where to go for initial CFI & II

[Vyse]

Contrary to what some here are saying, most FBOs have at least one or two CFIs who can sign-off initials and who typically are more than happy to train you. While it varies from place-to-place, FBOs often have a career instructor or retired airline captain with a wealth of experience from which to teach.

The main concern with training at your local FBO--as opposed to an academy/ATP--is aircraft availability. Complex singles are getting rarer and many places only have one on the line. It's no fun when your only training aircraft goes down for major maintenance in the middle of your course.

Granted, but such 'career instructors' are likely to be significantly more expensive. In my area, they can bill from $60 to $100 an hour, actual time.

Agree on the aircraft availability issue.