The great debate for me has been which FBO to choose to train at. I think, based on the two conversations I just had, I’m even more at a loss for a decision than before. It’s not that I don’t know what’s up, it’s more that I’m not sure which path I want to take.
API:
Talked to Tom in the office and he was more than helpful over the phone. He broke down the costs right away and suggested about $9K for the training. They prefer to schedule the lessons in three hour blocks, which would end up around $350 per lesson. The lessons need to begin between 8a-8p, except as we move into the winter the shorter days will mean earlier lessons. At once a week, I’m looking at $1400 per month, a little steeper than I wanted. But they have Cessna 172’s on the fleet, one with retractable gear. I really enjoyed talking with Tom and he seemed excited that he was about to get his instructors certificate. I think at the moment there are three instructors on staff.
Midway Aviators:
Now, I appreciate it’s a holiday weekend, and a Sunday. But the gent I talked to on the phone didn’t seem to happy to chat with me. Not that he should represent the school in it’s entirety, but it felt like pulling teeth to have a conversation. He kept referencing the website and suggested I go there for more information. (Which I’ve been doing for weeks now…) With that said, they have no ground school and no Cessna’s currently in the fleet. Something about an engine being replaced on theirs. They do have Pipers and the Diamond DA-40’s, which rent at different rates. They offer discounts if you buy a $1k block of lessons, and seem really flexible with their instructor times, as there are 6 instructors on the staff at the present.
I work downtown, a 9-5 gig. I’m trying to determine if the flexibility of scheduling (and cost) at MA beats out the 3 hour lessons on Cessna’s at API. I think I want to learn on a high-wing like the Cessna. Then again, I’ll save significant costs if I don’t have to pay for ground school (MA has none) and do the training on my own. That doesn’t worry me because my HAM ticket was all self study, and I’m sure I can do it.
My next step will be to take an intro ride, most likely at Midway Aviators. Maybe I can schedule that for late July.
Tags: api, da-40, midway aviators, piper
I highly recommend taking an into flight with each school. Usually they will offer a reduced rate for the intro flight. Buy, a logbook before the flights because that time can and should be logged. The intro flights give you a good feel for the school from scheduling, to quality of planes, friendlinesses of the staff and quality of instruction.
In regards to ground school. I think it is fine skipping if you are disciplined at studying on your own. I did fine with books and using the Sporty’s Private Pilot DVD Course.
Excellent advice Todd. I see a minor shopping trip on Sporty’s website in my future…
Well…take this for what it’s worth, but I think flying 3 hours per week will actually save you money in the long run. Most people don’t want to hear this…but if I were you, I would save until you can get your license in 4 months or so. 3 hours in the air at a time, though, sounds like a little much. Sometimes it is exhausting (the learning, the bumps and wind, the repition, and sometimes the frustration), so doing 3 hours at a time might actually degrade your progress slightly. On the other hand, sometimes big blocks of time may be useful because it means more actual maneuvers and less taxiing, run-ups, etc. I think a happy medium would be lessons that are no more than 2 hours in the air (maybe 1.5) twice a week for 4 months or so. That is probably going to be the most efficient for most people. Also…if you have to save up for a few months to do this…don’t worry. Use that time to study for and pass your written, as well as study all of the maneuvers you will be learning. Practice navigation on a sim, etc. In a few months, you’ll have enough saved up to start and finish in 4 months, and you’ll likely end up saving money. Its the difference between $1400/month for 4-5 months, or $700/month for 12-14 months (it’s not linear…flying less frequently causes more lapses in progress, more re-learning, etc.) Just my advice.
Also, regarding choosing a school…I recommend possibly expanding your search area since you’ve found more airports…figure out everyone’s prices, equipment, materials, philosophy, etc., narrow it down to two or three schools, and then do discovery flights with each one as someone else suggested. They are typically short and only about $50-$65 each, and are loggable (get a logbook first…just a cheapy is all that’s necessary). Also, I would hold off on the Sporty’s shopping spree for a bit…wait until you have chosen a school (if you do choose soon), and see what they recommend. It can be helpful if your instructor is familiar with your training material. Most of these materials are similar, so familiarity can be helpful…and many schools sell a “kit” with study materials that they are familiar with, and the basic supplies (an E-6B, plotter, etc.). Understanding the academic stuff, and understanding how to use these tools before starting your training (while saving money) can actually help lower costs as well.
Anyway…whatever you decide, you’ll have fun, I’m sure. Stick to it…
Hey Bill. Thanks for the awesome comments. Sadly, I can’t expand my search area because I don’t have a car. So I’m fairly stuck between the two. With that said, discovery flights for both are just on the horizon.
I’m a little afraid of the Chicago winters too. Wonder just how much flying I can get done.
Well…be afraid of those winters all you want. I was the idiot who decided to get his license in the middle of the summer in Phoenix. What was I thinking?
Peter I agree with Bill if you can try to fit in a few more lessons per week that will go a long way towards getting you to your goal quicker and cheaper. I did ~3 lessons per week and finished under 50 hours and in about 4 months. Preflighting in the winter sucks but the flying is actually pretty nice, especially not having to worry about pop-up storms.
Hi Peter,
Todd pointed me your way. Your conundrum is so very typical… (which makes me mad)
Taking an intro flight to get audition the school is completely the way to go. Any flight time you pay for will be logged and count toward your Private Pilot Certificate requirements anyways… better to find what school fits you better.
I live in downtown Chicago, and I fly out of MDW for the most part. I have rented airplanes at MDW, DPA, PWK, and 06C. I also used to manage a flight school when I was working on my ticket back in college.
Most if the time, I rent from Midway Aviators, because I’m checked out in the shiny DA-40s, which are great airplanes. YMMV.
I’d be happy to offer up any Tribal Knowledge that may be of assistance.
Cheers,
Rod
Hey Rod. Thanks for the info! I’ll be in touch for sure…
Hello all,
I found this blog while also searching for information on flight schools in Chicago. Like Peter I live in the city and don’t have a car so had also come up to the decision of API or Midway. That said I’m taking my first lesson on Saturday at API! The information in this blog has been really interesting and helpful in guiding me in this process. Thanks!
Greg
Greg, please share any info you have. I’d love to hear it!
My decision to start out at API was kind of reached after having a similar experience while talking to both schools. Bob at API was really helpful and took the time to answer all my questions and even took the time to make sure I was a good fit for what they offer; he explained that it was a serious flight school and he wanted to make sure that I wasn’t just looking for a 30 minute ride around and that I was seriously interested in learning to fly. I appreciated this as some places just want your money and couldn’t care less if you and the school are a good fit. When I called Midway the person I spoke to didn’t seem too interested in elaborating on any answers and didn’t seem particularly thrilled in me asking questions. The conversation was very short and to the point. That said if things don’t work out for me at API I wouldn’t hesitate to check out Midway. I can’t wait for Saturday!