The Right School
General Pilot Training / Flight School information for USA
Timeline vs Post Secondary Education vs Total Cost vs Reputation of School vs Success of School's Past Students, etc. It seems every future-pilot has a different predicament so we will address some of them below:
Many people who choose aviation as a second career do not feel they have the time to go through a 2 Year Aviation College Diploma or 4 Year University Program. Often already equipped with Post Secondary Education and life experience, these types of wanna-be pilots usually want to get all of their flying licences in hand in the least possible time. Please note that if this is you, and if you have money set aside for your complete Flight Training, it is a good idea to go into a Flight School and try to get a cheaper 'block rate' for your aircraft rental by guaranteeing many 'block' hours or perhaps through pre-paying for a large block of hours. This can save you a lot of money over your training period.
Younger people graduating from high school with the flying bug often want to 'kill two birds with one stone' by enrolling in a 2 Year Aviation College Program or a 4 year University Degree Aviation Program. Here you can get all of your flying licences up to the Multi-Engine Instrument Rating, and CFI Flight Instructor Rating, in addition to a 2 Year Post Secondary College Diploma, or a 4 year University Degree. These programs by nature can be more expensive as you receive Flight Training and College/University Studies simultaneously. But at the same time they often provide you with excellent training and professionalism before heading out into the real world. For those interested, there are financing programs from the banks in place. Many of the major airlines in the USA require their pilot applicants to have 4 year university degrees - but at the same time are not anticipating hiring pilots in the medium term, while the Regional Jet Operators who do not require a degree are constantly looking for new pilots as they take new deliveries of regional jets every month.
Some students want to research the success rate of the previous students at that particular flight school. If it is a highly respected Training School, it may have a very good record in regard to it's students finding jobs. Some schools may have a record of hiring their own students into Flight Instructor positions - which is a great way to get your first job.
Other students can be extremely cost conscious and look to train at the least expensive school. The only caution we have here is to make sure you are receiving adequate training at such a school.