Potomac Airfield- DMV area

N

nico vivero

New Member
Being my first post on this site, I'll give a quick intro.

Sophomore in college studying Business Management. Spent a semester at Riddle-Daytona and decided I'd rather go the local college/FBO route to becoming a pilot.

I've looked at KHEF and their FBOs but until recently I found Potomac Airfield which is only a 30 minute drive from where I live.

HJ aviation has instructors with amazing credentials and I've also heard positive things about GT Aviation.

Although ATC is offering, what seems to be, a decent groupon deal, ALL of their reviews are negative.


Can anyone point me in the right direction as to which of these seems best for primary training?
Of course, i will visit the Airfield and all the flight schools, but I'm not starting until late May so I have a bit more time to research.

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

http://www.hj-aviation.com/

http://gt-aviation.com/

http://www.lrn2fly.com/ (ATC)
 
Potomac is one of the "Maryland 3" so you have to go through all of the TSA rigamarole with the background check and the PIN to be able to fly in and out of there.

I looked at GT because Potomac is VERY close to where I live compared to JYO, where I've been flying, but the pains with the FRZ and TSA turned me off at the time. Maybe it's time to revisit this, I dunno.

HJ's rates are very good, looking at the website. Actually, considering where they are, they're amazing rates. I'd call and verify.

ATC, no idea, except to say that it's possibly the least informative and worst website I've ever seen. EDIT - actually, I think ATC does their rental rates on a "club" basis, if I recall, and it CAN work out to be cost effective but I'm not sure. Their web presence certainly isn't very professional, but I don't know if that's reflected in their other practices.
 
I'm a CFI at GT Aviation and FRZ thing really isn't that big of deal to work with. We have a club plan for training for pretty good rates. Call and speak to Karen (301-248-1711) during the week after 12pm to get the details. In addition to our dry rates, you'll pay for your own fuel (about $5/gal or around $35/hour) and have to carry insurance. Also, we follow the Jepp sylabus and sell the kit there. We have 3 C-172Ps for training each with a Garmin 430 and two VORS and the usual six pack of course. We have 3 A&Ps on staff, one is the owner and two are CFIs. The Aircraft are rarely down. Come out to visit us sometime. Potomac is a great little airfield and we have an excellent group of CFIs. And when you come out, walk across the flightline to check out HJ. Good guys over there too, but of course I'd rather you fly with us :)
 
@KillBilly- can you elaborate on what "FRZ" is?? Also, a buddy of mine is planning to get his PPL as well, but has had SOME involvement with law enforcement (nothing serious). Will that conflict with the whole background check???

@cyas2003- Awesome to know you're a CFI there. I'll definitely stop by soon to take a look around and get info face to face.
What is an A&P, if ya don't mind me asking?
 
Nico, the FRZ is the flight restricted zone. VKX is in it, and there are restrictions as to what you can do in it. We basically can fly in and out and not much else unless safety is an issue. There's online training and a visit to TSA and the FSDO to be able to fly in and out without getting into too much detail. Once that process is completed, the process to fly in and out is pretty painless. Also, you can start training before you complete the process. And an A&P is an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic...a very important person keeping the planes running! Hope to see you soon! Potomac is a great little field with two flight schools, two independent aerobatic/tailwheel instuctors, and a bunch of other people there who love to fly.
 
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