answer 1

I have degrees outside of aviation and went to a flight school to get my PP-ASEL, instrument rating, and CP-ASEL.  No need to get an aviation degree if you don't want one.

Answer 2

Sure, it matters to an extent what kind of flight school you go to. As long as they are very professional, have good aircraft, and treat you good, then all that matters is what kind of student you are. Besides that, the only other matter is bragging rights. To some, it looks great to get your flight time through a college. However, you're paying not only for your flight time but also for school fees, enrollment fees, insurance, books, tuition, semester fees, all on top of the fee for your PPL, IR, CPL and CFI. That's turning a $20,000ish investment into triple or quadruple that! What's more, in my opinion, FBOs tend to have seasoned pilots more than college flight schools, which typically regurgitate students year-round as a means of having instructors and giving their students opportunities to gain hours. I personally would rather have an old war veteran teaching me to fly than some squirrely newbie who just got his CFI and cares more about his hours than your education. Well, hope this helps, and best of luck to you! God Bless, and happy flying!

Answer 3

The end result is the same no matter which way you decide to go. The local FBO is probably cheaper. What makes the biggest difference is the instructor. Find one you like and preferably one with some experience. An instructor just starting out isn't necessarily bad but I would like one that had say six months at least teaching with a few students. But there are so many variables, if he/she has been an instructor for the last 1-2 years but hasn't had but 2-3 students then I would rather learn from the one that has six months experience teaching but has 8-10 students. But the main thing is you find one you get along with and like.

Answer 4

The FAA has some great information on how to choose a school and what to look for when choosing a school. Since they are the ones who will certify you, I think they would be the best place to start.

http://www.faa.gov/education_research/.....

Once you've got that figured out, there is a whole heap more of information available through their web site starting with this stuff: http://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/