Help Choosing a Flight School

A

AvDreamer

New Member
Hello All,

I am new here and wanted to start out by thanking Doug for taking the time to maintain this site...it is a great resource.

I'm getting ready to start on my PPL in the next few weeks and wanted to get some expert opinions regarding a few lingering questions about choosing a flight school. I'm looking to train at a "local" FBO. I am in Frederick, MD, so there are many choices nearby. I've done all of the preliminary research and made a couple of visits.

Now, my first choice is located at KJYO, but my main concern is that it is in the ADIZ. For those who fly in the area, is training from an airport in the ADIZ going to be more difficult (ie more complications and distractions) than one outside? Will it add significant time and $$ (ie, more time planning, etc)? What do I need to know that I might be missing?

I know that the first question is why I wouldn't train at KFDK...well it is a busy non-towered airport (which isn't a huge negative), but it is about 30% more expensive (that can add up quickly). I have not ruled it out, but didn't click with an instructor the last time I was there, so I would have to meet with a few more to find an ideal instructor. Whereas I found an instructor that I really felt comfortable with at KJYO.

I've initially narrowed it down to these two airports, but am still open to other facilities. There is a very good chance that I will go on for my CSEL, CMEL and potentially CFI, so I also am looking for a school where that is a possibility, which ruled out KOKV and KDMW. KHGR is also a possibility, but the costs are about the same as at KFDK and it is a towered airport.

So, any insight would be great. If you have any other suggestions or specific recommendations, I would be greatly appreciative.

Randy
 
I'm not at all familiar with your local area but I wouldn't worry about tower vs non-tower. They each have advantages and disadvantages. Personally, I like non-tower for training as not having to deal with ATC makes things easier.
 
Agreed, I think that I would lean toward a non-tower airport, even a busy one.

I did receive one PM that was helpful...there must be other pilots in the area that can weigh in on this topic...

I've initially concluded that the ADIZ is not worth the hassle, but would appreciate any additional input.

BTW, just a reminder, the FAA is proposing that the ADIZ become permanant...comments are due by November 2nd. Lots of good updated info on the AOPA site.
 
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