Choosing a Flight School

At National Pilot Academy, we know that selecting the right flight school can be very time consuming and a little overwhelming. We suggest that the selection process be viewed as a very important career choice as well as an investment decision to make.

We have observed that at least 80% of all student pilots are disappointed with their choice of flight schools within three months after they enroll there. Why? Because once they are involved in a flight school program they then begin to recognize various points that they wish they had understood prior to enrolling at the school.

Why not become familiar with those influential points prior to enrolling? We've prepared a checklist to help you remove the uncertainty from the selection process. We encourage you to ask these questions of every flight school you're investigating, even ours.

• How long have you been a CFI?
• How long will it take for me to get my CFI with your program?
• How long do most people train as a CFI in your program before they are fully certified?
• How often is a plane available?
• How will I pay for my training?
• Can I pursue full time certification as a CFI or will I be competing for time with other CFI's?
• Can you explain in specific detail how your flight school program differs from other programs?
• What is the most important reason why I should choose your program?

The FAA also has these recommendations for students evaluating flight schools:

You must make your own decision on where to obtain flight training. Once you have decided on a general location, you might want to make a checklist of things to look for in a school. By talking to pilots and reading articles in flight magazines, you can make your checklist and evaluate a school. Your choice of a flight school might depend on whether you are planning on obtaining a recreational or private certificate or whether you intend to pursue a career as a professional pilot. Another consideration is whether you will train part-time or full-time.

Do not make the mistake of making your determination based on financial concerns alone. The quality of training you receive is very important. Prior to making a final decision, visit the school you are considering and talk with management, instructors, and students. Evaluate the items on the checklist you developed and then take some time to think things over before making your decision.

After you have decided where you will learn to fly and have made the necessary arrangements, you are ready to start your training. An important fact: ground and flight training should be obtained as regularly and frequently as possible. This assures maximum retention of instruction and the achievement of proficiency with the least expenditure of time and money.

Now that you know the facts, don't be surprised to find out how many times NPA comes out on top. National Pilot Academy, we're serious about flying – are you?