Time Building @ Aviator

[GoodTimes]

For all you future time builders out there, I figured I would inform you about my experience at Ari Ben Aviator.

I shopped around for block multi time for about two months, and eventually stumbled across Aviator. The pricing more than impressed me, and plane quality advertised on the web-site. After a few talks with Mike (the owner), I decided to purchase 150 hours and the Commercial Multi add on rating. Mike informed me that this should take no more than three weeks, four weeks max.

After a long long day of flying (flew my personal airplane down there), I walked into aviator for the first time. I was amazed at how chaotic it was, and that so many people could fit into such a small building. I managed to find the little front desk. After squeezing through what seemed like fifteen instructors, I discovered Mary. I was then given a quick tour by a spanking new instructor, and then was handed over to the man (Mike). Mike performed the induction ceremony consisting of introduction to the school, duchess poh, a few threats, introduction to my flight instructor, and the oh so important aviator ID card. I was then introduced to James, who I learned was in charge of all us time building folks. Then I went to the housing (which I won't get into to, since I'm the last poor soul who had to experience it).

My introduction to the planes was a bit surprising. Three of the planes have 430's, one has an Apollo GX50 gps, and the rest are pure /A. Two or three have radar, but I later learned that those work best in the off position.

My flight training went great. I had a very good instructor who liked Guinness, and I was ready to go in about 6 hours.... even thought I had to go through the mandatory 10 hours for insurance (which took a week). I then received the strangest check ride on record. If you take a check ride and discover that the examiner's car is yellow, be prepared. If you sense that he disagrees with something you said or did, pop in some ear plugs and turn off the intercom in the plane. Don't worry, you will still be able to hear him.

Then came the time building. I began this part a week and a half after arriving. I quicly discovered that there are 3 kinds of time builders. The first type only like to fly an hour or two a night, if you are in a hurry you have no choice but to avoid these guys. The second are in a hurry, but are only willing to fly 6 hours or so. The third type (I fell into this category) chose to fly until their neurons quit firing correctly...between 8 and 13 hours a night. This is very demanding, and the safety is subject to debate, but it is a good way to get lots of time fast. Unfortunately, the only guys who were willing to do this were the ones who needed 30-40 hours in a matter of days. When you go down there, plan on flying 4-8 hours a night, also plan on your plane being down (broken) (or you being moved back a few hours, or even off the schedule) at least a couple of times a week. This is the primary thing that slowed me down.

As a time builder, it is socially unacceptable to put yourself on the schedule. You must contact James, who will pair you up with a (hopefully) compatible partner. James is a very nice, hard working guy. Unfortunately, he is bombarded with requests and complaints on an hourly basis. He stays very busy, and therefore it is easy for him to forget about you. You have to give him a call daily, the best time is around 10:00am, to ensure that you will be on the schedule for that day.

This place has a lot of airplanes, primarily consisting of BE-76's. These planes fly all day, every day. They, like everything else us crazy humans create, break on a regular basis. They go in for hundred hours weekly or bi-weekly. I am scared to ask how much airframe time some of them have. All I can tell you is that they fly, and they fly well. There is something to be said about the maintenance staff there, they are very good and frequently work miracles.

Each plane has it's own personality and quirks. None are perfect. Some are just better than others, mainly the ones with 430's. Even with a /G plane, you will still get airways (when you file direct) 50% of the time.... so if you get a /A plane it is not so bad. Plus it's good practice for GPS dependant people.

The staff at aviator is, overall, very friendly and helpful. Mike is a pure business man, and as long as you can see through that you will like him. He will go out of his way to help his customers, which greatly impressed me. Mary (runs the front desk) is a very sweet lady. Be nice to her and she will return the favor. TJ (the "money lady") seemed to intimidate a lot of people, but I thought she was very nice and helpful. All in all, everyone there can be considered hard working and customer friendly. I would have to say that the place is right on the verge of being under staffed, and therefore there is a lot of pressure and stress on each employee. Just respect that, meaning be patient with them, and you will be ok.

All in all, it took me six weeks to complete 155 hours, my rating included. That is 2 weeks longer than the longest estimate that I got from Mike before I came down. My longest night of flying was 12.9 hours, and my shortest (when the plane flew) was 1.5. If I could have finished a week, or two, earlier I would be much happier about the experience. All in all, I would rate Aviator an eight out of ten. They are cheap, they are cheap, they are cheap, the planes fly, they are cheap, the staff is helpful, they are cheap, all the foreigners there give you a sense of culture, and the new housing is very good (from what I hear). Now as for the lovely town of Ft. Pierce & Vero Beach, well... I'll leave that one alone too. Just plan on traveling if you are young, dumb, and full of, uh you know what I mean.

Oh yeah, and if you rent one of Mike's cars.... I would highly recommend the Kia Sephia. I came home and jumped in my girlfriends Honda civic and I felt like I was in a Porsche. That little piece of s**t kia gives you a true understanding of what a good car is.

Things to bring with you that you might not realize:

1) Something soft to sit on, your butt will thank you for it.
2) Hand held GPS.
4) At least 2 flashlights. I went through 4.
5) Endless amounts of batteries.
6) A GATS jar, for sumping gas.
7) An open mind.

Hope I was helpful & did'nt piss anyone off. Good luck & Fly Safe!!!