Selecting a Flight School

Choosing a flight school requires comparing airplane safety, instructor quality, and total training costs before you sign up.

Researching Schools

• Check safety records: Look up the school's accident and incident history with the FAA Safety Database.
• Check google reviews Look for reviews from people who have completed the course and earned their certificates. Often students give flight schools a bad review because the school would not just give them what they wanted. Sometimes bad review is actually a good thing. Aviation certificates should be earned, not given.
• Visit the location: Walk inside the facility. Look at the offices and classrooms. A good school should look like it is being used, but it should not look or smell like a dump.
• Ask for a syllabus A good school will teach from a syllabus. The instruction will be organized and documented. Flight lessons will start with a pre-flight briefing and have objective goals that need to be accomplished in the air.
• Avoid the "nice" instructor Everybody wants a 'nice" instructor, but while an instructor should be professional, it is their job to train you as a pilot. Your instructor won't always be with you in the cockpit. Your life depends on the discipline and skills they impart.
• Review limitations and safety policies The decision to fly should be made ahead of time. Having a written policy of limitations prevents pilots from flying in conditions beyond their skill level. When a flight is scheduled the current weather conditions are compared to the written limitations. If the limitations are exceeded, then the flight does not take place.

Evaluating Aircraft

• Inspect the fleet: Look at the airplanes. Check if they look well-maintained and clean. Keep in mind that training aircraft can look a little rough, but parts should not be cracking and falling off.
• Ask about maintenance: Find out if they have an on-site mechanic or if they send planes away for repairs.
• Check availability: Make sure they have enough airplanes so your training does not get delayed.

Meeting Instructors

• Check turnover: Ask how long instructors stay at the school. High turnover means your teacher might leave mid-training.
• Fly with one: Book an introductory flight to see what sort of instructor you might get paired with.

Calculating Costs

• Get total estimates: Ask for a realistic total cost to finish your license, not just the hourly rate.
• Hidden fees: Check for extra charges like briefing time, ground school, and fuel surcharges.
• Payment rules: Avoid schools that demand all your training money upfront. Pay as you go.