American Flyers

ghoster

ghoster

Onward Thru the Fog
ok, here's the deal. I am older (60) and have no chance to get to majors or any corporate gigs. Getting ready to retire from job and want to keep flying. Over the years, I have accumulated about 2000TT with ATP rating and about 800 multi. Am thinking about attending American Flyers Instructors academy in Addison, Texas to get CFI and II. I think I would do better in a more structured environment that going to a local FBO that would be hit or miss. I would appreciate any insight anyone would have regarding this and any personal experiences with American Flyers in Dallas.
Thanks to all on this great site.
 
Just to probe here a little bit. Did you decide to pursue a career in aviation and decide it wasn't for you or the economy was crap or you just amassed 2000 hours by flying for pure enjoyment?
 
ghoster: I know they're apocryphally known as "American Liars". On the other hand, every organization under the sun has SOMEONE ready to tell a bad story about em. I'd suspect with that much time under your belt, you can determine whether they pass the "sniff test" by visiting. I will say that I was in a class taught by their former "System Chief Pilot" (or equivalent) and he seemed like a nice, sharp guy. Good luck.
 
my former boss' son went to flyers in ADS. They work pretty much as advertised. Not anything impressive, but they get the job done for the most part.
 
Boris Badenov said:
ghoster: I know they're apocryphally known as "American Liars". On the other hand, every organization under the sun has SOMEONE ready to tell a bad story about em. I'd suspect with that much time under your belt, you can determine whether they pass the "sniff test" by visiting. I will say that I was in a class taught by their former "System Chief Pilot" (or equivalent) and he seemed like a nice, sharp guy. Good luck.
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It is all about location. It isn't the same quality at every location and that leads to problems as they advertise all the locations the same. PMP and ADS are both good for CFI schools.

Their chicago location sucks though.
 
Do it. I used to work at American Flyers at SMO and the CFI program is the only thing that they do good for a decent price. If you have any specific questions shoot me a PM.
 
Italianaviator said:
Just to probe here a little bit. Did you decide to pursue a career in aviation and decide it wasn't for you or the economy was crap or you just amassed 2000 hours by flying for pure enjoyment?
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No, i built my time flying privately with some flying done in my previous business in conjunction with business. I wanted a career in aviation but due to family responsibilities could not leave my profession. Now, I am able to do so and want to continue flying and learning. Going to AF would seem to be the best way to achieve the ratings. It has been my experience that most new skills that you learn are done so by a combination of getting "basic" information and then really learning those skills later by practical application.
 
Maurus said:
Their chicago location sucks though.
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yeah I disagree with this statement...while I'll agree that AF is VERY expensive/overpriced the training is very good.

They charge around $200 /hr dual!!!! (and they claim that you can't get your PPL for less then $12,000)

BUT the CFI training is very good! Its the only program that actually is worth it for around 3200 you get CFI and CFII in their 30 day program.

I got my CFI done there.

ignore the fact that the Dupage FSDO is a pain in the ass and has one of the worst fail rates in the country (it was around 90% fail on the CFI initial back in Dec. 09)
 
Any thoughts on Ft Lauderdale? I've had a few friends go there and they had good things to say. I'm thinking about going there in the Winter.
 
AMF Pompano beach, best training i have ever required. Age difference can change learning levels, that is not to say you can achieve your goal with in 30 days. It is definitely do-able and they will train you not only just to pass your check ride. Their ground instructors and flight instructor are highly knowledgeable and a friendly staff. 5 stars for them!
 
I agree with your assessment you'd do better in a tightly structured learning environment. This mostly due to your age. Can and will AF/Dallas provide that? My only caveat would be to bring the facility fully onboard that your CFIs will be challenged to provide exactly what they market to the prospective student. Said another way, they shall provide an instructor who is capable of matching your expectations and who can consistently provide instruction to the ATP standard. It is not negotiable.

I know the CFI PTS says nothing of the sort but that you are at ATP standards you would expect the same of any instructor provided to you.

BTW: I'm 52 and have been self-employed most of my life providing to high end clients.
 
I did my CFI with them back in 1999 at the San Jose, CA facility and it was great. I did all my training there, as a matter of fact.
 
check out the ATP flight school CFI program as well. Might be cheaper and definitely faster if that matters to you. $6,000 for all three ratings, includes writtens.
 
RICHARD5 said:
I agree with your assessment you'd do better in a tightly structured learning environment. This mostly due to your age. Can and will AF/Dallas provide that? My only caveat would be to bring the facility fully onboard that your CFIs will be challenged to provide exactly what they market to the prospective student. Said another way, they shall provide an instructor who is capable of matching your expectations and who can consistently provide instruction to the ATP standard. It is not negotiable.

I know the CFI PTS says nothing of the sort but that you are at ATP standards you would expect the same of any instructor provided to you.

BTW: I'm 52 and have been self-employed most of my life providing to high end clients.
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"due to my age"? I didnt know that I was old. Somebody forgot to tell me. Dang, now I gotta quit flying acro, driving my motorcycle cross-country and sky-diving. Dang! :D
 
ghoster said:
"due to my age"? I didnt know that I was old. Somebody forgot to tell me. Dang, now I gotta quit flying acro, driving my motorcycle cross-country and sky-diving. Dang! :D
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Way to go Ghoster! You ought to hang around here and spread some of your knowledge of life with some of these youngins'!!!
 
ghoster said:
"due to my age"? I didnt know that I was old. Somebody forgot to tell me. Dang, now I gotta quit flying acro, driving my motorcycle cross-country and sky-diving. Dang! :D
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I didn't say old. Although I guess I can say curmudgeous since you seem reluctant to admit there is a difference in learning at say, age 20 and age 60.:)
 
From what I've seen hanging around Hooks and from at least three of my former co-workers, they all talked with American Flyers as well, yet they went with CFICARE.

Just another perspective.
 
Thanks, will take a look at CFICARE. I live in New Braunfels so as far as distance, it is about the same.
 
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