Florida flight Schools

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Omar

Well-Known Member
Hello! Haven't been here in a long time. Nice that this site is still here!

So my situation. I'm looking to get back into flight training. I have PPL with IFR, and am looking to get CFI (and more, if possible).

I am working with my local employment agency since I'm a recently laid off worker from Kennedy Space Center, because they can provide some financial training assistance.

I went to a local airport and got a quote for training up to CFI. It was too rich for Brev Workforce moneywise (about $15k, I need a lot of time building, only have 170 hours), but they suggested I take this quote to other schools in the area and see if they can give me a better offer.

I am doing my own research as well, but was wondering if anyone is familiar with flight schools in the Central Florida area and could make suggestions. I've been out of the game for a while, but I think $15k to get me from 170 hours to CFI is a bit much, but I don't know what IS reasonable these days.

Would appreciate any input, thanks for taking the time to read!
 
I don't think that is unreasonable at all. Sounds about like $200 an hour. That is about the going rate for an aircraft, good instructor, and gas. I'm sure they included ground training in that quote as well which you will need a lot of for CFI/II/MEI training. (And you will need more than just a CFI to find a good job instructing).

You can certainly find cheaper places to just build up the time you need. Probably for around $100 an hour which would cost you about $8,000 just for the airplane and gas. And its not likely to be a very nice/reliable aircraft. But when you include istructor fees to learn all the commercial maneuvers, the ground training to get prepared for the CFI, and the time it will take you to be ready to teach students in an aircraft from the right seat... You would easily be looking north of $12 or $13,000. And thats just to get everything done in the bare minimum of 250 hours. You will likely need more than that. Aviation is not a cheap endeavor. And when you think you have found a good deal, there is almost always a catch. You just don't want that catch to find you at 500ft off the dearture end of the runway.

Good luck in your decision.
 
Ahh, I understand. Thanks for the reply! Like I said, I wasn't totally sure what is and isn't reasonable these days. Glad to have a better gauge now.

So now the search continues.

Thanks again!
 
Omar said:
Ahh, I understand. Thanks for the reply! Like I said, I wasn't totally sure what is and isn't reasonable these days. Glad to have a better gauge now.

So now the search continues.

Thanks again!
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Check out Crystal River Aero Group they have a good CFI program. You also may get lucky and get Gudi their staff DPE for your ride.
 
chrisreedrules said:
I don't think that is unreasonable at all. Sounds about like $200 an hour. That is about the going rate for an aircraft, good instructor, and gas. I'm sure they included ground training in that quote as well which you will need a lot of for CFI/II/MEI training. (And you will need more than just a CFI to find a good job instructing).
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True, but 70 hours dual is a bit much to get a comm/CFI. Finding someone to split time with for 50 hours should get you into the $2,500 range for the time you need. The Comm training shouldn't take long - there aren't that many maneuvers to learn, and the CFI should be mostly self study. Not unreasonable to do it for $8k or so either.
 
Try Palm Beach Flight Training just south of you at LNA Lantana, FL. Look up the reviews on the school. Numerous people have had nothing but positive things to say about the school, including me who did my CFI training there. Highly recommend them.
 
Rotor2Wing said:
Check out Crystal River Aero Group they have a good CFI program. You also may get lucky and get Gudi their staff DPE for your ride.
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Very much this. People talk about mom and pop flight schools being a good deal, and this is a great example. Experienced instruction, and a real family environment. Really doesn't get any better.
 
Omar said:
Hello! Haven't been here in a long time. Nice that this site is still here!

So my situation. I'm looking to get back into flight training. I have PPL with IFR, and am looking to get CFI (and more, if possible).

I am working with my local employment agency since I'm a recently laid off worker from Kennedy Space Center, because they can provide some financial training assistance.

I went to a local airport and got a quote for training up to CFI. It was too rich for Brev Workforce moneywise (about $15k, I need a lot of time building, only have 170 hours), but they suggested I take this quote to other schools in the area and see if they can give me a better offer.

I am doing my own research as well, but was wondering if anyone is familiar with flight schools in the Central Florida area and could make suggestions. I've been out of the game for a while, but I think $15k to get me from 170 hours to CFI is a bit much, but I don't know what IS reasonable these days.

Would appreciate any input, thanks for taking the time to read!
Click to expand...

Hey Omar, sorry to hear about the KSC layoffs and for the late post. I recently came across info on Flight Safety Academy's web site (they're down in Vero Beach) about getting the CFI/CFII/MEI certificates for free as long as you can make a two year commitment . . . you need to have your Commercial SEL/MEL ticket before you can apply but this is one of the best CFI training programs around and as far as I know they're still a reputable flight school; it may be a cheaper route for you after getting your CPL.

http://www.flightsafetyacademy.com/fsa_candidate_opportunity.php

I live in Melbourne and can suggest other places nearby if need be. Best of luck and let me know if you're up for flying around the Space Coast some time. Cheers!
 
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