CharlestonCFII
New Member
Here\'s the scoop on the FSI waiting list...
I just graduated FSI in two weeks ago. I came there with my private pilots license. I left with my Commercial Multi/Single Engine Instrument/ CFI/CFII ratings. I am going for the interview to be an instructor in February.
When I came to FSI, the marketing department sold me on the idea(as they do everyone else) that I would more than likely be able to instruct for FSI, build lots of multi-time, etc., etc., etc. That was a lie then, and is an even bigger lie now.
I have a few friends in the marketing department, (who I'll leave nameless) but they are still telling customers that the waiting list is only about 6 months long. They know it's complete BS, but they are in marketing and that helps sell the school.
Here's the truth: the list is up to 69 right now. That means that 69 people must get hired before I will get hired. That means that if they hire 5 instructors a month, then it will be 14 months before I can come back to instruct there. Guess how many instructors they brought on in the last year that I was there? Not more than 25! The reality is that the wait is closer to a year and a half to 2 years before I get called back.
And the ASA program? Another lie. They have a class right now that one of my friends is in. It is the last class that ASA started. He just found out that his class will not have a chance for a job flying the RJ until 2004. ASA led him to believe that in 6 months he'd have a right seat job.
So, am I telling you not to go to FlightSafety? Absolutely not. I think its one of the best schools going. I think the instructors there are some of the best in aviation. I am happy with my choice at FSI.
Just remember, FSI is a business, and they need customers, $50,000 customers, which is what you will end up spending there no matter what they tell you. Right now, with things as bleak as they look, of course it makes since for FSI to sell themselves to potential customers by promising you that instructor job in 6 months or that right seat in the RJ in 6 months. Anyone at FSI right now who had been there for the last year and knows what's going on will tell you the same thing.
I'm not here to slam FSI, but I wish someone would have told me this before I gave them my $50,000. Right now aviation is in a slump, and I am sure it will get better, but let's be realistic. There's no way it's gonna pick up as quick as FSI, or any other flight school for that matter, says that it will.
Just my .02
I just graduated FSI in two weeks ago. I came there with my private pilots license. I left with my Commercial Multi/Single Engine Instrument/ CFI/CFII ratings. I am going for the interview to be an instructor in February.
When I came to FSI, the marketing department sold me on the idea(as they do everyone else) that I would more than likely be able to instruct for FSI, build lots of multi-time, etc., etc., etc. That was a lie then, and is an even bigger lie now.
I have a few friends in the marketing department, (who I'll leave nameless) but they are still telling customers that the waiting list is only about 6 months long. They know it's complete BS, but they are in marketing and that helps sell the school.
Here's the truth: the list is up to 69 right now. That means that 69 people must get hired before I will get hired. That means that if they hire 5 instructors a month, then it will be 14 months before I can come back to instruct there. Guess how many instructors they brought on in the last year that I was there? Not more than 25! The reality is that the wait is closer to a year and a half to 2 years before I get called back.
And the ASA program? Another lie. They have a class right now that one of my friends is in. It is the last class that ASA started. He just found out that his class will not have a chance for a job flying the RJ until 2004. ASA led him to believe that in 6 months he'd have a right seat job.
So, am I telling you not to go to FlightSafety? Absolutely not. I think its one of the best schools going. I think the instructors there are some of the best in aviation. I am happy with my choice at FSI.
Just remember, FSI is a business, and they need customers, $50,000 customers, which is what you will end up spending there no matter what they tell you. Right now, with things as bleak as they look, of course it makes since for FSI to sell themselves to potential customers by promising you that instructor job in 6 months or that right seat in the RJ in 6 months. Anyone at FSI right now who had been there for the last year and knows what's going on will tell you the same thing.
I'm not here to slam FSI, but I wish someone would have told me this before I gave them my $50,000. Right now aviation is in a slump, and I am sure it will get better, but let's be realistic. There's no way it's gonna pick up as quick as FSI, or any other flight school for that matter, says that it will.
Just my .02