Congratulations on your decision to become a pilot. A perspective pilot has primarily four choices where they can seek out flight training. The four options are a Flight Academy, Flight School, Flying Club, and through Free Lance Instruction. All options will get you your required training and license(s) and is conducted with an FAA Certified Flight Instructor. At the end of the day it comes down to which option best fits your flight training needs.
The Flight Academy is most often sought out by career minded pilots. These are the pilots looking to have a career in aviation. Some academies are even linked to a University where you can obtain a degree while flight training. The academies usually offer both 141 programs as well as part 61 programs (see other blog referencing the difference between the two).
Pros:
- All programs provided
- Many different types of aircraft
- Latest technology and aircraft
- Visas (Foreign Students)
Cons:
- High costs
- High Instructor turnover rate
- Difficult or unable to rent aircraft for leisure
The Flight School Option is usually owned by private owners and are smaller than the academies. Most often they own one to four aircraft. Some flight schools offer Part 141 but most often work under Part 61. Flight schools tend to be geared more towards pilots getting their private licenses however almost all offer ratings from Private Pilot to CFI (Certified Flight Instructor).
Pros:
- Cheaper than academies
- More personalized
- Easy Scheduling
- Able to rent aircraft (with restrictions)
Cons:
- Usually not linked with a University
- Don’t always offer Visas (foreign students)
- Lack of simulator access and newer technology
Flying clubs are similar to a flight school except the aircraft are owned jointly by each owner of the club. Upon applying for a club membership there is usually a buy in amount or deposit and a monthly maintenance amount. The aircraft are usually based at an FBO (Fixed Base Operation) or on the ramp at the airport. The aircraft are reserved online and there is usually a CFI that is a member or trusted CFI that the club uses.
Pros:
- Can take the plane overnight or even for the weekend
- Can be cheaper since most clubs charge for Tachometer Time as opposed to HOBBS Time
- Part ownership in an aircraft
Cons:
- Don’t always allow flight training
- Usually must schedule in advance for aircraft
- Some buy in or deposits can be expensive
Freelance Instructor are usually instructors that teach outside a flight school or academy. They tend to use either their own aircraft or lease one from a private owner or flight school. Many freelance instructors have other jobs either as instructors elsewhere or as professional pilots. However, some can be full time flight instructors. They can be found either by word of mouth or with business cards posted at your local FBO.
Pros:
- Very personalized training
- Direct availability for private aircraft owner
- More experienced CFI
- Cheaper hourly rate
Cons:
- Unable to offer Visas for training beyond Commercial Rating
- Lack of store front or offices
- Aircraft access limited
Good luck in your future flight training whether it be in preparation for a future airline gig or just to poke holes in the sky on the weekend. Be sure to sit down the manager of each school you visit and ask many questions as well as tour the facilities and aircraft you intend to fly.