Braz Posted June 1, 2013 Report Share Posted June 1, 2013 I'm headed to tour a flight school this week. Anything you guys wish you would have asked before starting training? Trying to put my question list together. What's the most important or must have info? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eagle5 Posted June 2, 2013 Report Share Posted June 2, 2013 1. How many hours do your CFIs have?2. How many career students do you have?3. Will any of them be graduating soon?4. Can I fly as much, or as little, as I want? (i.e. how's the schedulling, # of students vs. # of CFIs vs. # of helicopters?)5. Can I rent the aircraft solo after I have my license?6. How much will the checkride cost?7. Would my current weight prevent me from working here as a CFI?8. If I want to work here do I have to be instrument rated?9. Ever had any accidents? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotornut67 Posted June 2, 2013 Report Share Posted June 2, 2013 If you are not using the G.I. bill, ask what payment methods they accept. Most will take any form but some may not. If they want a large deposit before you start training RUN!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilot#476398 Posted June 2, 2013 Report Share Posted June 2, 2013 How many flight instructors have graduated in the past 2 years, and where are they now? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotormandan Posted June 2, 2013 Report Share Posted June 2, 2013 Ask the students around some of the same questions too. Especially how easy/hard is it to schedule helicopter/instructor. Does the school change their(students) schedule often? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Pig Posted June 2, 2013 Report Share Posted June 2, 2013 How many flight instructors have graduated in the past 2 years, and where are they now?Ive always thought that was irrelevant. A school has nothing to do with where a student ends up 2 years after his checkride. You would probably be more concerned with how many of your former students work HERE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Braz Posted June 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2013 Good stuff, I'm covered by the post 9/11 so I'm hoping that part will be mostly taken care of. The schedule will be huge seeing how ill still need to work at least part time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikemv Posted June 2, 2013 Report Share Posted June 2, 2013 Good stuff, I'm covered by the post 9/11 so I'm hoping that part will be mostly taken care of. The schedule will be huge seeing how ill still need to work at least part time. Braz, what is the name of the school? Many here know a lot about most of the schools in the US and can offer specific help and maybe specific questions to ask of that school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ridethisbike Posted June 2, 2013 Report Share Posted June 2, 2013 What school are you going to go check out? EDIT: Mike, you rascal, you beat me to it! haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilot#476398 Posted June 3, 2013 Report Share Posted June 3, 2013 Good stuff, I'm covered by the post 9/11 so I'm hoping that part will be mostly taken care of. The schedule will be huge seeing how ill still need to work at least part time. Well now that we know you're government funded I would ask one more question if I were you; Can I do all my training in the R22? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Braz Posted June 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 3, 2013 It's elite aviation in Las Vegas. And yes that's another good question. They have someone that sounds like they specialize in veterans affairs so hopefully that takes a load off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilot#476398 Posted June 3, 2013 Report Share Posted June 3, 2013 It looks like you'll at least have to do the instrument stuff in the 44. Funny though, the instrument panel they describe is not the one in the picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotornut67 Posted June 4, 2013 Report Share Posted June 4, 2013 Ask if they have an approved SIM. You can do 20 hrs toward your instrument in it. Makes flying the approach in the Heli much easier if you can nail it in the SIM. That was my experience at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Bird Posted June 4, 2013 Report Share Posted June 4, 2013 I'd be wanting to chat to some current/former students. A CFI's POV is one thing, a student's is another. And work afterwards? Where are people ending up. Very important.Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spike Posted June 4, 2013 Report Share Posted June 4, 2013 (edited) What is the approximate flight time of the private graduates? What is the approximate flight time of the CFII graduates? Is the Instrument program incorporated within the commercial program? As a 9/11 customer, can the student dictate which machine is flown? Who is responsible for the veterans, 9/11 program quality control? Do you hire within? If you hire within, what is the single most important factor a prospective applicant should possess? Are there any staff members with real world experience? With numerous schools to choose from, why should I choose this school? Where do you see this school in 5 years? What is the ratio of overall graduates to working pilot graduates? Is the school involved in any litigation or bankruptcy proceedings? Is there a contact? Can I have access to past, current and former student contact information? Edited June 4, 2013 by Spike 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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