New Info On Sierra

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I heard that Mr. Kevin Lee was fired recently. I wonder why. Hmmmmm....

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Well the instructors were told today that he quit. I don't know if that is the truth or not, but reguardless of why he's gone, more improvements are being made. We're expecting yet another new plane next week and more to follow in the weeks to come. They are on schedule with where they wanted to be with the new planes. Keep in mind we are sharing aircraft with Stockton too, so they don't all come to OAK. By June they should be running with the fleet they want. We got the copy machine replaced, and from my understanding they are replacing the vending machines in the snack room. Aircraft availability is getting increasingly better. Its almost back to "pre-break" capacity. I was canceled for weather on Monday, but flew Wednesday through Friday. So for all practical purposes, I got a plane four days this week. Big improvement over the twice a week or so from just a few weeks ago. The Key Bank situation has been settled, and we are now just waiting for the loans to come through.

I'm not saying anyone is wrong, or anyone is lying, but from what I see, things are consistantly getting better. I understand the frustration that many students have, but many are expecting things to happen overnight which simply will not happen. KSA, originally told us it would take 6-7 months to turn the place around, so why is everyone surprised that it hasn't happend after only 3 months? It does not make any sense to me that a business that is about to close would be spending so much money. It could all be a ploy to make it look better than it is, but the bottom line is its costing money. I seriously doubt that KSA, or Skip, or whoever it is that's behind all of these improvements is doing it just to make the school look better. Its simply costing them too much money for that to be the case. When someone is trying to get rid of thier car, they don't spend any more money on it than they have to. But then again what do I know? I'm "only a student pilot".
 
You also forgot loans are back and they just bought new sims and they are already in the market for the 737 sims for jet transition stuff. And for Kevin I talked with him on friday. He left the operations side of the company. He will be around school helping out for a few weeks. So if he was fired as some say, then why is he still around. I think that some of the people whom are against this new company or lack the business knowledge need to look at the long run picture. I know in the short run things will be bad, but the company does not really care. It is a 5 year plan and after 3 months I can say that things are better. We are at least open still. Plus the vending machines are being replaced by school ones, so things will be cheaper for the students( I requested that they need to keep the Pop Tarts). And they are redoing dispatch to make it more open. At this point we can not expect anything better I am happy and I hope everyone whom has left bitter or mad finds what they are looking for.
 
Hello,

Just my two cents in after reading all the threads since January.

Even though they may be investing in a new SIM, planes, vending machines, remember that in the eventually Sierra does not work out for them, all those "acquisitions" will most likely go to their Stockton facility. I'm sure they want to expand that side as well.

Just a thought?

Sky
 
That's a very good point. Also, Mr. Fly Guy forgot to mention that they decided to give all the instructor raises, yet they took away all of their health benefits. It's great to hear that they're getting new airplanes also, but are they actually flying it yet? And as for cleaning up the place....is that the best they can do? Cleaning the building doesn't put a lop-sided building back to its original position! Vending machines? You gotta be kidding. You didn't sign up for Sierra for that, did you ? Incidentally, Mr. Lee decides to "quit," yet he wants to remain at Sierra to do charity work -- sounds odd, doesn't it ?
 
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That's a very good point. Also, Mr. Fly Guy forgot to mention that they decided to give all the instructor raises, yet they took away all of their health benefits.

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Actually I hadn't heard that, but I've heard no complaints, so the overall compensation can't be too bad. But then again what do I know? I'm "only a student pilot."

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It's great to hear that they're getting new airplanes also, but are they actually flying it yet?

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For someone who claims to be an expert on what's going on at Sierra, you sure don't seem to have a clue about our new planes. I'll have you know that they, (not it) are all flying. I know this because I have personally flown them all. The new sims I can't testify to because I haven't actually seen them yet but I'll keep you updated. But then again what do I know? I'm "only a student pilot."

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And as for cleaning up the place....is that the best they can do? Cleaning the building doesn't put a lop-sided building back to its original position! Vending machines? You gotta be kidding. You didn't sign up for Sierra for that, did you?


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Seven, I was simply mentioning some of the things that have been done. Is that the best they can do? Well no its not. They have plans sometime in the next 1-3 years to either move to a new facility, or build a new facility, either at OAK or another airport in the Bay Area. Now I know exactly what you are going to say. "Blah blah blah, broken promise, blah blah blah, where's this new building?" I'll tell you right now and type slowly so that you understand. Its a LONG TERM PLAN. THEY DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO MAKE EVERY IMPROVEMENT ALL AT ONCE. THEY HAVE OTHER PRIORITIES NOW. Things like cleaning/reorganizing and replacing the vending machines are a means to make the place a little more pleasant in the mean time. Personally, I drive a beater. I can't afford to buy a new car now, but cleaning it every once in a while, and adding fun little accesories makes it more pleasant to drive in the mean time. Go take a look at the Stockton location. Its not too shabby. Any Sierra student who is so stuck up that they cannot stand the OAK location, is more than welcome to transfer to Stockton. But then again what do I know? I'm "only a student pilot."

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Incidentally, Mr. Lee decides to "quit," yet he wants to remain at Sierra to do charity work -- sounds odd, doesn't it ?

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Shure as hell sounds a lot less odd than him doing "charity work" after he got FIRED. I bet you think its all an elaborate ploy to keep the students enrolled, don't you? Kevin Lee fakes quitting his job while rumors of him getting fired circulate, all to show Sierra students how devoted KSA is. "Hell, even after getting fired management will stick around and work for free. Now that's devotion! Come do your training at Sierra." Something like that right? I bet that'll go in the next full page ad in Flying Magazine. By the way, pick up a copy of Flying since KSA took over and see just how many ads for Sierra there are. According to you KSA will spend any amount of money to make the school look awsome and keep the students comming, yet they discontinued the magazine ads.
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For someone who claims to have no ties with Sierra, you sure seem to be passionate about uncovering their faults. Did they really screw you over so badly that you are still holding a grudge? Is it possible that you are one of the disgrunteled students that bailed during the break? But I suppose you "can't disclose" anything about that.

But then again what do I know? I'm "only a student pilot."
 
Just letting everybody know that I must not be as smart as you because I'm "only a student pilot" and don't hold as many ratings. It seemed important enough for you to mention it.

Since you don't seem to understand my sarcasm I'll spell it out for you. I was very offended by the following:

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If your happy with Sierra.. more power to you, but I would venture to guess your in the minority.

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What do you expect? The guy is only a student pilot.

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I know a few things at for sure. I am almot done at Sierra and still with all the changes will finish the program in 18 months and no budget. So it can be done even with all the bad. The sims will be here in mid-may. As for the new planes I have to flown them and have not been N/A for weeks now. For all the people that feel they were screwed, look at where we would of been if none of this would a happen. It is called life, I learned one thing in the military "adapt, overcome and improvise" So lets call a bitter truce, no more he,said she,said bs. But "I am only a CFI" What the hell do I really know?
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I know this is a subject change, but I just wanted to hear if Dan Shaffer is still around at Sierra, and who are chief instructors these days?
 
Update on Sierra as of Feb. 10th 2005

Sierra seems to be doing better and better each month since our move from Oakland. We have been transitioning to the newer model C-172's which are fuel injected. The seats are much more comfortable for the longer flights but they are not as agile in the sky. Many people still favor the maneuverability of the old style Cessna.

After a few grounded planes by the FAA due to little airworthiness things (missing fuel cap chain, etc) we seem to have enough planes for just about everyone to fly each day.

We have 2 BE76's and about 12 C-172's and 1 C-152 for spin training

We are now allowed to fuel our own planes instead of depending on Livermore's truck. There are goods and bads to both.

There are flyers on the bulletin board displaying the new Glass cockpit Cessna, which the owners are planning on acquiring. It says “soon” but I am not sure how long it will take to get them.

The tower at KLVK seems to be handling the new workload of training aircraft pretty well. They have met with the instructors a few times to make sure that everyone is on the same page about departure procedures and such. Most students have been training near the Mt. Diablo area now, as well as Byron (C-83) and Tracy (TCY).

Looks like we have a new webpage too: http://www.sierraacademy.com/

P.S. how do I post photos of Sierra on here?

Here is a link to some photos of Sierra for now: http://f2.pg.briefcase.yahoo.com/bc/cessnaflyer123@sbcglobal.net/lst?.dir=/Sierra&.view=l
 
Its good to know that Sierra is getting back on their feet. I plan on attending Sierra sometime later this year depending if my wife gets the transfer approved from her workplace. Please keep on posting updates on Sierra.
 
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We have 2 BE76's and about 12 C-172's and 1 C-152 for spin training

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Actually we have 4 BE-76s, but usually only run two of them at any given time.

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There are flyers on the bulletin board displaying the new Glass cockpit Cessna, which the owners are planning on acquiring. It says “soon” but I am not sure how long it will take to get them.

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According to Rashid (chief instructor) they will start to come in next month. I'll believe it when I see it though, as we're still waiting on the B737 sim that we were supposed to get last summer.
 
Not to question your knowlege or anything but where are the other two BE76's? I have only seen two on the ramp at one time. Are you counting Stockton?
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Update on Sierra Academy Prices as of Feb. 14th 2005:
$3.00 increase do to insurance and gas prices.

Sim Ride= $69/ hr
C-172 Solo= $101/ hr
C-172 Dual= $136/ hr
C-172 RG= $154/ hr
BE-76= $230/ hr

I wonder how these prices compare to other Schools?
 
We don't have any in Stockton. The other two might be in the hangar. We have 312CM, 6701T, 6045M, and 69276. I'm training in the Duchess now and I've flown all four of them so I know we have them.
 
Good to know. Sorry for the mild inaccuracies. I would correct the post but the forum doesn't allow me to do so. I am happy to hear there are 4 and not just two. Look forward to seeing the new glass cockpit Cessnas.
 
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Not to question your knowlege or anything but where are the other two BE76's? I have only seen two on the ramp at one time. Are you counting Stockton?
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Update on Sierra Academy Prices as of Feb. 14th 2005:
$3.00 increase do to insurance and gas prices.

Sim Ride= $69/ hr
C-172 Solo= $101/ hr
C-172 Dual= $136/ hr
C-172 RG= $154/ hr
BE-76= $230/ hr

I wonder how these prices compare to other Schools?

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Not to take anything away from seirra, but i teach at a small fbo in florida and our prices are a lot cheaper. especially for the duchess and i can gurantee ours is a lot nicer. it's basically mint condition inside and out w/ a garmin 430, flight director, auto pilot, HSI, etc. we charge $165/hr and $30 for instruction.
 
Hollywood. Interesting to compare the two prices. $35/hr more at Sierra, despite being a much older/basic BE-76.
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I just got word today that Sierra let go its chief dispatcher. He is a great guy and the place definitely doesn't run as smooth when he is not around. He was also a key member in Sierra's move from OAK to Livermore. Not sure why they let him go or what their plans are for replacement. If anyone has any info please post.

P.S. I was also told unofficialy that we are now looking at April until the Glass Cessnas arrive. Hopefully they will arrive sooner.
 
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Sim Ride= $69/ hr
C-172 Solo= $101/ hr
C-172 Dual= $136/ hr
C-172 RG= $154/ hr
BE-76= $230/ hr
I wonder how these prices compare to other Schools?

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I can only compare em to around here.

At Troutdale, Orygun:

Sim - 34
172 - 75
PA-28R - 89
Seminole - 120
(All rates solo, wet, hobbs)
+ 35 for instruction for all of em.
 
Well...you don't teach to airline standards or teach airline procedures. So that rules out your little 61 flight school....
 
Well why not compare apples to apples? We aren't comparing the cost of living out here to the cost of living in FL so lets take a look at a local FBO.

FBO's C-172 R model - $97/hr
Sierra's C-172 R model - $101/hr

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Damn! Are we really paying $4 hr. more? That's gonna break me for sure!

By the way, I've rented from them and their weight & ballances are not correct, and I (a newly minted private pilot at the time) had to explain to the CFI that gave me the checkout why the weight and ballance was not correct. Its worth the extra $4 for me to get an airworthy aircraft and an instructor that knows more than I do.

Continuing on:

The Same FBO's C-172 SP Model - $113/hr.
Sierra's C-172 SP Model - $101/hr.

What! We're cheaper than the FBO down the street? How on earth did that happen? I thought the FBO's were supposed to be more cost effective.

Or did anyone stop to think that Sierra is expensive because we are located in the most expensive part of the country, not because we "teach airline standards and procedures" and have glossy ads in Flying Mag.
 
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