Ari Ben Aviator
- Thread starter jspeed87
- Start date
ppragman
FLIPY FLAPS!
Those guys suck. I had to get a loan when I was going to go to get my CFIs and then when I had a family emergency and had to cancel my stay, they almost sent me to collections for flying I didn't do. Nor did they want to turn my loans back over to the bank. Luckily, it was sorted out.
Boris Badenov
Fortis Leader
At the risk of repeating myself, do your training with someone you know and have met face to face. You might pay a little more, but it's amazing what knowing the same people and having to look you in the eye will to for someone's ethical compass.
jspeed87
Well-Known Member
so the instructors at the aviator change alot?
kellwolf
Piece of Trash
Probably about as much as ATP or another similar school.
As far as the government accreditation for loans....it's not THAT hard to get. Even puppy mills have a USDA license.
casey
Well-Known Member
yea, dont put any stock in this. All a flight school needs to do is go through the red tape of setting up a part 141 program. Once they have an approved syllabus and get the feds to sign off, they are good to go. This isnt any real sort of "accreditation" in the sense an educational institution would go through.
Boris Badenov
Fortis Leader
Sorry that was unclear. I meant the owners.
I would be very skeptical of people who complain about flight schools. Most of the time it's not the flight school. If they have a pattern of dangerous maintenance problems then it's another thing. If they've killed someone every year, then I would deffinatly look into it... otherwise, it's a multi at least you have a chance if you have an engine failure.
greaper007
Well-Known Member
I was an Ari Ben student and instructor I left in november 2006 though so I can't say how they are now. When I was there it had its problems but mx wise wasn't any worse than the airline that I work for now. At the time aviator was the absolute cheapest program out there, which is why I went. Another capt at Colgan told me the Aviator is for sale, anyone else hear that?
DenverPilot8
Well-Known Member
I just finished my private/instrument multi with them. I asked them to finish me in 10 hours and they did just that. So far I have had a good experience. THings can get busy and it is easy to get lost in the shuffle. As far as maintenance goes I did not see anything in particular that was alarming. Those planes fly A LOT and I would expect frequent maintenance. I'm heading down there to finish my Commercial Multi with them in a couple weeks.
BillErvin
Peddling as fast as I can
Straight scoop, I'm a student there NOW. :hiya:
I've only been here three weeks, (well, maybe two) but here are my impressions.
Maintenance; I've been around airplanes all my life, helped my uncle overhaul more than one engine, recovered his J-3, help him re-skin part of the wing on his bonanza, built my own RV6 and am currently building an RV9A. I've worked on them, flown them, rode on them, yadda yadda. The maintenance here is very good from what I've seen. The Mech's are quick to jump on a problem, when small issues come up, you go to the shop, and they answer the question or come out to the line and fix it on the spot. I've rarely seen an airplane down more than one day, most of the time it's back on the line the next morning. Also contrary to others on the forum, they all speak English, and appear to be US Citizens.
The other thing to take into consideration is that they work on these same airplanes day in and day out. They know them inside and out. In my book that's a good thing. Right now, they are working to completely refurbish three duchesses.
The Airplanes; The Duchesses and 172s are old, so what, so are the majority of the aircraft flying today. They fly well, and admittedly have a few quirks as old airplanes do. Some have Garmin 430s, some have old Collins line or King NavCom's, one has a 430 and and Aspen systems EFIS. Personally, I prefer the old collins equipment, the youngsters want the ones with the 430s, so I fly every day
Instructors; I've met most of the instructors, everyone has been professional, knowledgeable, and willing to answer questions. They don't get paid for ground school or to answer questions, but they do it anyway, because that's what it takes to get their students through.
The School; the building is the weak point, its small and can get noisy, not conducive for study. Rumor is, that's about to change.
This school is less expensive and has been around when others have come and gone. Why? Probably because they don't have brand new fancy glass paneled airplanes @ $250K, 500K or a Mil. a copy, they own what they fly. They are slowly refurbishing and updating when they can afford it.
Sounds like a lesson some of these kids with SJS need to learn. :banghead::banghead::banghead:
and No, I didn't get a loan, I'm paying my way with my own money.
anic:
I don't know what it was like last year, or five years ago, this is the way it is right now. Admittedly, I'm 51 years old, have a bit of life behind me and don't look at things with the impatience of a 19 year old that wants to fly for the Majors, RIGHT NOW:banghead:
My 2 pennies, Take for what its worth:drool:
I've only been here three weeks, (well, maybe two) but here are my impressions.
Maintenance; I've been around airplanes all my life, helped my uncle overhaul more than one engine, recovered his J-3, help him re-skin part of the wing on his bonanza, built my own RV6 and am currently building an RV9A. I've worked on them, flown them, rode on them, yadda yadda. The maintenance here is very good from what I've seen. The Mech's are quick to jump on a problem, when small issues come up, you go to the shop, and they answer the question or come out to the line and fix it on the spot. I've rarely seen an airplane down more than one day, most of the time it's back on the line the next morning. Also contrary to others on the forum, they all speak English, and appear to be US Citizens.
The other thing to take into consideration is that they work on these same airplanes day in and day out. They know them inside and out. In my book that's a good thing. Right now, they are working to completely refurbish three duchesses.
The Airplanes; The Duchesses and 172s are old, so what, so are the majority of the aircraft flying today. They fly well, and admittedly have a few quirks as old airplanes do. Some have Garmin 430s, some have old Collins line or King NavCom's, one has a 430 and and Aspen systems EFIS. Personally, I prefer the old collins equipment, the youngsters want the ones with the 430s, so I fly every day
Instructors; I've met most of the instructors, everyone has been professional, knowledgeable, and willing to answer questions. They don't get paid for ground school or to answer questions, but they do it anyway, because that's what it takes to get their students through.
The School; the building is the weak point, its small and can get noisy, not conducive for study. Rumor is, that's about to change.
This school is less expensive and has been around when others have come and gone. Why? Probably because they don't have brand new fancy glass paneled airplanes @ $250K, 500K or a Mil. a copy, they own what they fly. They are slowly refurbishing and updating when they can afford it.
Sounds like a lesson some of these kids with SJS need to learn. :banghead::banghead::banghead:
and No, I didn't get a loan, I'm paying my way with my own money.
anic:I don't know what it was like last year, or five years ago, this is the way it is right now. Admittedly, I'm 51 years old, have a bit of life behind me and don't look at things with the impatience of a 19 year old that wants to fly for the Majors, RIGHT NOW:banghead:
My 2 pennies, Take for what its worth:drool:
jspeed87
Well-Known Member
Straight scoop, I'm a student there NOW. :hiya:
I've only been here three weeks, (well, maybe two) but here are my impressions.
Maintenance; I've been around airplanes all my life, helped my uncle overhaul more than one engine, recovered his J-3, help him re-skin part of the wing on his bonanza, built my own RV6 and am currently building an RV9A. I've worked on them, flown them, rode on them, yadda yadda. The maintenance here is very good from what I've seen. The Mech's are quick to jump on a problem, when small issues come up, you go to the shop, and they answer the question or come out to the line and fix it on the spot. I've rarely seen an airplane down more than one day, most of the time it's back on the line the next morning. Also contrary to others on the forum, they all speak English, and appear to be US Citizens.
The other thing to take into consideration is that they work on these same airplanes day in and day out. They know them inside and out. In my book that's a good thing. Right now, they are working to completely refurbish three duchesses.
The Airplanes; The Duchesses and 172s are old, so what, so are the majority of the aircraft flying today. They fly well, and admittedly have a few quirks as old airplanes do. Some have Garmin 430s, some have old Collins line or King NavCom's, one has a 430 and and Aspen systems EFIS. Personally, I prefer the old collins equipment, the youngsters want the ones with the 430s, so I fly every day
Instructors; I've met most of the instructors, everyone has been professional, knowledgeable, and willing to answer questions. They don't get paid for ground school or to answer questions, but they do it anyway, because that what it takes to get their students through.
The School; the building is the weak point, its small and can get noisy, not conducive for study. Rumor is, that's about to change.
This school is less expensive and has been around when others have come and gone. Why? Probably because they don't have brand new fancy glass paneled airplanes @ $250K, 500K or a Mil. a copy, they own what they fly. They are slowly refurbishing and updating when they can afford it.
Sounds like a lesson some of these kids with SJS need to learn. :banghead::banghead::banghead:
and No, I didn't get a loan, I'm paying my way with my own money.
I don't know what it was like last year, or five years ago, this is the way it is right now. Admittedly, I'm 51 years old, have a bit of life behind me and don't look at things with the impatience of a 19 year old that wants to fly for the Majors, RIGHT NOW:banghead:
My 2 pennies, Take for what its worth:drool:
wow that was good information. thanks.
LatitudeDancer
Well-Known Member
With less SJS student pilots trying to tear/burn down most larger schools, I'm sure they all are running a bit different these days (some better, some worse).
RPM
Well-Known Member
I went there back in like 03'ish.. the school has lots of problems but overall it was the best deal at the time and I would do it again if I had too.. was only 24K when I went though don't even want to know what it costs now..
I don't regret going there even with all the BS.. and you will have to overlook some management BS and some worn out planes that's for sure.. The planes break everyday.. mostly minor things, I never had a really serious failure that I can remember.. and then Mike Cohen is well, Mike.. he has his rants and fits and grounds the whole place on occasion.. then sometimes he can be normal.. he is someone you will just have to experience to understand..
but I met some lifetime friends there I still hang out with several times a year, we had a GREAT time, drank our ass off, played with lots of dirty florida girls.. and I got the multi-time I needed to get an airline job.. you will be on your own there, you will not receive much if any ground (depending on your instructor) I prob got like 3hrs ground total for all my ratings combined.. but my instructor was cool and taught me what I needed to know in the air. I did the rest on my own.. You have to be self motivated and very persistant to get anything done around there in a reasonable timeframe otherwise you will be delayed indefinitely (it happens, some people take years to get through). If you can't handle that (and some people can't) don't go there. If you can.. you will be fine.. frustrated at times.. but fine. Definitely live in the Houses if you go there, thats where all the fun is and its much, much nicer, everything else (the pines etc.) is ghetto..
Sure, at the time we all complained about MX, delays in training, management issues, hurricanes, Mike's rants etc.. when we were there but overall, all my friends I was there with would say they were glad they went there over a more expensive place without question I would say..
Eagle, Colgan and ExpressJet employ a LOT of the Ex 12/13th street gang.. Ill say that.
With this economy and the way the airlines are nowadays I would think twice about going to ANY flight school but if your into pain and suffering go for it..
I have a lot of old posts about the place if you want to dig them up.
I don't regret going there even with all the BS.. and you will have to overlook some management BS and some worn out planes that's for sure.. The planes break everyday.. mostly minor things, I never had a really serious failure that I can remember.. and then Mike Cohen is well, Mike.. he has his rants and fits and grounds the whole place on occasion.. then sometimes he can be normal.. he is someone you will just have to experience to understand..
but I met some lifetime friends there I still hang out with several times a year, we had a GREAT time, drank our ass off, played with lots of dirty florida girls.. and I got the multi-time I needed to get an airline job.. you will be on your own there, you will not receive much if any ground (depending on your instructor) I prob got like 3hrs ground total for all my ratings combined.. but my instructor was cool and taught me what I needed to know in the air. I did the rest on my own.. You have to be self motivated and very persistant to get anything done around there in a reasonable timeframe otherwise you will be delayed indefinitely (it happens, some people take years to get through). If you can't handle that (and some people can't) don't go there. If you can.. you will be fine.. frustrated at times.. but fine. Definitely live in the Houses if you go there, thats where all the fun is and its much, much nicer, everything else (the pines etc.) is ghetto..
Sure, at the time we all complained about MX, delays in training, management issues, hurricanes, Mike's rants etc.. when we were there but overall, all my friends I was there with would say they were glad they went there over a more expensive place without question I would say..
Eagle, Colgan and ExpressJet employ a LOT of the Ex 12/13th street gang.. Ill say that.
With this economy and the way the airlines are nowadays I would think twice about going to ANY flight school but if your into pain and suffering go for it..
I have a lot of old posts about the place if you want to dig them up.
RPM
Well-Known Member
eh.. you can watch those horrible videos if you want.. but we just basically read the books and studied amongst ourselves.. remember you will be living in a house (preferably) with 2 other people going through the same program as you at different levels.. we all just helped each other out with the book stuff..
and when I say zero ground I mean.. your instructor meets you in the plane and is outa there the minute you land.. no ground instruction whatsoever. Now, if you ask him for some help with something, Im sure he will be happy too, but they won't volunteer anything or hold your hand and read you the books, they will tell you what you need to learn on your own and expect you to do it.. they just aren't paid for ground time, and they didn't get it when they were a student there.. so just kinda the way it is.. Personally I didn't want ground instruction anyway, I work better just reading the books then asking a question if I need too.. I completed ALL the written exams BEFORE I even showed up there.. I highly recommend that, It made life so much easier on me while I was there because I didn't have to worry about them. I wouldn't sweat the no ground thing like some whiners do.. we all survived it fine and we all have thousands of hours of turbine time now and are still alive and well.. no big deal, you'll get through.
I recommend the Jeppesen Books, the FAA ones they give you suck for learning on your own with in my opinion.
now a good instructor won't let you go into a checkride unprepared though, if they see weak areas they hopefully "should" spend the time and work on them with you.
BillErvin
Peddling as fast as I can
This has not been my experience, I did a couple hours of ground with my instructor before I went up in an airplane and doing it now to prep for the multi-private checkride as well as a lot of self study. Signed up for Instrument ground last week although I do have John and Martha to fix any insomnia issues I might have
. You are right about being self motivated, if your not, you could get lost in the shuffle.Gotta go fly now:nana2:
Cactus_Cutter
Well-Known Member
Get use to MX issues in aviation. Let’s see the last 4 days for me:
APU MEL’d and the GPU runs out of gas twice while boarding.
Door sensors MEL’d.
In flight CPAM malfunction in flight causing pressurization malfunction.
Incorrect FMS database.
FMS craps out in flight.
Instrument displays crap out during ILS approach.
Radar altimeter going haywire causing all sorts of warnings.
Landing gear warnings at 15,000 AGL.
And I work for the so-called better MX company. But these aircraft are flown constantly and these things do break.