Goldmember
Well-Known Member
Hey all, I've been studying for my initial CFI. Here's the deal, I spent the last year working overseas to save cash for my Instrument, Com, and CFI. My instructor and I worked out a plan and a budget to get everything done. So, fast forward, I have my instrument and com and am now just cramming for my CFI and trying to teach everything. We had originally scheduled for CFI training 2 flights in the Arrow from the right seat, and 2 ground sessions and then the plane for the checkride to come out to $800-$1000. We did it this way to save money by building time in the 152 to 240 hours, then after the 10 hours in the Arrow I would get my com and CFI right after. However, I had to do my Com training as if I was training for my CFI so I wouldn't "pass" a maneuver unless I could also teach it. Again, we did this to save money. So now here we are and I walk into the FBO yesterday and my CFI starts talking about a 5-day program, 9-5 for 5 days of ground with 8 hours of Arrow time mixed in. I was like, WHAT??? I don't have that kind of cash because I only saved enough for the budget and I'm not throwing 4k on a credit card I can tell you that, not with the way the economy is today.
So I guess I need help in understanding how other people got their rating. I was under the impression I would study myself, do several ground checks, the two flights in the Arrow and do the ride. Is that legit or am I fooling myself here? My CFI said this is the way he did it but I think what's behind all this is the fact that the last 10 or so people this school has sent to the FAA have failed their initial and the FAA is getting pretty upset about the preparedness of the students. Also, this school is trying to do a 141 thing but their numbers are awfully low right now so it may be a combo of the FAA coming down on them and the school trying to get more cash.
I don't know, It just really took the wind out of my sails and I can't even study today knowing I don't have the cash to finish when I'm so close. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks
So I guess I need help in understanding how other people got their rating. I was under the impression I would study myself, do several ground checks, the two flights in the Arrow and do the ride. Is that legit or am I fooling myself here? My CFI said this is the way he did it but I think what's behind all this is the fact that the last 10 or so people this school has sent to the FAA have failed their initial and the FAA is getting pretty upset about the preparedness of the students. Also, this school is trying to do a 141 thing but their numbers are awfully low right now so it may be a combo of the FAA coming down on them and the school trying to get more cash.
I don't know, It just really took the wind out of my sails and I can't even study today knowing I don't have the cash to finish when I'm so close. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks