American Flyers

A

Arnie7781

Well-Known Member
Does anyone have any experience (good or bad) with this flight school, or know of anyone who's trained there? I'm considering the 30 day CFI/CFII program. I appreciate the help.
 
There is a good bit of info on them already, check out the search function. But it seems most of the people who went there don't see it as a bad place.

I'll wait for the others.
 
I finished my comm there and they did everything they could to finish me in the short time frame I had given them and in the budget I gave them. The instructors were good and the Chief Pilot was a really good guy. A little expensive is my only issue.
 
Chewie von Nubbins said:
Good luck to you in getting information. It has been like pulling teeth to me. Check out this thread.

http://forums.jetcareers.com/general-topics/15689-american-flyers-cfi-cfii-academy.html
Click to expand...

What more can I tell you? I went. I was on track to get my ratings in the advertised time frame until I had to leave due my father passing away. I saw my classmates pass their checkrides and go home with their CFI/CFII tickets, so I know they delivered for everyone that worked for it. I felt they had a well structured program, good instructors, adequate aircraft and can deliver in the advertised time frame, but not likely at the advertised price. They are expensive compared to an FBO, but cheaper and faster than an aviation oriented university or Flight Safety, which are likely the only other places that would approach the kind of environment AF provides.

Note that I was there a few years ago though. I'd be interested in retention of instructors given the current state of regional hiring. Overall, I had a pretty good time at Addison have made several posts of my experiences here on JC, going back to the time I started the program.

I'd say call the Addison location and talk to Brian Williams to feel out how things are going there now.
 
I appreciate the feedback, especially the link. I haven't quite mastered the search function just yet.

I've spoken with these guys a few times by phone and it sounds legit to me. My multi-engine instructor recommended them as well.

As far as the cost issue goes, I doubt you'd be able to get CFI/CFII ANYWHERE for $2,995 including @ American Flyers. When I spoke with them on the phone, they were pretty up front about the program realistically costing $4,500-$5,000. I think knowing that going in changes things a bit.

Currently, I can't schedule my instructor enough at my local FBO and I'm not interested in a true accelerated program...AF...to me, sounds like it falls somewhere inbetween.

Prereqs are commercial single engine, no writtens.

I've finished my writtens and I've even taken a few ground lessons for the CFI. I can do ground and/or fly 5-6 times a week, but my instructor is only available 1-2 days a week. At that rate, I'd be lucky to have just the CFI by Christmas.

Thanks again.
 
Arnie7781 said:
I appreciate the feedback, especially the link. I haven't quite mastered the search function just yet.

I've spoken with these guys a few times by phone and it sounds legit to me. My multi-engine instructor recommended them as well.

As far as the cost issue goes, I doubt you'd be able to get CFI/CFII ANYWHERE for $2,995 including @ American Flyers. When I spoke with them on the phone, they were pretty up front about the program realistically costing $4,500-$5,000. I think knowing that going in changes things a bit.

Currently, I can't schedule my instructor enough at my local FBO and I'm not interested in a true accelerated program...AF...to me, sounds like it falls somewhere inbetween.

Prereqs are commercial single engine, no writtens.

I've finished my writtens and I've even taken a few ground lessons for the CFI. I can do ground and/or fly 5-6 times a week, but my instructor is only available 1-2 days a week. At that rate, I'd be lucky to have just the CFI by Christmas.

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

Did you ask how they are handling the check rides? When I went, you did the CFII as the intial under 141, then did the CFI with a DPE of which several were available so it was not uncommon to have 3 or 4 guys take check rides with different DPE's in one day. If AF no longer has 141 approval, the initial will most likely be with an FAA examiner. The problem there is you become hostage to the FAA's schedule. It could significantly impact your training if you have to wait for a FAA examiner to be available.

Otherwise, I'd say you sound like a good candidate for AF's program. The opportunity to practice teaching with your class mates and working through developing your own lesson plans so you are comfortable with them is something that would be very hard to do though most FBOs. In my opinion youd need a very good instructor to come close. I enjoyed the 100% immersion in the material and the structure AF provided and I came home with a full set of lesson plans done feeling ready to teach. I hope your experince is as positive as mine.
 
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