montanapilot
Well-Known Member
10 G's for a Private is organized theft in my opinion. You should be able to get it done for 6G's at the very most.
So I went to American Flyers today...
- Thread starter NaturalFlyer
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NaturalFlyer
New Member
Okay, I just called up American Winds in Akron.. They seem to have the best deal for my buck. On the side they also told me that they have a deal with Delta Airlines and that if I am serious about becomning an Airline pilot, I'd go with them.
Their PPL costs about $4,000 but I'll have to pay for everything outside of that price tag, so it's still really more along the lines of $5,000-$5,500.
What ya guys think? American Winds Flight Academy
It seems a little wild for me because these guys are a 45 minute drive away. They are the only school in Ohio that I am absolutely certain has Multi-Engine planes....
Their PPL costs about $4,000 but I'll have to pay for everything outside of that price tag, so it's still really more along the lines of $5,000-$5,500.
What ya guys think? American Winds Flight Academy
It seems a little wild for me because these guys are a 45 minute drive away. They are the only school in Ohio that I am absolutely certain has Multi-Engine planes....
BrianNC
Well-Known Member
From the webiste:
How it works. Follow these simple steps:
Complete up to your Commercial Single-Engine at American Winds Flight School.
Complete your Commercial Multi-Engine and Instructor ratings at Delta Connection Academy in Orlando, Florida.
Return to your local Airport and build time as a Flight Instructor.
After 800 hours dual given, return to Delta Connection Academy and complete your Multi-Engine Instructor rating.
Then interview to become an Academy Flight Instructor.
Upon earning approx. 1200 hours total time, 100 Multi-Engine, and 300 dual instruction given at the Academy, you will be GUARANTEED A JOB INTERVIEW in the Delta Connection System.
As a paid Academy Flight Instructor, you and your family will receive FREE FLIGHT BENEFITS on Delta... Worldwide. Anytime. Anywhere.
How it works. Follow these simple steps:
Complete up to your Commercial Single-Engine at American Winds Flight School.
Complete your Commercial Multi-Engine and Instructor ratings at Delta Connection Academy in Orlando, Florida.
Return to your local Airport and build time as a Flight Instructor.
After 800 hours dual given, return to Delta Connection Academy and complete your Multi-Engine Instructor rating.
Then interview to become an Academy Flight Instructor.
Upon earning approx. 1200 hours total time, 100 Multi-Engine, and 300 dual instruction given at the Academy, you will be GUARANTEED A JOB INTERVIEW in the Delta Connection System.
As a paid Academy Flight Instructor, you and your family will receive FREE FLIGHT BENEFITS on Delta... Worldwide. Anytime. Anywhere.
NaturalFlyer
New Member
I am assuming that your telling me that this is too good of an opportunity to pass by.
I just wanted to see the responses people would give who may have gone through an actual program such as this; because while they gaurantee an interview, they certaintly haven't gauranteed a job.
I just wanted to see the responses people would give who may have gone through an actual program such as this; because while they gaurantee an interview, they certaintly haven't gauranteed a job.
BrianNC
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I am assuming that your telling me that this is too good of an opportunity to pass by.
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Not what I was saying. I was just pointing out that it does require you to end up going to Delta Connection Academy in order to complete the process, and I didn't know if that was something you wanted to do.
Also, on other threads I have read where some say DCA is overpriced, something that you were trying to avoid. Check out DCA's prices on the ratings that the flight school requires you to get from them and see how they compare.
I am assuming that your telling me that this is too good of an opportunity to pass by.
[/ QUOTE ]
Not what I was saying. I was just pointing out that it does require you to end up going to Delta Connection Academy in order to complete the process, and I didn't know if that was something you wanted to do.
Also, on other threads I have read where some say DCA is overpriced, something that you were trying to avoid. Check out DCA's prices on the ratings that the flight school requires you to get from them and see how they compare.
NaturalFlyer
New Member
I called the guy up again and he told me that realistically, I'd need about $45-55k to get all the way to Airline Pilot. He then told me that with the Key Bank Loan, I would not have to make a single payment until after 6 months completion of my schooling. Even at that point, I'd already be at their school making $15 per hour (on commisions) and that they have plenty of students to keep me from not getting paid.
By the time I complete the schooling, I'll be guaranteed a job interview with Delta Airlines.
It seems like a strong deal... but I'll need to find a co-signer with enough courage to vouch for my credit.
By the time I complete the schooling, I'll be guaranteed a job interview with Delta Airlines.
It seems like a strong deal... but I'll need to find a co-signer with enough courage to vouch for my credit.
BrianNC
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I called the guy up again and he told me that realistically, I'd need about $45-55k to get all the way to Airline Pilot. He then told me that with the Key Bank Loan, I would not have to make a single payment until after 6 months completion of my schooling. Even at that point, I'd already be at their school making $15 per hour (on commisions) and that they have plenty of students to keep me from not getting paid.
By the time I complete the schooling, I'll be guaranteed a job interview with Delta Airlines.
It seems like a strong deal... but I'll need to find a co-signer with enough courage to vouch for my credit.
[/ QUOTE ]
Well, if you are going to spend that much anyway, why not go to Ari Ben and only pay $29-33K and save $10-20K then instruct where almost all of your time will be twin time?
A guaranteed interview doesn't really mean a thing. If you meet the requirements, you should be able to get an interview with anyone that is hiring.
I called the guy up again and he told me that realistically, I'd need about $45-55k to get all the way to Airline Pilot. He then told me that with the Key Bank Loan, I would not have to make a single payment until after 6 months completion of my schooling. Even at that point, I'd already be at their school making $15 per hour (on commisions) and that they have plenty of students to keep me from not getting paid.
By the time I complete the schooling, I'll be guaranteed a job interview with Delta Airlines.
It seems like a strong deal... but I'll need to find a co-signer with enough courage to vouch for my credit.
[/ QUOTE ]
Well, if you are going to spend that much anyway, why not go to Ari Ben and only pay $29-33K and save $10-20K then instruct where almost all of your time will be twin time?
A guaranteed interview doesn't really mean a thing. If you meet the requirements, you should be able to get an interview with anyone that is hiring.
You gots to be kidding.
[ QUOTE ]
On the side they also told me that they have a deal with Delta Airlines and that if I am serious about becomning an Airline pilot, I'd go with them.
[/ QUOTE ]
RED FLAG
RED FLAG
RED FLAG
If they're being dishonest this early in the game, I perish the thought of what they'll be dishonest about when you've got several thousand dollars in your student account.
Who was it that you spoke to because I'd be more than happy to give them a call this week and play 'secret shopper'.
[ QUOTE ]
On the side they also told me that they have a deal with Delta Airlines and that if I am serious about becomning an Airline pilot, I'd go with them.
[/ QUOTE ]
RED FLAG
RED FLAG
RED FLAG
If they're being dishonest this early in the game, I perish the thought of what they'll be dishonest about when you've got several thousand dollars in your student account.
Who was it that you spoke to because I'd be more than happy to give them a call this week and play 'secret shopper'.
NaturalFlyer
New Member
Re: You gots to be kidding.
Please forgive my misrepresentation of what the guy actually said.
He really said something more along the lines of Amercian Winds being a part of the Delta Jet Connect Program. It only registered in my mind that they've got a deal with Delta Airlines.
However, if what he said is still any kind of lie then by all means let him have it sir. He's the finnance rep; named Mike.
Please forgive my misrepresentation of what the guy actually said.
He really said something more along the lines of Amercian Winds being a part of the Delta Jet Connect Program. It only registered in my mind that they've got a deal with Delta Airlines.
However, if what he said is still any kind of lie then by all means let him have it sir. He's the finnance rep; named Mike.
mtsu_av8er
Well-Known Member
Re: You gots to be kidding.
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
On the side they also told me that they have a deal with Delta Airlines and that if I am serious about becomning an Airline pilot, I'd go with them.
[/ QUOTE ]
RED FLAG
RED FLAG
RED FLAG
If they're being dishonest this early in the game, I perish the thought of what they'll be dishonest about when you've got several thousand dollars in your student account.
Who was it that you spoke to because I'd be more than happy to give them a call this week and play 'secret shopper'.
[/ QUOTE ]
Have you been playing that game at Wings of Eagles?
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
On the side they also told me that they have a deal with Delta Airlines and that if I am serious about becomning an Airline pilot, I'd go with them.
[/ QUOTE ]
RED FLAG
RED FLAG
RED FLAG
If they're being dishonest this early in the game, I perish the thought of what they'll be dishonest about when you've got several thousand dollars in your student account.
Who was it that you spoke to because I'd be more than happy to give them a call this week and play 'secret shopper'.
[/ QUOTE ]
Have you been playing that game at Wings of Eagles?
EatSleepFly
Well-Known Member
Re: AWFA
Mike is not a pilot. He is a salesman and they are selling snake oil. I instructed there very part-time before their "Delta Jet Connect" BS got into full swing. I brought in a student once that wanted to fly there. Just get her ratings with me since I had flown with her previously, and move on to instructing the "old fashioned" way. I just wanted to introduce her to him, but instead spent an hour in his office listening to how she could become an airline pilot in no time, and blah blah blah. It made me sick, and was really embarrasing. I raised the BS flag, but he didn't much like that. It worked at least, she didn't buy into it, since she trusted my input (which I gave her after we left) much more than his.
Edited some out to tone it down a bit. I was a little harsh. If you go to American Winds, don't listen to a word Mike says about that Jet Connect bullsh*t. They are an alright school if you just want to go there and get ratings, but PLEASE don't buy into that crap. They have their issues just like any place, and if it weren't for their DCA scheme, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
Mike is not a pilot. He is a salesman and they are selling snake oil. I instructed there very part-time before their "Delta Jet Connect" BS got into full swing. I brought in a student once that wanted to fly there. Just get her ratings with me since I had flown with her previously, and move on to instructing the "old fashioned" way. I just wanted to introduce her to him, but instead spent an hour in his office listening to how she could become an airline pilot in no time, and blah blah blah. It made me sick, and was really embarrasing. I raised the BS flag, but he didn't much like that. It worked at least, she didn't buy into it, since she trusted my input (which I gave her after we left) much more than his.
Edited some out to tone it down a bit. I was a little harsh. If you go to American Winds, don't listen to a word Mike says about that Jet Connect bullsh*t. They are an alright school if you just want to go there and get ratings, but PLEASE don't buy into that crap. They have their issues just like any place, and if it weren't for their DCA scheme, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
ComplexHiAv8r
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
He then told me that with the Key Bank Loan
[/ QUOTE ]
You need to check with Key Bank. I heard they stopped new loans because of the legal issues with another flight school (think TAB Express). American Winds website say the loans end 6/30/05. I heard it was going to start up again in the fall, but with MAJOR restrictions.
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... be at their school making $15 per hour (on commisions)
[/ QUOTE ]
Not sure how their pay is, ask an instructor, not Mike or Denise (they are the owners).
[ QUOTE ]
...they have plenty of students to keep me from not getting paid.
[/ QUOTE ]
As them the ratio of students to pilots and number of new students in each start ground school. Not sure what a good number is, ask in another post and lets the CFIs here tell you what you need to survive.
[ QUOTE ]
They are the only school in Ohio that I am absolutely certain has Multi-Engine planes....
[/ QUOTE ]
Skypark will get their twin back sometime. (they just lost it on an aborted takeoff). There are some, but are not in North East Ohio. I am looking for a ME myself (in the next few months). I am also going to look at going somewhere to get it plus commerical at the same time (ATP or somewhere). Watch the board for others doing the same.
At American Winds I flew with Jeff Fitch. He is a nice guy, great pilot, and been there a few years. He has another job in town, so he isn't going anywhere soon. He really likes what he is doing.
They also have 152s if you want to learn in them, and even a newer (1999 I think) 172SP that is now online for those nice X-C in the future!
I did have an issue with checkout with them (I had my PPL aready). They wanted an hour ground to discuss acronyms and then after engine start wanted to review my logbook and talk more (instructor [not Fitch] didn't like it when I shut the engine down to talk). I don't know if this was an isolated issue or because I didn't learn there, not really sure.
I have heard and seen first hand some other issues, but won't discuss them here. ESF problably knows more about that then me as he worked there.
Keep you options open, schedule a $49 discovery flight and talk to the instructor out of the office.
Good Luck!
He then told me that with the Key Bank Loan
[/ QUOTE ]
You need to check with Key Bank. I heard they stopped new loans because of the legal issues with another flight school (think TAB Express). American Winds website say the loans end 6/30/05. I heard it was going to start up again in the fall, but with MAJOR restrictions.
[ QUOTE ]
... be at their school making $15 per hour (on commisions)
[/ QUOTE ]
Not sure how their pay is, ask an instructor, not Mike or Denise (they are the owners).
[ QUOTE ]
...they have plenty of students to keep me from not getting paid.
[/ QUOTE ]
As them the ratio of students to pilots and number of new students in each start ground school. Not sure what a good number is, ask in another post and lets the CFIs here tell you what you need to survive.
[ QUOTE ]
They are the only school in Ohio that I am absolutely certain has Multi-Engine planes....
[/ QUOTE ]
Skypark will get their twin back sometime. (they just lost it on an aborted takeoff). There are some, but are not in North East Ohio. I am looking for a ME myself (in the next few months). I am also going to look at going somewhere to get it plus commerical at the same time (ATP or somewhere). Watch the board for others doing the same.
At American Winds I flew with Jeff Fitch. He is a nice guy, great pilot, and been there a few years. He has another job in town, so he isn't going anywhere soon. He really likes what he is doing.
They also have 152s if you want to learn in them, and even a newer (1999 I think) 172SP that is now online for those nice X-C in the future!
I did have an issue with checkout with them (I had my PPL aready). They wanted an hour ground to discuss acronyms and then after engine start wanted to review my logbook and talk more (instructor [not Fitch] didn't like it when I shut the engine down to talk). I don't know if this was an isolated issue or because I didn't learn there, not really sure.
I have heard and seen first hand some other issues, but won't discuss them here. ESF problably knows more about that then me as he worked there.
Keep you options open, schedule a $49 discovery flight and talk to the instructor out of the office.
Good Luck!
EatSleepFly
Well-Known Member
Oh, and by the way. I would NOT fly a twin (or anything else for that matter) out of Scare Park. No matter how cheap it is.
[ QUOTE ]
At American Winds I flew with Jeff Fitch. He is a nice guy, great pilot, and been there a few years. He has another job in town, so he isn't going anywhere soon. He really likes what he is doing.
[/ QUOTE ]
He is a very good guy. If you do go to Am. Winds, I would definitely recommend him.
[ QUOTE ]
At American Winds I flew with Jeff Fitch. He is a nice guy, great pilot, and been there a few years. He has another job in town, so he isn't going anywhere soon. He really likes what he is doing.
[/ QUOTE ]
He is a very good guy. If you do go to Am. Winds, I would definitely recommend him.
Texasspilot
New Member
I have a friend flight instructing for DCA in florida, I could ask him about pay. From what I hear he hates workin there though. I made 13 and hour flight instructing at a 141 university and made approximatly 500 a month before taxes. Also that six month thing seems like a good deal but the question you should really ask them is how long you can defer the loans after you graduate.
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