Best accelerated CFI program?

A150K

A150K

Well-Known Member
As in the title....After the situation my ex-flight school put me through with my CSEL, I've changed back to my primary/instrument instructor who I trust and consider a friend and he's signed me off for the ride on the 9th after 1 flight and a quick ground session (I won't go into details in public about the flight school, PM me for details if you wish, but I was majorly screwed over...). Anyway, back on track :insane: I may have a solid CFI gig lined up (comes at a perfect time, I really can't afford to pay for flying anymore) thanks to a few friends (networking works), and I'd really like to get my CFI/I done quickly so I can get on with things. I've looked into all the programs, and I've pretty much narrowed it down to ATP, Sheble, and American Flyers. The only problem I have with American Flyers is that there program is 30 days-I can't take that much time off work. I'd be going into it with both writtens done, some dual from the right seat, and a spin endorsement. Sheble's program is the cheapest, but I've heard mixed reviews about the quality of their training (I'm used to unstructured chaos thanks to my CSEL training debacle, I'd really rather never go through it again), but I've also heard their DE is authorized to give CFI initials-that would make it easy to get a gouge and prepare for his emphasis areas. Any input appreciated. BTW, if that Frank guy I've heard so much about is still at ATP Vegas, I'd really rather not deal with that (I had a rude, unprofessional instructor for the first part of my commercial training, I have thick skin (born in South Philly :afro:), but when I'm paying for a service, I expect to be treated accordingly).
 
First...when I was doing the research, American Flyers had a two week program that they did not advertise. So you might want to call Mike and ask.

Second...I did my CFI through Crystal Aero Group and can not say enough about it. They do not advertise much in the US (mainly Europe) but are top notch. 10 planes, in house maintenance, the owner is a retired Navy guy and his wife is the DPE. The area is nice if you want to take a family or you can stay in one of the school rooms for $15/night. PM me if you need more info.

www.facebook.com/pages/Crystal-Aero-Group/129386049749

www.crystalaerogroup.com
 
Never been to any other than ATP. But from everything I know about accelerated programs, and from what I read about them, ATP is hands down the best out there. It will get you all of them (CFI/II/MEI), in two weeks if you show up prepared. Msg TLD, she just finished hers, and can give you the skinny on it. When I did it a few years ago, it was a program that you HAD to show up prepared for, but they do gove you the tools to be prepared for it ahead of time.


I used to teach the one at American Flyers, and it was very good, but not accelerated. You don't get the MEI, and it's nearly the same price as ATP's, plus, you'll have to pay for a place to stay. I am fairly certain that the ATP course includes the housing while you are there.

For the money, it can't be beat.
 
Thanks for the replies! I'm not MEL rated yet (the school I may have something lined up with has a twin, I may be able to negotiate something with them), so I'm really just looking for the CFI/I to start. Beetween ATP and Am. Flyers, I'd probably do ATP (do they even have complex singles there? That could be an issue if they don't).
 
I did mine at ATP LZU and I can't say enough good things about that. You have to show up prepared and ready to work.

I did not seen any complex singles at that location in my time there.
 
ATP does the MEI first. Forget about them if you want to do your single CFI/I first, which I heartily recommend.
 
Why don't you just ask your old instructor to give you a local accelerated course? You're both already known quantities to each other.
 
mshunter said:
If you plan on trying to get some multi students, whats it matter if you get your MEI first?
Click to expand...

I don't plan on any multi students initiallty. I'd have to get my CMEL before I could get the MEI and I'd rather, for financial reasons, get my CFI/I, start working, then get the MEL/MEI.
 
mshunter said:
If you plan on trying to get some multi students, whats it matter if you get your MEI first?
Click to expand...
If you actually know you will do a significant amount of ME instruction immediately following the initial MEI, then MEI first wouldn't be a potential safety problem.
But most new CFIs will instruct single only until attaining a seniority level to start multi students, and by that time, the MEI skill may be rusty and more potentially dangerous.
Doing the MEI first, and jumping in immediately with new multi students is not, generally speaking, on the best learning gradient for most people.

And I was heartily recommending that course to the OP. Given his post.
 
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