used car salesman tactics at FBO's?

surefly

surefly

New Member
used car salesman tactics at FBO\'s?

*feel free to move this to the FBO catagory - i wasn't sure if it totally fit there*

my friend checked out a local FBO last friday, and he and I are about to check out another this friday. here's a question he posed in another forum in a different site. I was wondering if any of you could offer your opinion on this.
thanks!


"In chosing an FBO for PPL training are there any "used car salesman" tactics I should be aware of? There's obviously a lot of money involved and just wanna make sure i "aint gonna pay a lot for this muffler!"
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Here's an example. I checked out a place at VNY and one of the dude's selling points is that "it's good to train at VNY cause it'll give you the experience of flying in busy airspace". I don't know...he sells aircraft for that particular FBO so maybe it was his salesman personality that turned me off and got me to wondering if some people will use "tactics" to sell their services. I'm just axin
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I'd like to fly at least 2 or 3 times a week and where I live, VNY or WHP are close to me. Anything else would be a bit of a drive to get to."
 
Re: used car salesman tactics at FBO\'s?

Your friend can feel free to post his question in person if he'd like.

But you're only susceptible to 'used car salesmanship' if you don't check, cross-check and do a lot of shopping before deciding on where to go for flight training.

Your best bet is to take an experienced friend to 'ride along' with you as you shop for flight schools. Or, for a wider perspective, ask on an online forum.
 
Re: used car salesman tactics at FBO\'s?

Check your PM's surefly (little flashing thing at the top of the screen).
 
Re: used car salesman tactics at FBO\'s?

There is some truth to his statement about learning at a busy class D airport. You have to balance that with the extra cost involved with it probably taking you longer to solo and ground delays. My opinion is it's better to get your training at a smaller airport, which has it's own challenges, and then spend some time making yourself comfortable in the busy airspace right after you get your PPL.

I'd pay more attention to what the CFI's and other students say, plus the condition of the planes, than I would taking to a recruiter or the owner of the school.

If the guys attitude or sales pitch gave you a bad feeling, I'd look elsewhere.
 
Re: used car salesman tactics at FBO\'s?

awesome - thanks guys for your feedback

i just hit you back with a pm, project7
laugh.gif
 
Re: used car salesman tactics at FBO\'s?

[ QUOTE ]
There is some truth to his statement about learning at a busy class D airport. You have to balance that with the extra cost involved with it probably taking you longer to solo and ground delays. My opinion is it's better to get your training at a smaller airport, which has it's own challenges, and then spend some time making yourself comfortable in the busy airspace right after you get your PPL.

I'd pay more attention to what the CFI's and other students say, plus the condition of the planes, than I would taking to a recruiter or the owner of the school.

If the guys attitude or sales pitch gave you a bad feeling, I'd look elsewhere.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm the friend that Surefly is refering to. I wouldn't say that his sales pitch gave me a bad feeling but it did make me realize that I need to be very aware of who I'm gonna spend my money with. The place at VNY had really nice and clean planes but I didn't get to talk to any of the CFIs or students. Maybe I'll just post a new thread on this palce in particular. Thanks
 
Re: used car salesman tactics at FBO\'s?

[ QUOTE ]
There is some truth to his statement about learning at a busy class D airport. You have to balance that with the extra cost involved with it probably taking you longer to solo and ground delays. My opinion is it's better to get your training at a smaller airport, which has it's own challenges, and then spend some time making yourself comfortable in the busy airspace right after you get your PPL.

I'd pay more attention to what the CFI's and other students say, plus the condition of the planes, than I would taking to a recruiter or the owner of the school.

If the guys attitude or sales pitch gave you a bad feeling, I'd look elsewhere.

[/ QUOTE ]
yeahthat.gif


I dont know how familiar with Addison, Dallas airport JC'er are but its the busiest single strip airport in the country, and it takes about .4 on the hobbs just to get airborne which gets old and exspensive fast.
 
Re: used car salesman tactics at FBO\'s?

[ QUOTE ]


I dont know how familiar with Addison, Dallas airport JC'er are but its the busiest single strip airport in the country, and it takes about .4 on the hobbs just to get airborne which gets old and exspensive fast.

[/ QUOTE ]

And then it would probably take you another .4 to get to a practice area. Thats why most of the flight schools there have very little business. I'm glad I didn't get hired anywhere over there.
 
Re: used car salesman tactics at FBO\'s?

Us SFV people should get together for a JC Meet. AeroEngineer may be starting training at WHP too soon.
 
Re: used car salesman tactics at FBO\'s?

[ QUOTE ]
Us SFV people should get together for a JC Meet. AeroEngineer may be starting training at WHP too soon.

[/ QUOTE ]

no chit? Brian hit me and my friend back with a confirmation, so we're going to check out WHP tomorrow. I'll let you know what happens! either way, i can't see myself going further than VNY or WHP for PPL training.
 
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