Future Pan Am Flight Academy student

Luke · February 11th, 2005, 12:03

Hello I am a current student at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Ok. I am currently working on my private in my first semester as a transfer student from a community college. i am thinking of transfering to Pan Am flight academy for cost plus I love Florida. I currently flying a Cessna 152. Could the current students please tell me what is like to attend Pan Am academy, operations ect. I currently in a Part 141 program flying in an uncontrolled airport. i trained previously trained at Hollywood North perry airport which was a controlled airport. your response is apreciated.

SmitteyB · February 11th, 2005, 13:48

[ QUOTE ]
Hello I am a current student at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Ok. I am currently working on my private in my first semester as a transfer student from a community college. i am thinking of transfering to Pan Am flight academy for cost plus I love Florida. I currently flying a Cessna 152. Could the current students please tell me what is like to attend Pan Am academy, operations ect. I currently in a Part 141 program flying in an uncontrolled airport. i trained previously trained at Hollywood North perry airport which was a controlled airport. your response is apreciated.

[/ QUOTE ]

Is there any particular reason you are looking at Pan Am? Like is there something at Pan Am that another school or FBO can't give you? Welcome to JC!

Lima_Charlie · February 11th, 2005, 14:14

Hey Luke...

Your best bet is to PM "TheFlyingTurkey"... If haven't done so already, you should search through the Pan Am forum for his threads. He has posted a fairly informative history of his time at Pan Am in Ft. Pierce. He is currently an instructor, but has always been very good about being level headed w/ respect to sharing his experience...

I am in Phoenix, so I don't have much to share on the whole Florida operation.

LC...

SmitteyB · February 11th, 2005, 17:46

[ QUOTE ]
i am thinking of transfering to Pan Am flight academy for cost plus I love Florida.

[/ QUOTE ]

Cost........are you sure?

montanapilot · February 11th, 2005, 23:08

no doubt Smitty i was just about to say the same thing.

SmitteyB · February 11th, 2005, 23:18

Thank-you...I basically shook my head...and did a double take...wanted to make sure I wasn't seeing things. I'm glad you guys saved me before I went to Regional Airline Academy...

montanapilot · February 13th, 2005, 03:38

[ QUOTE ]
your response is apreciated.

[/ QUOTE ]

If i were in your situation i would keep flying locally and keep on goin to school. Academys are overrated, plus the airlines dont give a darn where you did your training. You can get the same training done at any flight school without having to pay an arm and a leg.

TheFlyingTurkey · February 14th, 2005, 00:18

I dont understand why you guys insist on constantly bashing academy style flight schools. It is up to each person to decide which style is right for them, and Luke came to this forum to gather information about the school. Right away you guys jump all over him trying to discourage him from even investigating the school. How is anyone supposed to find unbiased information with you guys lurking around the Pan Am forum?
If you read any of my post's you would know that I posted my experience at Pan Am exactly as it happened, and I even use my real name, and everyone knows who I am. So if I was lying everyone could call me on it. I don't know many that use their real names on JC. I have integrity with what I post, that can't be said for some folks around here.
I did not experince the trouble with Pan Am that others have claimed. Why? Was I lucky? No. I was, at age 30, more mature. Some at age 20 may think they are too, but there is a huge difference. (I'll be more mature at 40 than I am now) With this maturity comes disipline. The disipline required to study hard and to understand what I was getting myself into. It was my money, and I wasn't going to waste it by missing flights, showing up unprepared, or staying out late partying the night before a stage check. (which I have seen happen both when I was a student, and now as a CFI)
If a dear friend asked me if flight academies were the way to go, based on my personal experience and situation, I would say yes. But which one? That is a very personal decision, and it takes research, and campus visits to answer that question.
The biggest reason to go to an academy is time. I finished all of my ratings from PVT through MEI including a month for the ACE class, in 10 months+2 weeks. I took 8 checkrides in that time, I busted my a$$. I seriously doubt you could accomplish that at an FBO. Now I have a salaried postion as a CFI with 3 students. I am doing pretty good.

If you decide it is right for you, and you work hard enough, you too could have the same experince I had, at any academy style flight school.

DE727UPS · February 14th, 2005, 01:45

"unbiased information"

I can only speak for myself. The only reason I frequent this and the DCA forum is the lack of unbiased advertising and marketing from the large academies....including PanAm.

You don't think it can be done at an FBO? I think you throw the same money at an FBO that you are willing to throw at PanAm, and it could be done at an FBO.

"I don't know many that use their real names on JC. I have integrity with what I post"

Don Eikenberry, UPS 757/767 F/O, Spokane, WA

Lima_Charlie · February 14th, 2005, 02:50

DE... Any chance you feel like posting some SPECIFIC examples Pan Am's misleading/false advertising that you so often preach about? Maybe the "powers that be" will take your opinion into account... Who knows?

kellwolf · February 14th, 2005, 06:21

[ QUOTE ]
With this maturity comes disipline. The disipline required to study hard and to understand what I was getting myself into. It was my money, and I wasn't going to waste it by missing flights, showing up unprepared, or staying out late partying the night before a stage check.

[/ QUOTE ]

Which can, by the way, be done at an FBO for a considerable amount less. Trust me on this, that's what I'm doing. Just because you don't have someone to set a schedule for you doesn't mean you can't do it yourself.

DE727UPS · February 14th, 2005, 14:33

"Any chance you feel like posting some SPECIFIC examples Pan Am's misleading/false advertising"

We already talked about this at another thread here. But, yeah, I think you're "industry news" links are intentionally misleading. There is no mention of the bad things going on in this industry at the present time. Does PanAm have it's head in the sand about the state of the industry? Or do they simply not want to portray a balanced picture?

I guess it's simply good marketing to only tell half the story.

Lima_Charlie · February 14th, 2005, 16:05

Oh, that's right... So other than that, is there anything else??

SmitteyB · February 14th, 2005, 16:18

Their price...it's outrageous. Are there any guarentees or even positive chances of getting an instructor job there?

Dont feel bad Luke, we all came on here being a starry-eyed-wannabe's set on going to an academy. But thanks to the guys on here, I didn't make the $100,000 mistake. I just don't want someone like you to go to PanAm, get out, have no CFI job, and then find it hard to pay back your loan...because even the guys with CFI jobs are having trouble. Go to ATP, Ari-Ben, or a local FBO and get your ratings. ALL tickets are the same, but do you really think you need the best aircraft, buildings, and uniforms for the FAA to say ''Ok, you're capable of safely controlling this aicraft in these conditions"?

The answer is: No, you dont. The quicker you realize that, the more money you're going to save.

Believe me Luke, I was just like you.

dakovich · February 15th, 2005, 12:12

you mean I have to pay that loan back...ahhhh, so thats what those letters from Key Bank are all about

the cost is HUGE...of course its HUGE no matter where you go, but if you plan it well it can be less HUGE than you may think. does that make sense??

how much is that ACE thing?? how much is 100 hours of multi at ARI-BEN?? just mentioned that because i know more than one graduate who said afterward..."wow, i could have done things a lot differently/cheaper/quicker".

i actually miss the academy style, i liked the pace of it all, and i really miss that. facilities were nice, planes were nice, people were nice, and just being around so many people who were going for the same goal was awesome. but i really do think that ACE program is a big turn off. and if you don't do it you can't instruct with them...something to think about. if i wasn't forced to return home for family issues i probably would have sucked it up and stayed on...but being as cheap as i am i would have had a bad taste in my mouth from the ACE thing.

Luke · February 15th, 2005, 14:25

Thank you for your responses, i am currently considering my options for Fall 2005. My choices are either Pan Am or Flight Safety Academy. The decision will be made in the next few months. Regards

SmitteyB · February 15th, 2005, 14:38

*cough* ...FSA...*cough*

Lima_Charlie · February 15th, 2005, 14:58

Luke...

Which ever direction you decide to go, just make sure that you do adequate "due diligence" on the options that you consider. Take the advice you get in here w/ a grain of salt. If you can't tell, the "nay-sayers" on this board are rather jaded in their opinion. As informed as they MIGHT think they are, very few of them have any DIRECT experience with any of the academies, and thus have limited credibility. Some people are so invested in their opinion that there mind is closed to other ideas and options. Sad really...

Good luck in your quest! And whatever you decide to do, just remember that if you work hard, study hard, and remain teachable, you will have a positive experience no matter where you end up!

LC

project7 · February 15th, 2005, 16:13

Make sure you read this from the general topics section if you haven't already. Good luck in making your decision, and remember that nay-sayers may be jaded sometimes, but those who only have good things to say are often somewhat naive.

SmitteyB · February 15th, 2005, 16:33

[ QUOTE ]
Make sure you read this from the general topics section if you haven't already. Good luck in making your decision, and remember that nay-sayers may be jaded sometimes, but those who only have good things to say are often somewhat naive.

[/ QUOTE ]

I couldn't agree more.

DE727UPS · February 16th, 2005, 00:14

"few of them have any DIRECT experience with any of the academies, and thus have limited credibility."

Yeah...I'm just a dumb 757/767 pilot for a major airline. Don't listen to me.

If you want to talk credibility, I'd say take a grain of salt the opinion of someone who works for PanAm. I once talked to a DCA CFI who could care less about the half truths in their marketing statements. He said it brought new students in the door and that's all that mattered....more students for him.

I don't need to have any direct background with PanAm to know their marketing and advertising doesn't tell the full story. In fact, it's because I have so much experience in the industry that I can see it for what it is. It's easy to fool those who don't know any better.

I'd encourge those interested in PanAm to go check it out. Be sure to break away from the planed tour with a "career counselor", or whatever, to talk to some students alone. Also, talk to some recent grads but not just the ones the school recommends to you. That's how you will get the best feedback to help you make your decision.

TheFlyingTurkey · February 16th, 2005, 22:14

[ QUOTE ]
"few of them have any DIRECT experience with any of the academies, and thus have limited credibility."

Yeah...I'm just a dumb 757/767 pilot for a major airline. Don't listen to me.

If you want to talk credibility, I'd say take a grain of salt the opinion of someone who works for PanAm. I once talked to a DCA CFI who could care less about the half truths in their marketing statements. He said it brought new students in the door and that's all that mattered....more students for him.

I don't need to have any direct background with PanAm to know their marketing and advertising doesn't tell the full story. In fact, it's because I have so much experience in the industry that I can see it for what it is. It's easy to fool those who don't know any better.

[/ QUOTE ]

Mr UPS,
I can understand why a guy like Mavmb would post negatively about Pan Am. He went to the school, and had a bad experince there. But you? I don't think you went there as a student, or even visited just out of curiosity. This I got from the quote above. (no direct contact) I am living proof that the school can deliver on what it promised. I now have the flight time where I can start interviewing at airlines in the next few months. Thats what they promised.
I would think a guy in your position, flying for a great company would just be happy to talk to anyone about aviation. As a "youth minister" it would seem you should be more "neutral" about which flight school one would attend. I love aviation, and I talk to as many people as i can about it. I sure dont go around knocking other flight schools for any reason. I would be happy to see someone just take an interest in it.
The way you speak of Pan Am makes me wonder what your motives really are. Why would you care if someone
chooses Pan Am? You appear to be acting as some kind of "watch dog" for misleading advertising. Well I am not misleading you or anyone else by saying I got what I paid for, I got the most out of it, and I got what was promised.
If you think the advertising "fools" the unknowing, then we have a lot of ignorant morons running around. We all know a flight school can't get you a job. You go to flight school to learn to fly. Thats it. It's up to you to make the most of it, which could lead to a job. And any potential student who takes 5 minutes to do some research, can easily wade through the "half truths".
While you are at your part time job of "misleading advertising watch dog", why dont you go after the quick weight loss ads, or the grow hair fast ads, or the 50 year old Bowflex grandmother (results not typical) ads?
Better yet, stick to your day job as a Boeing pilot.

And I do have credibility. I hold a salaried position at Pan Am, I work with one of our foriegn contracts. So it will not affect me if this person goes to Pan Am or not. (other than I would like the doors to stay open)

SteveC · February 16th, 2005, 22:24

[ QUOTE ]
....I don't need to have any direct background with PanAm to know their marketing and advertising doesn't tell the full story. In fact, it's because I have so much experience in the industry that I can see it for what it is. It's easy to fool those who don't know any better.

I'd encourge those interested in PanAm to go check it out. Be sure to break away from the planed tour with a "career counselor", or whatever, to talk to some students alone. Also, talk to some recent grads but not just the ones the school recommends to you. That's how you will get the best feedback to help you make your decision.

[/ QUOTE ]

SmitteyB · February 16th, 2005, 22:26

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
"few of them have any DIRECT experience with any of the academies, and thus have limited credibility."

Yeah...I'm just a dumb 757/767 pilot for a major airline. Don't listen to me.

If you want to talk credibility, I'd say take a grain of salt the opinion of someone who works for PanAm. I once talked to a DCA CFI who could care less about the half truths in their marketing statements. He said it brought new students in the door and that's all that mattered....more students for him.

I don't need to have any direct background with PanAm to know their marketing and advertising doesn't tell the full story. In fact, it's because I have so much experience in the industry that I can see it for what it is. It's easy to fool those who don't know any better.

[/ QUOTE ]

Mr UPS,
I can understand why a guy like Mavmb would post negatively about Pan Am. He went to the school, and had a bad experince there. But you? I don't think you went there as a student, or even visited just out of curiosity. This I got from the quote above. (no direct contact) I am living proof that the school can deliver on what it promised. I now have the flight time where I can start interviewing at airlines in the next few months. Thats what they promised.
I would think a guy in your position, flying for a great company would just be happy to talk to anyone about aviation. As a "youth minister" it would seem you should be more "neutral" about which flight school one would attend. I love aviation, and I talk to as many people as i can about it. I sure dont go around knocking other flight schools for any reason. I would be happy to see someone just take an interest in it.
The way you speak of Pan Am makes me wonder what your motives really are. Why would you care if someone
chooses Pan Am? You appear to be acting as some kind of "watch dog" for misleading advertising. Well I am not misleading you or anyone else by saying I got what I paid for, I got the most out of it, and I got what was promised.
If you think the advertising "fools" the unknowing, then we have a lot of ignorant morons running around. We all know a flight school can't get you a job. You go to flight school to learn to fly. Thats it. It's up to you to make the most of it, which could lead to a job. And any potential student who takes 5 minutes to do some research, can easily wade through the "half truths".
While you are at your part time job of "misleading advertising watch dog", why dont you go after the quick weight loss ads, or the grow hair fast ads, or the 50 year old Bowflex grandmother (results not typical) ads?
Better yet, stick to your day job as a Boeing pilot.

And I do have credibility. I hold a salaried position at Pan Am, I work with one of our foriegn contracts. So it will not affect me if this person goes to Pan Am or not. (other than I would like the doors to stay open)

[/ QUOTE ]

Turkey,
I can't begin to explain how far off base you are here.

Mavmb · February 17th, 2005, 00:33

[ QUOTE ]
Hello I am a current student at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Ok. I am currently working on my private in my first semester as a transfer student from a community college. i am thinking of transfering to Pan Am flight academy for cost plus I love Florida. I currently flying a Cessna 152. Could the current students please tell me what is like to attend Pan Am academy, operations ect. I currently in a Part 141 program flying in an uncontrolled airport. i trained previously trained at Hollywood North perry airport which was a controlled airport. your response is apreciated.

[/ QUOTE ]

See it's so easy to tell the difference between a real student looking for advice and the imposters, jjzzak, who are just Pan Am admin. Luke, good luck to you buddy. I just have this piece of advice. It doesn't matter where you get your ratings, so try and train in places where you can save as much money as you can. There is a big difference between paying 40,000 for your pilot ratings and paying over 100,000. And don't get fooled into any "airline style" training crap either. You need Commercial ASEL/MEL, and CFI,CFII,MEI and nothing else. And some people even skip the single engine stuff. Any other programs will be wasting thousands of dollars and your time!

February 11th, 2005, 12:03	#1
Luke Newbie Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 2	Future Pan Am Flight Academy student Hello I am a current student at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Ok. I am currently working on my private in my first semester as a transfer student from a community college. i am thinking of transfering to Pan Am flight academy for cost plus I love Florida. I currently flying a Cessna 152. Could the current students please tell me what is like to attend Pan Am academy, operations ect. I currently in a Part 141 program flying in an uncontrolled airport. i trained previously trained at Hollywood North perry airport which was a controlled airport. your response is apreciated.

February 11th, 2005, 13:48	#2
SmitteyB Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 1,974	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student [ QUOTE ] Hello I am a current student at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Ok. I am currently working on my private in my first semester as a transfer student from a community college. i am thinking of transfering to Pan Am flight academy for cost plus I love Florida. I currently flying a Cessna 152. Could the current students please tell me what is like to attend Pan Am academy, operations ect. I currently in a Part 141 program flying in an uncontrolled airport. i trained previously trained at Hollywood North perry airport which was a controlled airport. your response is apreciated. [/ QUOTE ] Is there any particular reason you are looking at Pan Am? Like is there something at Pan Am that another school or FBO can't give you? Welcome to JC!

February 11th, 2005, 14:14	#3
Lima_Charlie Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 563	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student Hey Luke... Your best bet is to PM "TheFlyingTurkey"... If haven't done so already, you should search through the Pan Am forum for his threads. He has posted a fairly informative history of his time at Pan Am in Ft. Pierce. He is currently an instructor, but has always been very good about being level headed w/ respect to sharing his experience... I am in Phoenix, so I don't have much to share on the whole Florida operation. LC...

February 11th, 2005, 17:46	#4
SmitteyB Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 1,974	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student [ QUOTE ] i am thinking of transfering to Pan Am flight academy for cost plus I love Florida. [/ QUOTE ] Cost........are you sure?

February 11th, 2005, 23:08	#5
montanapilot Old Skool Join Date: May 2003 Location: Portland, Orygun Posts: 1,643	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student no doubt Smitty i was just about to say the same thing.

February 11th, 2005, 23:18	#6
SmitteyB Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 1,974	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student Thank-you...I basically shook my head...and did a double take...wanted to make sure I wasn't seeing things. I'm glad you guys saved me before I went to Regional Airline Academy...

February 13th, 2005, 03:38	#7
montanapilot Old Skool Join Date: May 2003 Location: Portland, Orygun Posts: 1,643	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student [ QUOTE ] your response is apreciated. [/ QUOTE ] If i were in your situation i would keep flying locally and keep on goin to school. Academys are overrated, plus the airlines dont give a darn where you did your training. You can get the same training done at any flight school without having to pay an arm and a leg.

February 14th, 2005, 00:18	#8
TheFlyingTurkey Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 2,987	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student I dont understand why you guys insist on constantly bashing academy style flight schools. It is up to each person to decide which style is right for them, and Luke came to this forum to gather information about the school. Right away you guys jump all over him trying to discourage him from even investigating the school. How is anyone supposed to find unbiased information with you guys lurking around the Pan Am forum? If you read any of my post's you would know that I posted my experience at Pan Am exactly as it happened, and I even use my real name, and everyone knows who I am. So if I was lying everyone could call me on it. I don't know many that use their real names on JC. I have integrity with what I post, that can't be said for some folks around here. I did not experince the trouble with Pan Am that others have claimed. Why? Was I lucky? No. I was, at age 30, more mature. Some at age 20 may think they are too, but there is a huge difference. (I'll be more mature at 40 than I am now) With this maturity comes disipline. The disipline required to study hard and to understand what I was getting myself into. It was my money, and I wasn't going to waste it by missing flights, showing up unprepared, or staying out late partying the night before a stage check. (which I have seen happen both when I was a student, and now as a CFI) If a dear friend asked me if flight academies were the way to go, based on my personal experience and situation, I would say yes. But which one? That is a very personal decision, and it takes research, and campus visits to answer that question. The biggest reason to go to an academy is time. I finished all of my ratings from PVT through MEI including a month for the ACE class, in 10 months+2 weeks. I took 8 checkrides in that time, I busted my a$$. I seriously doubt you could accomplish that at an FBO. Now I have a salaried postion as a CFI with 3 students. I am doing pretty good. If you decide it is right for you, and you work hard enough, you too could have the same experince I had, at any academy style flight school.

February 14th, 2005, 01:45	#9
DE727UPS Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 6,578	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student "unbiased information" I can only speak for myself. The only reason I frequent this and the DCA forum is the lack of unbiased advertising and marketing from the large academies....including PanAm. You don't think it can be done at an FBO? I think you throw the same money at an FBO that you are willing to throw at PanAm, and it could be done at an FBO. "I don't know many that use their real names on JC. I have integrity with what I post" Don Eikenberry, UPS 757/767 F/O, Spokane, WA

February 14th, 2005, 02:50	#10
Lima_Charlie Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 563	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student DE... Any chance you feel like posting some SPECIFIC examples Pan Am's misleading/false advertising that you so often preach about? Maybe the "powers that be" will take your opinion into account... Who knows?

February 14th, 2005, 06:21	#11
kellwolf Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 14,230	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student [ QUOTE ] With this maturity comes disipline. The disipline required to study hard and to understand what I was getting myself into. It was my money, and I wasn't going to waste it by missing flights, showing up unprepared, or staying out late partying the night before a stage check. [/ QUOTE ] Which can, by the way, be done at an FBO for a considerable amount less. Trust me on this, that's what I'm doing. Just because you don't have someone to set a schedule for you doesn't mean you can't do it yourself.

February 14th, 2005, 14:33	#12
DE727UPS Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 6,578	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student "Any chance you feel like posting some SPECIFIC examples Pan Am's misleading/false advertising" We already talked about this at another thread here. But, yeah, I think you're "industry news" links are intentionally misleading. There is no mention of the bad things going on in this industry at the present time. Does PanAm have it's head in the sand about the state of the industry? Or do they simply not want to portray a balanced picture? I guess it's simply good marketing to only tell half the story.

February 14th, 2005, 16:05	#13
Lima_Charlie Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 563	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student Oh, that's right... So other than that, is there anything else??

February 14th, 2005, 16:18	#14
SmitteyB Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 1,974	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student Their price...it's outrageous. Are there any guarentees or even positive chances of getting an instructor job there? Dont feel bad Luke, we all came on here being a starry-eyed-wannabe's set on going to an academy. But thanks to the guys on here, I didn't make the $100,000 mistake. I just don't want someone like you to go to PanAm, get out, have no CFI job, and then find it hard to pay back your loan...because even the guys with CFI jobs are having trouble. Go to ATP, Ari-Ben, or a local FBO and get your ratings. ALL tickets are the same, but do you really think you need the best aircraft, buildings, and uniforms for the FAA to say ''Ok, you're capable of safely controlling this aicraft in these conditions"? The answer is: No, you dont. The quicker you realize that, the more money you're going to save. Believe me Luke, I was just like you.

February 15th, 2005, 12:12	#15
dakovich Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 1,043	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student you mean I have to pay that loan back...ahhhh, so thats what those letters from Key Bank are all about the cost is HUGE...of course its HUGE no matter where you go, but if you plan it well it can be less HUGE than you may think. does that make sense?? how much is that ACE thing?? how much is 100 hours of multi at ARI-BEN?? just mentioned that because i know more than one graduate who said afterward..."wow, i could have done things a lot differently/cheaper/quicker". i actually miss the academy style, i liked the pace of it all, and i really miss that. facilities were nice, planes were nice, people were nice, and just being around so many people who were going for the same goal was awesome. but i really do think that ACE program is a big turn off. and if you don't do it you can't instruct with them...something to think about. if i wasn't forced to return home for family issues i probably would have sucked it up and stayed on...but being as cheap as i am i would have had a bad taste in my mouth from the ACE thing.

February 15th, 2005, 14:25	#16
Luke Newbie Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 2	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student Thank you for your responses, i am currently considering my options for Fall 2005. My choices are either Pan Am or Flight Safety Academy. The decision will be made in the next few months. Regards

February 15th, 2005, 14:38	#17
SmitteyB Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 1,974	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student cough ...FSA...cough

February 15th, 2005, 14:58	#18
Lima_Charlie Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 563	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student Luke... Which ever direction you decide to go, just make sure that you do adequate "due diligence" on the options that you consider. Take the advice you get in here w/ a grain of salt. If you can't tell, the "nay-sayers" on this board are rather jaded in their opinion. As informed as they MIGHT think they are, very few of them have any DIRECT experience with any of the academies, and thus have limited credibility. Some people are so invested in their opinion that there mind is closed to other ideas and options. Sad really... Good luck in your quest! And whatever you decide to do, just remember that if you work hard, study hard, and remain teachable, you will have a positive experience no matter where you end up! LC

February 15th, 2005, 16:13	#19
project7 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 430	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student Make sure you read this from the general topics section if you haven't already. Good luck in making your decision, and remember that nay-sayers may be jaded sometimes, but those who only have good things to say are often somewhat naive.

February 15th, 2005, 16:33	#20
SmitteyB Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 1,974	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student [ QUOTE ] Make sure you read this from the general topics section if you haven't already. Good luck in making your decision, and remember that nay-sayers may be jaded sometimes, but those who only have good things to say are often somewhat naive. [/ QUOTE ] I couldn't agree more.

February 16th, 2005, 00:14	#21
DE727UPS Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 6,578	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student "few of them have any DIRECT experience with any of the academies, and thus have limited credibility." Yeah...I'm just a dumb 757/767 pilot for a major airline. Don't listen to me. If you want to talk credibility, I'd say take a grain of salt the opinion of someone who works for PanAm. I once talked to a DCA CFI who could care less about the half truths in their marketing statements. He said it brought new students in the door and that's all that mattered....more students for him. I don't need to have any direct background with PanAm to know their marketing and advertising doesn't tell the full story. In fact, it's because I have so much experience in the industry that I can see it for what it is. It's easy to fool those who don't know any better. I'd encourge those interested in PanAm to go check it out. Be sure to break away from the planed tour with a "career counselor", or whatever, to talk to some students alone. Also, talk to some recent grads but not just the ones the school recommends to you. That's how you will get the best feedback to help you make your decision.

February 16th, 2005, 22:14	#22
TheFlyingTurkey Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 2,987	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student [ QUOTE ] "few of them have any DIRECT experience with any of the academies, and thus have limited credibility." Yeah...I'm just a dumb 757/767 pilot for a major airline. Don't listen to me. If you want to talk credibility, I'd say take a grain of salt the opinion of someone who works for PanAm. I once talked to a DCA CFI who could care less about the half truths in their marketing statements. He said it brought new students in the door and that's all that mattered....more students for him. I don't need to have any direct background with PanAm to know their marketing and advertising doesn't tell the full story. In fact, it's because I have so much experience in the industry that I can see it for what it is. It's easy to fool those who don't know any better. [/ QUOTE ] Mr UPS, I can understand why a guy like Mavmb would post negatively about Pan Am. He went to the school, and had a bad experince there. But you? I don't think you went there as a student, or even visited just out of curiosity. This I got from the quote above. (no direct contact) I am living proof that the school can deliver on what it promised. I now have the flight time where I can start interviewing at airlines in the next few months. Thats what they promised. I would think a guy in your position, flying for a great company would just be happy to talk to anyone about aviation. As a "youth minister" it would seem you should be more "neutral" about which flight school one would attend. I love aviation, and I talk to as many people as i can about it. I sure dont go around knocking other flight schools for any reason. I would be happy to see someone just take an interest in it. The way you speak of Pan Am makes me wonder what your motives really are. Why would you care if someone chooses Pan Am? You appear to be acting as some kind of "watch dog" for misleading advertising. Well I am not misleading you or anyone else by saying I got what I paid for, I got the most out of it, and I got what was promised. If you think the advertising "fools" the unknowing, then we have a lot of ignorant morons running around. We all know a flight school can't get you a job. You go to flight school to learn to fly. Thats it. It's up to you to make the most of it, which could lead to a job. And any potential student who takes 5 minutes to do some research, can easily wade through the "half truths". While you are at your part time job of "misleading advertising watch dog", why dont you go after the quick weight loss ads, or the grow hair fast ads, or the 50 year old Bowflex grandmother (results not typical) ads? Better yet, stick to your day job as a Boeing pilot. And I do have credibility. I hold a salaried position at Pan Am, I work with one of our foriegn contracts. So it will not affect me if this person goes to Pan Am or not. (other than I would like the doors to stay open)

February 16th, 2005, 22:24	#23
SteveC Modulator Join Date: May 2003 Location: GRR Posts: 8,788	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student [ QUOTE ] ....I don't need to have any direct background with PanAm to know their marketing and advertising doesn't tell the full story. In fact, it's because I have so much experience in the industry that I can see it for what it is. It's easy to fool those who don't know any better. I'd encourge those interested in PanAm to go check it out. Be sure to break away from the planed tour with a "career counselor", or whatever, to talk to some students alone. Also, talk to some recent grads but not just the ones the school recommends to you. That's how you will get the best feedback to help you make your decision. [/ QUOTE ]

February 16th, 2005, 22:26	#24
SmitteyB Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 1,974	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] "few of them have any DIRECT experience with any of the academies, and thus have limited credibility." Yeah...I'm just a dumb 757/767 pilot for a major airline. Don't listen to me. If you want to talk credibility, I'd say take a grain of salt the opinion of someone who works for PanAm. I once talked to a DCA CFI who could care less about the half truths in their marketing statements. He said it brought new students in the door and that's all that mattered....more students for him. I don't need to have any direct background with PanAm to know their marketing and advertising doesn't tell the full story. In fact, it's because I have so much experience in the industry that I can see it for what it is. It's easy to fool those who don't know any better. [/ QUOTE ] Mr UPS, I can understand why a guy like Mavmb would post negatively about Pan Am. He went to the school, and had a bad experince there. But you? I don't think you went there as a student, or even visited just out of curiosity. This I got from the quote above. (no direct contact) I am living proof that the school can deliver on what it promised. I now have the flight time where I can start interviewing at airlines in the next few months. Thats what they promised. I would think a guy in your position, flying for a great company would just be happy to talk to anyone about aviation. As a "youth minister" it would seem you should be more "neutral" about which flight school one would attend. I love aviation, and I talk to as many people as i can about it. I sure dont go around knocking other flight schools for any reason. I would be happy to see someone just take an interest in it. The way you speak of Pan Am makes me wonder what your motives really are. Why would you care if someone chooses Pan Am? You appear to be acting as some kind of "watch dog" for misleading advertising. Well I am not misleading you or anyone else by saying I got what I paid for, I got the most out of it, and I got what was promised. If you think the advertising "fools" the unknowing, then we have a lot of ignorant morons running around. We all know a flight school can't get you a job. You go to flight school to learn to fly. Thats it. It's up to you to make the most of it, which could lead to a job. And any potential student who takes 5 minutes to do some research, can easily wade through the "half truths". While you are at your part time job of "misleading advertising watch dog", why dont you go after the quick weight loss ads, or the grow hair fast ads, or the 50 year old Bowflex grandmother (results not typical) ads? Better yet, stick to your day job as a Boeing pilot. And I do have credibility. I hold a salaried position at Pan Am, I work with one of our foriegn contracts. So it will not affect me if this person goes to Pan Am or not. (other than I would like the doors to stay open) [/ QUOTE ] Turkey, I can't begin to explain how far off base you are here.

February 17th, 2005, 00:33	#25
Mavmb Old Skool Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 2,169	Re: Future Pan Am Flight Academy student [ QUOTE ] Hello I am a current student at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Ok. I am currently working on my private in my first semester as a transfer student from a community college. i am thinking of transfering to Pan Am flight academy for cost plus I love Florida. I currently flying a Cessna 152. Could the current students please tell me what is like to attend Pan Am academy, operations ect. I currently in a Part 141 program flying in an uncontrolled airport. i trained previously trained at Hollywood North perry airport which was a controlled airport. your response is apreciated. [/ QUOTE ] See it's so easy to tell the difference between a real student looking for advice and the imposters, jjzzak, who are just Pan Am admin. Luke, good luck to you buddy. I just have this piece of advice. It doesn't matter where you get your ratings, so try and train in places where you can save as much money as you can. There is a big difference between paying 40,000 for your pilot ratings and paying over 100,000. And don't get fooled into any "airline style" training crap either. You need Commercial ASEL/MEL, and CFI,CFII,MEI and nothing else. And some people even skip the single engine stuff. Any other programs will be wasting thousands of dollars and your time!

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