Sometimes I think I am funny. I recently saw Wicked for the first time, even though I know a few of the songs. Well, really only one, the others are not as memorable to me. I think it fits, I am not sure of the aerodynamic qualities of a broomstick, but she was defying gravity. See what I did there?
I needed to choose where I was going to learn to fly. I had done intro flights to get familiar with the schools and now onto additional questions. Well, not really additional, as at the first intro flight there was not time for questions. I had done my online review searches, and well some people like both and some people don’t.
Here where the questions I reviewed when I called the schools:
Are there any extras in the hourly cost? instructor, headset, insurance, fuel, tax? Both: Headset rental extra and nothing else if using the school’s rental fleet.
Will you have a principal instructor or will your bookings dictate who you fly with?
Both: You will have a primary, however we cannot guarantee you will have the same one throughout all your training. They both cited changes in the aviation industry and instructors heading to airlines.
How is the training scheduled?
Both: Online
How are cancellations due to weather or maintenance dealt with?
Both: No Charge if they cancel, or cancellation fees within 24hrs of booking.
How does the school’s insurance cover you as a student from both personal protection and personal liability perspectives?
Both: they have the insurances but you can buy your own supplemental if you wish.
How are the rental/instructors booked…in bulk or pay per flight?
Both: There was no group or bulk rates for students. You could put money on account with the first school I visited.
Are you open to recording the in flight for my review after?
1st School: yes absolutely we encourage it and often instructors use it to review after flights.
2nd School: Weeelllll….it is an instructor by instructor thing. Then changed the subject.
What is the average time it takes students to complete their license?
Both said 60 to 70 hours as an average.
What is your first attempt pass ratio?
1st School didn’t know and had never been asked that question.
2nd School: didn’t know but said they need to write recommendation letters for the flight test and if the student is not ready it looks poorly on them.
How do I makeup a missed ground school class?
1st School: Basically said don’t. They have a 1 year limit and track what classes you attend.
2nd School: Said take them when you want as long as you are a member you can take as many and in any order you want. Just take navigation I,II,III and weather I,II,III in order.
Are there any issues booking aircraft or instructors?
Both: Generally not and if you book a couple weeks out you should be fine.
Total cost was about the same for both schools, within a hundred bucks. That included the hours, ground school course, kit, and estimated license fees.
Overall, they were very close, and they are both within 25 minutes of where I live (18 for one and 25 the other). What it came down to for my decision was a flying club or not. I chose the club feel and the fact there was a restaurant and a nice place for my wife to sit, if she ever ended up needing to hang out while I was flying.
So there you go I am off to Brampton.