Flight Training Research
Moderators: Sulako, Right Seat Captain, lilfssister, North Shore, sky's the limit, sepia
Flight Training Research
When you guys are looking for training, would you say your first research step is web site research first? What do you look for for information on the site?
Re: Flight Training Research
Firstly, I'd look for the last date the site was updated. Most FTU's are notorious for not updating their sites; some are out 6 months to a year.
Then I'd look for: Cost / Course Completion Time; Fleet / Aircraft Used for Training; Contact Info.
If I like what I saw and read, then I'd give them a call to comfirm that their info on the site is current and ask them questions about possible concerns that I might have, such as "accelerated training"; modifing the cost by using a smaller/bigger plane [thinking C152 vs C172], or a combo thereof, to complete the course; weather limitations the school may have; rental policy; etc ...
Once again if it's on the up and up, then I'd go take a look at the school and do more research there.
Hope that's what you were looking for .... ?
Then I'd look for: Cost / Course Completion Time; Fleet / Aircraft Used for Training; Contact Info.
If I like what I saw and read, then I'd give them a call to comfirm that their info on the site is current and ask them questions about possible concerns that I might have, such as "accelerated training"; modifing the cost by using a smaller/bigger plane [thinking C152 vs C172], or a combo thereof, to complete the course; weather limitations the school may have; rental policy; etc ...
Once again if it's on the up and up, then I'd go take a look at the school and do more research there.
Hope that's what you were looking for .... ?
"A good traveller has no fixed plan and is not intent on arriving." -Lao Tzu
Re: Flight Training Research
What I would do is this....
Look at schools on the net that you think would be reasonable (keep in mind, never judge a book by its cover, read "website).
Then give 'em a call. Ask some questions like: when do u offer groundschools, what are your rates? how many instructors do u have, etc... get the vibe about the school from whomever you speak with.
Then, do a walk in (if it's fairly local). Walk in un-announced and just hang around. See how long it takes to get noticed, and asked "May I help you". If longer than a couple minutes, walk away - - it shows they don't really care about their customers.
When you do talk to someone, ask as many questions as you can, do the tour, sit in the aircraft, and try to observe what's going on....are students walking around looking content; are instructors acting professional; do the desk folk seem to have a good handle on what is going on, etc.
Biggest thing - it is a LOT of money to consider giving to one place. Make sure you feel COMFORTABLE doing so. Trust your instincts. If they seem like car sales-folks looking for the quick buck, walk away. If each person seems genuinely interested in you, takes the time to answer ALL your questions, and if the people you see 'hangin' around look like they are enjoying the place and getting things done, well, go for it!!
Hope that helps!!!
4S
Look at schools on the net that you think would be reasonable (keep in mind, never judge a book by its cover, read "website).
Then give 'em a call. Ask some questions like: when do u offer groundschools, what are your rates? how many instructors do u have, etc... get the vibe about the school from whomever you speak with.
Then, do a walk in (if it's fairly local). Walk in un-announced and just hang around. See how long it takes to get noticed, and asked "May I help you". If longer than a couple minutes, walk away - - it shows they don't really care about their customers.
When you do talk to someone, ask as many questions as you can, do the tour, sit in the aircraft, and try to observe what's going on....are students walking around looking content; are instructors acting professional; do the desk folk seem to have a good handle on what is going on, etc.
Biggest thing - it is a LOT of money to consider giving to one place. Make sure you feel COMFORTABLE doing so. Trust your instincts. If they seem like car sales-folks looking for the quick buck, walk away. If each person seems genuinely interested in you, takes the time to answer ALL your questions, and if the people you see 'hangin' around look like they are enjoying the place and getting things done, well, go for it!!
Hope that helps!!!
4S
Re: Flight Training Research
The other thing I'd do is talk to people and see if they have any positive or negative feedback about the school. All of them are going to say " The industry is in huge demand right now " to suck up your money. Which it is... but that doesn't make them thee school to go to !
If you're in the Vancouver Area give me a shout !
Cheers
If you're in the Vancouver Area give me a shout !
Cheers
