Choosing A Flight School

5 Key Things to Look for in a Flight School 

By: Felipe Santiago 

With over twelve years of being active in the flight school business, I have had the unique opportunity to witness or experience it all—the good and the bad. From this, I've compiled the five things to look for when choosing a flight school, hoping that any aspiring pilot reads this before making a decision.

1. "Guaranteed Prices" or "Flat Rates" 

There are some flight schools out there that will charge flat rates for flight training. For someone accustomed to the usual school curriculum of credits and courses, or those unfamiliar with flying, it might sound like a great idea. As an owner of a flight academy, I would love to give everyone a flat rate—unfortunately, it is nearly impossible. Everyone learns at different speeds, and while some people can finish a Private Pilot License with close to 40 hours, some can take more time. 

2.   Bare Minimum Price Sheets 

I see many schools that list 40 total hours for a Private Pilot Certificate, with 20 hours of flight instruction and 20 hours of ground instruction. That's it! To those unfamiliar, they think that's the real cost. In reality, it takes much more than that. Many omit the fact there are additional costs, most of which don't go directly to the school. These additional costs will pop-up, and students will be responsible for them. A few scenarios include the written test fee, medical exam costs, which can vary if they are insured or not, check ride fees, and pilot supplies. 

3.   Poor Maintenance

This is the hardest thing to identify as a new student because you don't know what you are looking for. The best suggestion is to look up reviews online or search the flight school's name and see what comes up. You can usually tell how the flight school's maintenance is by the appearance of the airplanes. If they are dirty or mistreated, then most likely so is the maintenance. If the silverware at a restaurant is dirty, so will the kitchen your food is made in. 

4.   Read the Fine Print

You might see the price sheet and think the prices are great, but there could be a catch. Here is my favorite. Insurance. In our flight academy, we require you have renters insurance, it is your policy, and you can use it anywhere in the States. I've seen price sheets at other schools that show a typical cost per hour, but tucked away in the fine print is an additional $7/hr for insurance (which is required for every flight). If you fly 250 hours with them, that's a whopping $1,750 extra! Why not just add it to the actual hourly rate? Also, understand and look for the difference between wet and dry, meaning with fuel or without fuel. I have also seen a fuel surcharge fee, which fluctuates in price just like it does at a gas station.  

5.   Instructor and Syllabus

Most Part 61 schools don't follow a syllabus. While flexibility is a nice thing about part 61, using a syllabus is essential. Your instructor has a few students, and they can't remember exactly where you are every time. Not having a structured training plan can lead to time wasted. By now, you'll know how expensive wasted time can be in Aviation. Look for a CFI that follows a syllabus and cares for your training, it will save you time and money. 

And there you have it, five key things to consider before selecting a flight school. Remember, if it isn't a fit— your flight time experience and hours don't expire, and you can always pick up where you left off.