The Newnan Falcon campus is not yet even official. It's been rumored for a year or so.
I'm currently training at Falcon, and picked Falcon over my other choice of Ari-Ben because of a number of reasons.
1) I'm use to the Atlanta, PTC, and Newnan areas.
2) Newer fleet of aircraft
3) Smaller environment, tends to yield a better training environment.
Now, Ari-Ben. Sure, it's ME. . .but, I needed a training environment that provided me the amount of time that I was willing to put in per week (12 to 15 hours a week). They were not going to be able to do that considering the frequent downtime of aircraft. I've been taking the weekends off due to some family commitments so I haven't even hit my 12-15 hour mark except for two of the four weeks I've been training full time. But eventually, 12-15 hours a week is a requirement for me to be able to complete my training on my time line.
Falcon on the other hand, has been a great choice.
As far as the cons, here are a few.
1) Large number of international students. I have yet to determine if the international students take a higher priority to Falcon than their American students who plan to work for them eventually. You'll have to make your own decision.
2) Small(er) number of instructors than some of the larger academies. If you are the type of person who wants to only fly with one instructor throughout your whole training, you may have problems. But if you are willing to train with one primary instructor, and then bounce around as needed to fill in time and to get other perspectives on your flying - this may be a benefit.
3) Rent/Cost of Living. For a person who is just graduating college, the increased cost of living in the urban Atlanta, PTC or Newnan area may be a CON. I'm married, just purchased a house, and am not feeling this pinch. . .but you may, once again, You'll have to make your own decision.
Keep an eye on my Falcon Journey thread for further updates. What time frame are you looking to start training?
