DCA and Broward Community College

[BrowardAirman]

Does anybody have any informationabout DCA/Broward Community College at Pembroke Pines, FL?

[chrisdahut1]

Sure do, what do you want to know?

[Hollywood]

i have a question too.. do they use DCA instructors (program graduates) or do they hire there own instructors?

[chrisdahut1]

All instructors currently being hired by the academy are academy graduates, meaning they've done all or at least the CFI training at the academy. Once you graduate the program at BCC and complete your CFI and II, you interview for a CFI position working for DCA at BCC. The academy tries to fill up as many positions as possible at the BCC location with BCC graduates, however, when there is a shortfall of graduates at any particular time they do occasionally send down recently graduated instructors from Sanford.

Hope this helps!

[ClipperPilot]

I also live in pembroke pines and fly out of HWO. Was curious to how the program is, i took the tour, it looked o.k., not the best or worst. the two frasca 142's were just o.k. nothing more. Are you in the program? How is it, fill us in.

[chrisdahut1]

I'm a graduate and a CFI in the program. I'm actually about ready to complete my time there, so I'm not gonna be around too much longer! The Frascas are an IMMENSE improvement over the old ATC-710s. I'll admit that they aren't everything i thought they'd be, but they are pretty cool machines!

[BrowardAirman]

One of the biggest questions I have is financial aid. I don't have anything I can contribute out of pocket, so the whole thing rests on aid. I have been approved for an alternative loan, but I am worried that the school will not consider living expenses for myself, spouse (who is disabled) and kids. I am also worried that since the school does not list the flight training cost as class fees, that the school will not allow the funding of the entire loan

[chrisdahut1]

So long as you're an "in-state" student, the fees for the ground school are not substantial. Each is normally 3 credit hours, with each credit hour costing the student about $50. So you'd be paying about $150 per class, which financial aid should cover. The biggest cost to worry about, of course, is the flight training. However, if you've already been approved for an alternative loan, thats not an issue.

My experience with financial aid is limited. However, I have heard from colleagues that it can be fairly generous and cover all class and material costs with some left over. This is of course dependant on how much financial need you can demonstrate.

There are numerous people at BCC who could do a better job explaining it all and helping you out. The number one person you'd want to contact is the admissions co-ordinator. I don't have her number handy, but it shouldn't be difficult to look up on BCC's website.

[BrowardAirman]

Thanks for the information..I found the number of the person you had mentioned. Thanks again

[ClipperPilot]

Can anyone tell me how long it usually takes to finish the VFR refresher course, i will be coming in with the PPL so im just wondering when i can begin the IR.

[Wannabe2]

I think it is 6 lessons. Probably a week-10 days.

[H46Bubba]

I started mine on a tuesday and finshed my checkride the following monday. It was six days, since I had Sunday off.

[ClipperPilot]

Was it difficult or a fairly easy transition? You know how it is, cant wait to add another stripe.=)~

[H46Bubba]

It was mostly a review of your basic vfr manuevers. Stalls, steep turns, ground reference manuevers and so on. The only difficult part of coming into the academy or one of it's satellite campuses with certs or ratings, is checklist useage and using the stanz manuals for the aircraft. I've been here since December and I've been flying since then and I still have difficulties using the stanz manual and checklists. Other than that It's like flying anywhere else.

[JAM]

The Flight Standards Manuals are far from perfect. The best advice I can give to any student is: know the standard and fly it! The easiest way to get standardized is to study the standard and practice. You will have to do this at any airline anyway; you should get started right away!

BTW, if your instructor is not following a procedure, don't be afraid to point it out. S/he might learn something too!

[Cleared_ILS_RWY_9L]

I still use my C-152 Stands Manual quite a bit. It's not perfect, but it's the best thing around. Learning how to use it at and the check list, "The Comair Way" really helped me when I went into more advanced training in the 727.

Im curious also. I fly out of Pompano Beach Airpark (PMP) and have been considering both BCC and DCA.

[BrowardAirman]

Are the Standz manuals updated frequently? Are there any other places that the manuals can be purchased or are they DCA proprietary? Any disgruntled DCA students care to sell theirs?

[H46Bubba]

They update the Standz manual with revisions. They put them in our mailboxes when then are issued. They are DCA property, but they're out there floating around. Try e-bay.

[Wannabe2]

Not sure, but I think anyone can go to the skyshop and buy one.....

[ClipperPilot]

Another big question i was wondering is if that I would feel like i'm attending DCA, or BCC. Just curious, if i choose DCA at broward CC i want to feel like i'm in the DCA environment, any thoughts?

[cyrcadian]

The atmosphere at one of the DCA college bases is more laid back than at the main base in Sanford. However, it doesn't mean you won't get the same great training. If you are still woking on a degree, this program really works well.

BTW, are you currently attending MDCC and looking elsewhere?

[ClipperPilot]

I just graduated H.S., I am looking elsewhere, but I am registered at both BCC and MDC to cover my bases, I think BCC and DCA is going to be the final choice. I have a month before both programs start, but im leaning torward broward heavily.

[Doug Taylor]

Just make sure you get a four year bachelors degree or don't bother at all!

If you're a fresh high school graduate, I would not suggest a community college unless you're using it to transfer to a bachelors degree.

But I'm sure I'm stepping on someone's toes somewhere with the above statements.

[zsolez]

[ QUOTE ]
Just make sure you get a four year bachelors degree or don't bother at all!

If you're a fresh high school graduate, I would not suggest a community college unless you're using it to transfer to a bachelors degree.

But I'm sure I'm stepping on someone's toes somewhere with the above statements.

[/ QUOTE ]

almost all the students that do the degree program in Broward use it to get a 4 years toward an online ERAU degree... you get a load of credit for your licenses and I think all the credit in the degree. Anyone feel free to correct me. At BCC you have a hard time to become an instructor if you are, at least, not working toward a degree. That alone tells a lot about the attitude toward a degree.

But THANKS for reminding us!!!!

The typical student in Sanford is in his high twenties and a degree.