How to Pick a Flight School

Whether your want to fly airplanes as a hobby or dream of a career with an airline, start by choosing the right flight school. Comparing schools requires sifting through several important considerations. If you are unsure what questions to ask or just want to ensure you cover all essential points, read this article to learn the qualities of a good flight program.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Logistics

1. Calculate the school expense up front. Different schools charge different rates and financial aid may not be available for certain schools. Get a comprehensive quote that includes incidental fees like FAA check rides, written tests, equipment and taxes.

2. Verify that the flight school's insurance coverage will protect you from liability when using its equipment.

3. Examine school locations. If your area has no good schools, you will have to choose between attending a lower-quality school nearby and relocating for a better education. Look for a school situated in a busy aviation neighborhood that will provide additional flight training opportunities such as communicating with a control tower and navigating restricted airspace.

Quality of instruction

4. Meet the flight instructors. Talk with them about your goals and their training style. Take an inexpensive introductory flight. Choose an instructor who will teach you well, can accommodate your schedule and with whom you have a good rapport.

5. Count the number of flight instructors on staff who have a master rating. Schools with more master instructors provide higher-quality instruction.

6. Verify the range of pilot ratings taught at the flight school. Choose a school that offers the full range of ratings, such as private pilot and certified instructor.

7. Ask about any additional training amenities included in the program, such as study areas and free practice tests. These features not only improve the overall quality of your training but demonstrate the school's commitment to its students.

Equipment

8. Count the number of aircraft. If the school has too few aircraft compared to the number of students, it may take longer and cost more to complete your training.

9. Inspect the quality of the aircraft. A significant percentage of planes should be instrument-flight rated with state-of-the-art approach grade GPS avionic stacks.

10. Find out if the school provides up-to-date certified flight simulators. Student pilots can log time in simulators to practice approaches and maneuvers with significantly less expense than flying actual aircraft.

11. Ask if the flight school employs its own mechanics. On-site mechanical staff will result in fewer canceled flights due to technical problems.

Tips & Warnings

• Confirm that the school gives the option to switch flight instructors for reasons such as poor instruction and negative relations.

Resources

• Browse a directory of flight schools at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association website.
• Find a flight instructor through the National Association of Flight Instructors.