A positive perspective of the Aviator - Page 2

Gonzo · November 26th, 2005, 02:48

Let me start off by saying I do not attend aviator nor do I plan to attend aviator. Not because I do not like the school. I have decided to stay at the FBO that I am flying at presently. My CFI and I have put together a training schedule that will get me down in about seven to 10 months. When I went down there I spent a whole day looking around. I figure if I'm going to spend that much money I might as well make sure that it's the right school for me.

As far as addressing the concern that all the post on this board are putting aviator and a positive light. When I toured the school I met many instructors and students. All of them were drinking the (self-made) Kool-Aid. Every question I asked them pretty much had the same two answers. The answer to every question was either multitime or getting to a jet quicker.

The second part of my tour of was conducted by Mike. Let me start off by saying Mike impressed me a lot. As someone who has worked in business banking for four years I've gotten pretty good at reading a Businessman. Through my discussion with Mike he a much answered all the questions that have been asked in these forums. He will tell you that the planes are old and not all the electronics work on them but they are air worthy. He will tell you he's cheap and that is a reason why he only reimburses you fuel up to the price that he pays for it. He would tell you his instructors aren't paid much but then show you stack of résumés. He told me he is partially to blame for some of the students taking so long to complete the course. Overall I found Mike to be a very blunt and straightforward guy.

Florida Flyer I don't think Mike is mad at you for what you said because he just about told me everything that you've said. He's mad because you've(and many others on this board) have made personal attacks on him. Say what you want to say about the school and the planes but you should never make it personal with Mike.

As far as Doug censoring things for Mike I will leave you with this. I asked Mike about a certain thread posted a good while ago on this web site that did not put aviator in a good light. He told me everything in that thread was true. He even told me he could probably call Doug and have the thread removed but that would be doing a disservice to Doug and anyone else reading the forum.

Luftpost · November 26th, 2005, 09:01

I left "The Aviator" nearly 2 years ago for a right seat in a Beechjet (now left), with less than 1000 hours. This at a time when the hiring market was in a serious slump. I was led to the Aviator through this site and other posters.

At that time, people were much more helpful and constructive in giving people information and experiences about this school and others. Boy have times changed. I have never seen so much whining in my life before on this board (well maybe the Pan Am site).

I, like QBoat, was very productive with my time there. Any delays were a result of my own doing. I did get through it in 6 months though and on budget (even with some personal Cessna rental $$/time).

Most of the people I went to school with at that time were dedicated to their studies and students. Sure, not all of them, but they get weeded out, as has been evident here on this site by some of its now defunct posters.

Aviation can be a very rewarding career, as I have personally witnessed. In most cases though, you cannot expect to be spoonfed, which is also the case at the Aviator, as it should be.

My perspective of those regulars that are whining about MC or the school, well, that's just it. It's only whining, and they want sympathy or some control over others decision making. I think a few bad apples have passed through. In time, they will be forgotten. Remeber that people are always more anxious to voice a negative than a positive. That is the nature of people (myself included).

To those looking into the school, do yourself a favor, and visit the school. Meet Mike, and listen to him. Do not base your decision from these threads. Talk to the students and instructor there. For those turned off by Mike brutal honesty, imagine what the other schools are not telling you!!

I recently had a trip to Boca, my partner and I drove up to see the school for the first time since I left. It was a great trip down memory lane.

Rant over,

L.

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November 26th, 2005, 02:48	#26
Gonzo Old Skool Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,765	Let me start off by saying I do not attend aviator nor do I plan to attend aviator. Not because I do not like the school. I have decided to stay at the FBO that I am flying at presently. My CFI and I have put together a training schedule that will get me down in about seven to 10 months. When I went down there I spent a whole day looking around. I figure if I'm going to spend that much money I might as well make sure that it's the right school for me. As far as addressing the concern that all the post on this board are putting aviator and a positive light. When I toured the school I met many instructors and students. All of them were drinking the (self-made) Kool-Aid. Every question I asked them pretty much had the same two answers. The answer to every question was either multitime or getting to a jet quicker. The second part of my tour of was conducted by Mike. Let me start off by saying Mike impressed me a lot. As someone who has worked in business banking for four years I've gotten pretty good at reading a Businessman. Through my discussion with Mike he a much answered all the questions that have been asked in these forums. He will tell you that the planes are old and not all the electronics work on them but they are air worthy. He will tell you he's cheap and that is a reason why he only reimburses you fuel up to the price that he pays for it. He would tell you his instructors aren't paid much but then show you stack of résumés. He told me he is partially to blame for some of the students taking so long to complete the course. Overall I found Mike to be a very blunt and straightforward guy. Florida Flyer I don't think Mike is mad at you for what you said because he just about told me everything that you've said. He's mad because you've(and many others on this board) have made personal attacks on him. Say what you want to say about the school and the planes but you should never make it personal with Mike. As far as Doug censoring things for Mike I will leave you with this. I asked Mike about a certain thread posted a good while ago on this web site that did not put aviator in a good light. He told me everything in that thread was true. He even told me he could probably call Doug and have the thread removed but that would be doing a disservice to Doug and anyone else reading the forum.

November 26th, 2005, 09:01	#27
Luftpost Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 89	I left "The Aviator" nearly 2 years ago for a right seat in a Beechjet (now left), with less than 1000 hours. This at a time when the hiring market was in a serious slump. I was led to the Aviator through this site and other posters. At that time, people were much more helpful and constructive in giving people information and experiences about this school and others. Boy have times changed. I have never seen so much whining in my life before on this board (well maybe the Pan Am site). I, like QBoat, was very productive with my time there. Any delays were a result of my own doing. I did get through it in 6 months though and on budget (even with some personal Cessna rental $$/time). Most of the people I went to school with at that time were dedicated to their studies and students. Sure, not all of them, but they get weeded out, as has been evident here on this site by some of its now defunct posters. Aviation can be a very rewarding career, as I have personally witnessed. In most cases though, you cannot expect to be spoonfed, which is also the case at the Aviator, as it should be. My perspective of those regulars that are whining about MC or the school, well, that's just it. It's only whining, and they want sympathy or some control over others decision making. I think a few bad apples have passed through. In time, they will be forgotten. Remeber that people are always more anxious to voice a negative than a positive. That is the nature of people (myself included). To those looking into the school, do yourself a favor, and visit the school. Meet Mike, and listen to him. Do not base your decision from these threads. Talk to the students and instructor there. For those turned off by Mike brutal honesty, imagine what the other schools are not telling you!! I recently had a trip to Boca, my partner and I drove up to see the school for the first time since I left. It was a great trip down memory lane. Rant over, L.