Picking a flight school? need experienced advice!

[SJFLYER]

My vote goes to the older airplanes. You will save some money, learn more about airplane systems or lack of and possibly get a job down the road.

 

[mtsu_av8er]

If you can work out the weight and balance and make sure you're below max gross for each flight (and you don't live in the mountains or the south...), I say go for the 150/152. I did my entire private in 150's and 152's and loved it! Yeah, no fantanstic climb rates, and stalls were pretty much nothing....but it still did the job! I guess I weighed....well, I was about 185 then (get out of the Marine Corps and it's so hard to make myself go run!!!), and my CFI was a good 210. So, depending on the radios in the aircraft....it's possible.

The best part about it : After I was done, I got checked out in a 172 in .7 on the hobbs, and I might as well have been flying a Learjet!!!

 

[aviator]

If your in the Denver area I'll add a pitch for my old flight school Aspen at APA. As of three years ago they had a large fleet of old and new 172s (take your pick) as well as a sprinkling of pipers and new katanas. They also hired CFIs from within, had some great expierenced instructors and about 5 twins that actually saw a decent amount of instruction. I always thought the rates were reasonable.
Check them out.

 

[ZachmanJZ12]

Tim what is up? I was in the same exact situation as you were about a month ago. I decided to really focus on two variables, namely, the quality of flight instruction and the cost. Luckily, I found an awesome instuctor and a FBO who flies the 172s and 152s for reasonable prices. I decided to go with the 152s because it is a lot cheaper and it will save me a lot of me down the road. I also think some FBOs have introductory flights for like 40 dollars or something like that, this will allow you to gauge which aircraft you like. Good luck man.
Jeremy

 

[Timbuff10]

Thanks again for all your help you guys, I'm leaning toward the school that is a bit more expensive (just a couple hundred dollars) but I will be using their older aircraft. From what I can gather at this point it looks like they are usually available for use. The four older 172s they have rent for $74/hr and they also have two 152s that go for $52/hr. The other less expensive school has some hidden charges that actually makes them cost about the same. I just think I will have a better chance of getting higher quality instruction there. Plus they have very nice facilities, a fancy study area and classrooms, along with their own weather center (im a weather nut). They just seem a little more professional to me. I will ask around at the school a bit more as I am in no rush at this point but at least i have a favorite.

Thanks again for all your help you guys, you brought up some excellent points and i will definetly stay away from the brand new airplanes till at least my instrument.

happy flying!

Tim