What You Should Look for in a Flight School 

If you’re thinking about learning to fly you’re also thinking about what you should look for in a flight school. You do have a lot of options, so why not invest your time and money in the best way possible. But you want to know what defines a good investment for flight school. Good news, that’s what this article is all about. 

Experience 

Like in any learning environment, you’ll want to make sure the people teaching you to fly are experienced. Put some time into learning about the instructors available and the history of the flight school you’re researching. When did the flight school first open its doors? What is the team’s collective experience? Who will be your instructors? In most cases, more experience means better training because the school has had time to work out the kinks. 

The Fleet 

The quality and number of aircraft at flight schools vary a lot. Some schools offer extensive fleets of great models, while others may only have one or two training planes. When doing your research make sure to ask about the school’s fleet. A good flight school will be excited to talk about their fleet. If a flight school is reluctant to talk about its fleet, that’s usually a sign that it’s not the best choice. 

Training Options

Flight schools offer a range of programs to earn various licenses from a private license to a full commercial pilot’s license. The best flight schools will offer tailor-made programs to help you achieve your specific goals.  If your goal is to become a flight instructor but you’ve never flown before, your flight school should identify the best path for your to achieve your unique career path. 

FAA Part 141 Approval

If a flight school has Part 141 approval, it means that it is subject to regulation by the FAA. It must have detailed pre-planned training programs and must ensure a minimum pass rate, proving consistency in its training. When you choose a Part 141-approved flight school, you’re more likely to get high-quality curriculum and instruction.

These flight schools often have self-examination authority, allowing you can take your exams at the flight school itself without having to find alternative providers.

Financial Assurance

Learning to fly requires a financial investment. You want to know your money is safe with your training provider, putting a financial assurance firm on the list of what to look for in a flight school. Ask whether your money is guaranteed, check the flight school is well established, and find out what will happen if you decide to withdraw from your training. Will you be refunded? Or will you lose your whole investment?

CTI Professional Flight Training

Now that you know what to look for in a flight school, you’ll be pleased to learn that you can find all of the above at CTI. We’ve been teaching pilots like you to fly for over 25 years at our Part 141 flight school, offering customized turn-key programs designed with every individual in mind. With college programs available, plus links with commercial airlines, our pilots have all they need for their careers in aviation.

Our world-class fleet of new aircraft includes our Diamond DA-20, DA-42, Piper Arrow and Redbird FMX Simulator, and you can guarantee a fantastic location whether you’re training at our Florida or Tennessee flight school! What’s more, all unspent funds on your account are fully refundable if you decide to withdraw at any time.

So what are you waiting for? Book your Discovery Flight today – it’s time to get started!