How to Choose a Flight School
When choosing a flight school the main question to be answered is what is your ultimate goal for aviation? Do you want to be a commercial pilot flying for the airlines or just someone who flies for the fun of it in your own plane or a rental? Once a goal is determined other factors can be looked at to determine which school to choose.
What types of schools are there to look at? There are basically three types of schools available to get training. They are Part 61, Part 141, and Collegiate Aviation schools. A Part 61 school refers to Part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARS). This section of the FAR is not as accountable as the Part 141 school is for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The minimum amount of hours to obtain a private pilot license from a Part 61 school is 40 hours and in order to achieve a commercial license it is 250 hours.
A Part 141 school is audited by the FAA and has more stringent requirements. Because of the in depth schooling received the minimum hours for a private pilot license are 35 hours and for a commercial license it is 190 hours. Only Part 141 schools have a Veteran's benefit eligibility. One of the larger Part 141 schools available is Airline Transport Professionals or ATP.
The other type of school is the College Aviation School which is a benefit to someone seeking to be a commercial airline pilot because a degree is needed which can be obtained during training. Another benefit to College Aviation is that scholarships and financial aid are available.
After determining the type of school, the next thing to look at would be the cost. Make sure to check around and see what is included in the cost of the training. Some schools offer the ground school with the flight training and others tack on a per hour charge to teach ground school. Make sure to verify what you will receive with your payment. Look at the fine print on the payment terms and try to stay away from up front fees where the business could fold and leave you without training and your money.
It is always a good idea to make a list of the schools that you like and go visit them. Take a tour of the Fixed Base Operator (FBO). Walk their flight line and look at the aircraft, are they kept neat, is the flight line free of debris and trash? Find out what kind of equipment they use. If all they have are Cessna 172’s and you would like to save money, find a school that has Cessna 152’s. Go inside the FBO and see if it looks organized. Interview the owner and ask questions. Talk to the flight instructors and get a feel for what they are like. Search message boards about flight schools in your area and see what people have said about the flight schools you have chosen to consider.
The bottom line is whether you are getting a commercial certificate or a private pilot certificate you are making an investment into your future. Get all of the information needed to make the best decision to fit your budget, time, and goal.
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