FBO vs. Academy

I am thinking about the same things Tech. It seems Doug is right, and usually is; A combination of FBO and large school(Academy) is the right mixture.

Right now, I plan to try and get as far as I can at the FBO level, but only want to get my PPL and IFR rating. Some work towards a commercial is fine, but I am not sure I want to finish it at the FBO.

After that, it seems like an academy will not only speed things up, but also provide more bang for your buck. I do not want to show up to my first regional interview with a measly 100 hours ME time. My personal goal is more like 400. Also, for me personally, age is a factor as I am 31 right now. I cannot really afford to dilly dally for 3-4 years getting all my tickets and hours at an FBO.
 
I'm leaning that way also. It's looking like I'll probably go through the commercial at the FBO. From there I'll go to ATP to do the multiengine and instructor ratings. I think that'll be the cheapest way and still get the benefits of going to one of the bigger schools.

The one thing I don't like about the FBO is definitely the pace. I'd much rather just do it instead of, like you said, dilly dally. I'd like to make flying my number one priority and get the training done asap. Most of the FBO's I've talked to say that it's pretty much impossible to get it all done in less than a year. Another reason why I don't plan on doing it all through an FBO.

What bigger schools are you considering finishing at?
 
Yeah I cannot really afford to dilly dally for long either, but it does seem to be the cheapest way. I did the same thing in college too….Went to a community college and then transferred to Cornell for the final 2 uhh 3 years.

Not sure which academy I am going to finish at yet. Ari-Ben seems to have the most positive remarks about the training atmosphere in their forum. ATP is close to me in Dallas, and it would be faster, yet more expensive. I have read a couple derogatory things about that schools environment, but it is not a HUGE detractor right now. Skymates seems a little pricey, but I have not really looked into that school much yet.
 
"Most of the FBO's I've talked to say that it's pretty much impossible to get it all done in less than a year"

I want you to start saying this to your FBO's "I want to fly every day and work with the same CFI as much as possible. Is there any reason that would be a problem" Any FBO with three or more aircraft available for primary instruction and full time CFI's should be receptive. I just don't see why not. Not trying to steer you away from FBO's, it's just that I hear what you're saying all the time at JC and I have to think prospects just aren't asking the question right. SOME FBO's, really laid back ones or really small ones, simply don't have the resources to be able to promise to push you through quick.

Also, it's a rare FBO that would does a lot of ME or CFI training. That's best left to a larger academy/school.
 
Well, I guess to answer everyones questions, you will just have to wait and see. Around the end of July, beginning of August, I should be finished up with my training. At a small FBO in Rural Kansas. I started Feb 21st, 2006. Oh and paying far less than anywhere else I have seen.
 
You mean you have gone from 0 hours to being on schedule for a CFI rating in 7-8 months? Wow...Just Wow if that is true. I did not think it possible at a small FBO.

How many hours do you have? What ratings? How much did it cost? Are youi rich, or did you take out some personal loans?
 
I have 130 hours about right now. I am on schedule to be finished in about 6 months start to finish. I am not rich, but I made some good investments and never borrowed any money. That is how I am able to pay cash for my training. I also pay as I go, usually about $4,000 at a time. I start flying the Twin in a few days to start my CMEL. After that I will transition to the right seat and do a combination of CSEL and CFI work until I get to 250TT and take my CMEL,CSEL,CFI,CFII,MEI checkrides.

I do not fly everyday, but most days I do.
 
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