A little help here.....

[ScottG]

I would like to attend Ari Ben. A simple statement made more complex after the recent express written resentment by a few members here. I have contacted Ari Ben as well as one other (non ATP) flight school. I know the potential positives but after looking through the threads I haven't really been able to get a concrete (meaning from people who have been involved in the school in some way) list of evidence. I have read the lawsuit thread but if anyone can lay out their reasons for dislike for me I would be much obliged(I know they may be out there somewhere but I am after a little organization. If possible please include your CFI experiences.

Please and thank you

P.S. (not ATP)Alternatives welcome, I am looking at building a TON of multi time through instructing (>1000hrs), I realize the regional mins. but regionals don't seem like my style. I want to be able to work anywhere I guess is my goal.

[surreal1221]

I really don't think you're going to get any sort of honest commentary on Ari-Ben . . .especially in today's lawsuit happy environment.

Make the choice for yourself. I think it would be a pretty easy decision for me. Should be for you too.

[Crockrocket94]

There are a ton of flightschools, are you geographically limited in your endeavor?

[ScottG]

No I am not really geographically limited.

[Cazadores]

Originally Posted by surreal1221

I really don't think you're going to get any sort of honest commentary on Ari-Ben . . .especially in today's lawsuit happy environment.

Make the choice for yourself. I think it would be a pretty easy decision for me. Should be for you too.

I, formerly a serious candidate for a time building program and maybe a couple ratings at Ari-Ben, have been assisted in making a decision. Seems to me business practices subscribing to a tradition of professional excellence ought to transcend a little mudslinging on an internet forum. If this threat of lawsuit is true, what was once somewhat dubious bashing suddenly gained a bit of credibility.......

Just my .02, your mileage may vary.

[Shep8]

I'm headed down to ari ben towards the end of the year to do my CMEL, CSEL, CFI-A, CFII, MEI. I know what I'm getting into. Ive flown some of the most un-airworthy planes in existence and it doesn't really bother me. As long as I get the ratings done I will be a happy customer. I'm also going down there with all of my writtens done so hopefully I won't be a student there for too long. If anyone wants to share their opinion without risking a lawsuit send a private message. Thanks.

[Florida_Flyer]

Ive flown some of the most un-airworthy planes in existence and it doesn't really bother me. As long as I get the ratings done I will be a happy customer.

Most of the planes are not that terrible but remember; an accident or incident could have a serious effect on your career and maybe worse. I met a guy a few days back that crashed a Duchess some years ago; got barbecued alive. His injuries were pretty horrific and brought it home to me what can happen when it goes wrong. Sadly, there is a macho culture at the Aviator and management feed off guys like you (and I suppose me) and use it to skip on MX when it suits them.

I think you get the idea ScottG that Aviator is a big risk. Some people love it, some have a rough time of it. Can you afford that kind of risk?

[tiredofshoveling]

Well said FF,


Its about evaluating risks and mitigating them. In the early stages of flight training one false move and your career could be sunk. I heard of a guy who went to CAT (Custom Air Transport), put down 30 grand. They kicked him out after ground school cause they didn't want to deal with his dual citizenship even though he was #1 in his class and they were suppose to pre-screen him. He signed onto a lawsuit against them but meanwhile he was out 15K, they refunded half his cash, and the chance to be a flight engineer on a 747. He went on to flight instruct and is now with the regionals, luckily. So I guess what I'm saying is there is a lot of risk out there, financial, medical, maintenance, and not to mention pilot error. Trying to reduce these these risks and not get entangled in some childish lawsuit or other such BS is what I would shoot for.

TOS

[ScottG]

Thanks for the info guys, I think I will steer clear of Ari Ben......looking into skymates.

[surreal1221]

Originally Posted by ScottG

Thanks for the info guys, I think I will steer clear of Ari Ben......looking into skymates.

Good Choice. . .and if you're not a fan of Texas. . .send me a PM. Or hell, just check out a flight training thread of mine, located in another "Flight Academy" sub-forum.

Good luck in finding a school, make sure it's right for you.

[Queboat]

Originally Posted by tiredofshoveling

Well said FF,


Its about evaluating risks and mitigating them. In the early stages of flight training one false move and your career could be sunk. I heard of a guy who went to CAT (Custom Air Transport), put down 30 grand. They kicked him out after ground school cause they didn't want to deal with his dual citizenship even though he was #1 in his class and they were suppose to pre-screen him. He signed onto a lawsuit against them but meanwhile he was out 15K, they refunded half his cash, and the chance to be a flight engineer on a 747. He went on to flight instruct and is now with the regionals, luckily. So I guess what I'm saying is there is a lot of risk out there, financial, medical, maintenance, and not to mention pilot error. Trying to reduce these these risks and not get entangled in some childish lawsuit or other such BS is what I would shoot for.

TOS

CAT never had 747s. I think you meant to type 727. the risk of an accident or inccident is the same no matter what school you go to. brand new airplanes break all the time and can cause an accident.

[tiredofshoveling]

I stand corrected. 727 it is. I didn't mistype though I just got it wrong. lol

I also heard that one time at Ari this guy was doing a test flight and had an engine failure on takeoff. He barely made it back to the field and had to declare and emergency. He was later chastised for declaring the emergency! This isn't quantitative info but I think it may exposes a certain philosophy. He could easily have been killed... but don't declare and emergency. You've got to protect yourself. I don't enjoy talking trash but its a relevant bit of info. I am also still considering Ari myself.

TOS

[Gonzorox]

Originally Posted by tiredofshoveling

I also heard that one time at Ari this guy was doing a test flight...

Funny, people "hear" a lot of things. I used to do the MX test flights at Aviator, did quite a few as a matter of fact. If I ever found that a problem was not resolved, or not quite right, that airplane did not go back out on the line. I was never chastised by Mike when I returned with an airplane that needed more work. I think Mike chastises the guys who do stupid things. Not saying 'declaring an emergency' is a stupid thing-but it's more the bizarre ideas people come up with when they fly those airplanes that lead up to declaring the emergency.

Who is gonna tell you something like; "I was doing a MX flight to check a replaced L-prop hub. At 500', I started "pulling" the L-prop lever" These are the 'first-hand accounts' you don't hear.

On a side note, I will say that the Aviator MX does an excellent job with those airplanes. I worked closely with them on many occasions. I know a couple of guys on here may disagree with me, but I don't think they've had the familiarity with MX that I had.

[tiredofshoveling]

Gonzo,

I haven't heard that but I'll check on it... I'll post later if I can get more info.

TOS

[Gonzorox]

Originally Posted by tiredofshoveling

Gonzo,

I haven't heard that but I'll check on it... I'll post later if I can get more info.

TOS

I'm not saying that the story is untrue. Remember, there are generally 2 sides to every story.

gonzorox

[tiredofshoveling]

I got some more info on this test flight. The left engine was getting some repair work and the right engine failed only like 200 feet off the ground on takeoff. The left engine wasn't supplying full power and the pilot declared an emergency and landed across a few runways I guess. Mike was pissed but didn't chastise the pilot once he had explained what happened.

Im not a multi-engine pilot so thats bout the best I can describe it. Im checking on Prairie Air Service and Ari is still in the running also ATP but they are a little expensive. Any more info would be great. Check out my thread in FBO's.

TOS