Potential Student at FSA Please Help.

A

abnpx

Well-Known Member
Good Afternoon,

Im currently in the process of searching for the right flight academy to finally attend flight school. I finished my military career in 2008 and have managed to save up enough money to finally go to flight school.

I would like to find a fellow veteran who is currently using their benefits for the Commerical Pilot Course, mainly to have an overall idea of how much they really do help.

I also have a few questions for current students who are in the Commerical Pilot Course.

-How happy are you with your decision?
-If you could do it all over again would FSA still be your choice?
-How do you feel about management?
-How is maintenace? Are Aircrafts always up?
-Living quarters?
-Flight time? How many hours can you expect?
-Any hidden costs? That perhaps arent in the total cost of the academy?
-Anybody doing online courses with Embry Riddel or any other institution where your credits from FSA can carry over? (I would assume nearly impossible to do at the same time as academy because of workload)
-What track best suits your overall proffesional progress? Business ect.. ect...

These are questions off the top of my head at the moment. I really appreciate all of your help and really look forward to your responses. Im aware that perhaps the answer may be a little biased however, any information will help.
 
T56Maniac......This one's for you.


I believe VA will pay around 60% of the 141 course. Hidden costs can include remedial training. Plan to spend 15% more than the cost they quote you for the course. This will allow you a buffer if you need extra training. You will likely be on your own for living quarters. Go halfsies on an apartment with another student. It's much cheaper. The dorms aren't the best and cost just as much as an apartment. MX is the BEST you will find at any school. The Cadets are older but extremely well maintained. I was happy with my CFI training here. Some will have other opinions. Bottom line is you get what you put in to it. Yes, this is one of the most expensive schools. However, we have resources and support that is unmatched IMO. As far as flight time is concerned, the course is set for the minimum part 141 requirements.
 
Thanks a lot. The truth is the academy has been extremely open and on top of all my questions which IMO is very positive. At this point my choice is almost set on FSA! Now, I will just begin to study the basics for ground. I will be attending if everything works out late this year early next year. Is there any other advice you guys can help me out with?

I really appreciate it guys!
 
I would purchase the FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Our ground school is based around this book. It is full of all the information you need to get started.
 
abnpx said:
Good Afternoon,

Im currently in the process of searching for the right flight academy to finally attend flight school. I finished my military career in 2008 and have managed to save up enough money to finally go to flight school.

I would like to find a fellow veteran who is currently using their benefits for the Commerical Pilot Course, mainly to have an overall idea of how much they really do help.

I also have a few questions for current students who are in the Commerical Pilot Course.

-How happy are you with your decision?
-If you could do it all over again would FSA still be your choice?
-How do you feel about management?
-How is maintenace? Are Aircrafts always up?
-Living quarters?
-Flight time? How many hours can you expect?
-Any hidden costs? That perhaps arent in the total cost of the academy?
-Anybody doing online courses with Embry Riddel or any other institution where your credits from FSA can carry over? (I would assume nearly impossible to do at the same time as academy because of workload)
-What track best suits your overall proffesional progress? Business ect.. ect...

These are questions off the top of my head at the moment. I really appreciate all of your help and really look forward to your responses. Im aware that perhaps the answer may be a little biased however, any information will help.
Click to expand...

When I went thru the program back in 2006-2007 the VA paid 60% of the "approved" charges for flight training. This may have changed in the past few years but if I remember correctly they did not pay for anything toward my PPL however they helped pay for items in step 2-5.

Best thing for you to do is call/email Mary Wood. She is our VA rep and she is a God sent. She know everything about VA and she does everything for you. You just have to show up at the end of the month to sign your forms. Payment is quick after the initial set up.

Best of luck and I second everything sooner said above.
T56
 
Thanks for the reply T56. Are you currently working for FSA? If so where? How did the decision work out?
 
abnpx said:
Thanks for the reply T56. Are you currently working for FSA? If so where? How did the decision work out?
Click to expand...

Stuck at FSA (vero beach) because of the economy. Building time and experience before "pulling chalks." Cannot complain, I'm able to pay the bills as of now, but the work is inconsistent (up and down - pay checks). The economy is turning around in the next couple years and hopefully I'll take a ride with it.

Best of luck,
T56:beer:
 
I was very happy with the training at FSI. I started in July 2004 and finished my CMEI by early February 2005.

I flew early in the morning, had lunch and studied until about 4 or 5. I tried to fly at least 5 times a week. I also tried to fly on weekends.

There were 3 hurricanes that really tore the place up during my training. The upside was I got some free flight time moving aircraft to Lakeland.

I worked really, really hard when I was there. I never had any problems with staff or instructors. I did replace one instructor that didn't show up to a lesson on time.

Remember its your money and your money to loose so study hard and try to learn as much as possible. Also keep in mind that I found the FRASCA training to be the most valuable part of my experience at FSI. When I go to King Air recurrent I think my skills developed in the FRASCA have helped me the most.
 
soonerpilot06 said:
T56Maniac......This one's for you.


I believe VA will pay around 60% of the 141 course. Hidden costs can include remedial training. Plan to spend 15% more than the cost they quote you for the course. This will allow you a buffer if you need extra training. You will likely be on your own for living quarters. Go halfsies on an apartment with another student. It's much cheaper. The dorms aren't the best and cost just as much as an apartment. MX is the BEST you will find at any school. The Cadets are older but extremely well maintained. I was happy with my CFI training here. Some will have other opinions. Bottom line is you get what you put in to it. Yes, this is one of the most expensive schools. However, we have resources and support that is unmatched IMO. As far as flight time is concerned, the course is set for the minimum part 141 requirements.
Click to expand...
+1

I did all my training at FSA and they didn't disappoint. Very comprehensive and enjoyable program. Just study hard and stay focused and you will succeed. The only complaint I had, which in retrospect was a good thing, was living in Vero. Be prepared for the slow life with little to do after 10 pm. It can get pretty depressing. But the flight training is top notch.
 
intern_mike said:
+1

I did all my training at FSA and they didn't disappoint. Very comprehensive and enjoyable program. Just study hard and stay focused and you will succeed. The only complaint I had, which in retrospect was a good thing, was living in Vero. Be prepared for the slow life with little to do after 10 pm. It can get pretty depressing. But the flight training is top notch.
Click to expand...

+1 on Vero. Surf isn't bad if monster hole is breaking.
 
abnpx said:
Good Afternoon,

-How is maintenace? Are Aircrafts always up?

-What track best suits your overall proffesional progress? Business ect.. ect...
Click to expand...

As a student there in 07 and an instructor from 09-Current (Currently on Mil leave) The academy is a great place to train and work. As for maintenance to me it is probably the best in the Instruction industry. Mainly because of the very few situations with maintenance I've had, and the times I have had issues they come right out to the aircraft and fix it.

As far as tracks, the only one that I know of that is still going on and would recommend would be the instructor track/business. Knockout the CFI at FSI, mainly because they hire in-house CFI's and you will rack up hours fairly quickly. After some time CFIing have at it and check out some sim centers.
 
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