Pilots Choice in Georgetown
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Minuteman
I HAVE STRONG OPINIONS ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING!
I did my private, instrument, and part of my commercial at PCA and I would highly recommend it.
My opinion of the place is that their prices are fair and kept reasonably low through honest means (heh). When I was there the planes were a little cosmetically worn (hey they're trainers). I thought their maintenance was excellent and got the strong impression that it was always regarded as just a fact of life, and not a place to cut costs. Aircraft were usually available (these days I think they have more planes than are on their website) ... as usual, weekends were the busiest and there were times I didn't get on the schedule early enought to get a plane when I wanted, but I can't think of anytime I was dissatisfied with the system.
The instructors seemed to have good guidance from the Chief Pilot/Owner on how and what to teach, and I never heard them gripe about the quality (e.g., "Its silly, but we have to do this" or "On your own you would..."). That offered the ability to switch among instructors if needed. They seemed to have their stuff together, and I think those that did not, didn't hang around for too long.
Some people were ... intimidated ... by the Chief Pilot/Owner. I mention this because I had some friends who checked the place out and opted to go across the road to Adventure because the owner frowned the whole time. I'd heard the CP could be difficult to work for, and god was I intimidated on my first stage checks because all the CP would do is sit there, arms folded, frowning, and occasionally speak very quietly (again, the instructors were great). Eventually I realized this was mostly to see how you performed under duress and the CP is not actually evil (despite what your first impression might be).
Anyway, PCA is the first place I recommend to people. Don't pick a place because their hourly rate is three bucks cheaper. Plus PCA has a B-25 in the hanger.
My opinion of the place is that their prices are fair and kept reasonably low through honest means (heh). When I was there the planes were a little cosmetically worn (hey they're trainers). I thought their maintenance was excellent and got the strong impression that it was always regarded as just a fact of life, and not a place to cut costs. Aircraft were usually available (these days I think they have more planes than are on their website) ... as usual, weekends were the busiest and there were times I didn't get on the schedule early enought to get a plane when I wanted, but I can't think of anytime I was dissatisfied with the system.
The instructors seemed to have good guidance from the Chief Pilot/Owner on how and what to teach, and I never heard them gripe about the quality (e.g., "Its silly, but we have to do this" or "On your own you would..."). That offered the ability to switch among instructors if needed. They seemed to have their stuff together, and I think those that did not, didn't hang around for too long.
Some people were ... intimidated ... by the Chief Pilot/Owner. I mention this because I had some friends who checked the place out and opted to go across the road to Adventure because the owner frowned the whole time. I'd heard the CP could be difficult to work for, and god was I intimidated on my first stage checks because all the CP would do is sit there, arms folded, frowning, and occasionally speak very quietly (again, the instructors were great). Eventually I realized this was mostly to see how you performed under duress and the CP is not actually evil (despite what your first impression might be).
Anyway, PCA is the first place I recommend to people. Don't pick a place because their hourly rate is three bucks cheaper. Plus PCA has a B-25 in the hanger.
mhcasey
Well-Known Member
Where are you in Austin?
I haven't had any experience with Pilot's Choice, but my buddy/coworker/safety pilot absolutely hated them. His big gripes were bad instructors and GTU being generally an unsafe place to fly.
If you're just getting started, I'd recommend UT Flying Club. If you're way north, Pilot's Choice might be the way to go since Bergstrom is so far away. If you're at the south side of town, try the club or Stenger Air in Lockhart.
PM me if you want a complete rundown of the area from my point of view, or want contact numbers for the groups I mentioned.
I haven't had any experience with Pilot's Choice, but my buddy/coworker/safety pilot absolutely hated them. His big gripes were bad instructors and GTU being generally an unsafe place to fly.
If you're just getting started, I'd recommend UT Flying Club. If you're way north, Pilot's Choice might be the way to go since Bergstrom is so far away. If you're at the south side of town, try the club or Stenger Air in Lockhart.
PM me if you want a complete rundown of the area from my point of view, or want contact numbers for the groups I mentioned.
Minuteman
I HAVE STRONG OPINIONS ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING!
A 60-mile round trip up to GTU from Austin should be a consideration. I'm a little north of campus and put a lot of miles on my car.
I don't think GTU is unsafe, but it is busy to be an untowered airport. There have been plans and proposals to build a tower for at least five years (probably more). Back in 2004/5 when a Diamond and an RV tangled over the threshhold of 18 it seemed like a sure thing, but so far the city has been unwilling to pony-up the cash.
I don't think GTU is unsafe, but it is busy to be an untowered airport. There have been plans and proposals to build a tower for at least five years (probably more). Back in 2004/5 when a Diamond and an RV tangled over the threshhold of 18 it seemed like a sure thing, but so far the city has been unwilling to pony-up the cash.
I actually live about 30 seconds away from Georgetown Airport and am currently getting my PPL at Pilots Choice.
Their planes are on the older side, but they work. You also do not have to worry about not getting a plane, they have plenty. The instructors are all freindly and enjoyable to be around. There is 5 instructors and I think they plan to hire 1 or 2 more by the end of the year. It seems like alot of the people training there are younger, which makes it a fun environment.
And yes, Georgetown Airport is busy, expecially on the weekends. Other then that is a very nice large airport. Regarding the tower, they are currently putting one in and I'm pretty sure it will be done in the spring (not sure about the specific month).
Their planes are on the older side, but they work. You also do not have to worry about not getting a plane, they have plenty. The instructors are all freindly and enjoyable to be around. There is 5 instructors and I think they plan to hire 1 or 2 more by the end of the year. It seems like alot of the people training there are younger, which makes it a fun environment.
And yes, Georgetown Airport is busy, expecially on the weekends. Other then that is a very nice large airport. Regarding the tower, they are currently putting one in and I'm pretty sure it will be done in the spring (not sure about the specific month).
Ortini159
Well-Known Member
HAHA! Pilots Choice. You would really have to go and check them out for yourself, you might really like them and feel very comfortable there. Personally I dont like Pilots Choice at all. They are the cheapest around as far as hourly rates go, but you get what you pay for. The maintenance might be good, but it has to be with the planes falling apart right in front of you. The instructors are, lets say, a bit different and that might be because of the owner and the way she runs the ship. I had a huge personality difference with everyone of them, but one. And he left because he hated it! I left because I couldnt find an instructor that I liked. I didnt like how I had ground school that covered turns around a point for 45 minutes and was charged for an hour. Aborting stalls and steep turns because of near misses. And a few other things. I chose to go elsewhere and spend a little more money for really good instructors and to fly out of a towered class C for the experience. PM me if you want the low down on all of Austin's GA scene. There are a few out of Bergstrom that I would recommend. UT flying club is good, my PPL instructor works for them now. Really good instructor. Good rates for flying out of ABIA. If your not worried about money there is Austin Academy of Aviation, the owner seems a little money hungry, but there are some good instructors there, really nice fleet but crazy expensive. Then there is Compass flight next to Austin Academy that is just starting out. They only have one plane but its really nice 03 SP and it is a lot cheaper than Austin Academy. You would have to meet the instructor to see if that is a match though. One of the problems with only having one instructor. Personalities dont always mesh well. Let me know if you have any other questions!