Flight school questions

[sunny441]

Hello and a big hi to all the people on this forum!

I am a software engineer and have a bachelors degree in that field - but am wanting to make a career switch.I am interested in becoming a commercial pilot. I have no prior flight experience and know very little about flight school. Also I turn 27 in a months time - am I too old to start flying?

2 choices after looking around are Riverside Flight Academy in Tulsa, and Tiffin Aviation in Nogales, AZ. Both of them claim that they can have me done in 6 months.

Has anyone on here, heard of these schools? Also it possible to get the ratings and licenses in that short period of time? I have no prior flying experience.

Also could any one recommend an inexpensive flight school for international students? I would much appreciate it!

Thanks in advance for all the replies!

Cheers!

[CRJ700]

If you can, I would suggest going to both of these places. Doing your research on what you think is important (money, planes, possible cfi job down the road maybe). I'm not familiar with the area, but if you are interesting in going extremely fast you can always consider ATP (90 days), but most of the time local FBO's are much cheaper.

[sunny441]

thanks for the reply - ATP is out of question for some one who is not a permanent resident or citizen of the United States.

I am on a work visa here in the States, and I plan to go back to India and fly commercially. I have looked in to many schools and am looking mainly for feedback from people who have been to riverside, OK or to Tiffin in AZ.

cheers

[SoonerAv8r]

I am based out of RVS right now. Actually right next door to RFC. I haven't ever trained at RFC but i know many of the instructors there. The Chief Instructor is a really solid guy. He is basically a walking aviation encyclopedia. Much like Rod Machado. They have decent facilities, great instructors (although underpaid) a good fleet of late model trainers. It seems that most all of the students training at RFC are happy with the training and facilities. RVS is a great place for anyone wanting to pursue a career in aviation. It is a VERY BUSY Class D field. About 900 aircraft operations per day. Last i saw it was like the 4th busiest GA airport in the country. Plus RVS sits just outside of KTUL Class C airspace. This will help you to become familiar with APP/DEP control.

Good Luck and Happy Hunting!

[sunny441]

SoonerAv8er!

Thanks for the reply. I have heard mostly good things - about RFS. And the guys who say bad stuff about RFS - won't get much in to detail or justify why they say that. But one thing though is that RFS won't let me talk to any of their current students or their alumni, which kinda makes me wonder.....

But thanks for your reply. I am also looking at Tiffin Aviation in Nogales in AZ.

Cheers

Sunny

[CorbiePilot]

Originally Posted by sunny441

SoonerAv8er!

Thanks for the reply. I have heard mostly good things - about RFS. And the guys who say bad stuff about RFS - won't get much in to detail or justify why they say that. But one thing though is that RFS won't let me talk to any of their current students or their alumni, which kinda makes me wonder.....

But thanks for your reply. I am also looking at Tiffin Aviation in Nogales in AZ.

Cheers

Sunny

They won't let you talk to any alumni or current students? Now that really does sound strange. I think I spoke to current students at each of the three schools I checked out. You're on track, IMHO, to think that's a little off.

[SoonerAv8r]

Originally Posted by sunny441

SoonerAv8er!

Thanks for the reply. I have heard mostly good things - about RFS. And the guys who say bad stuff about RFS - won't get much in to detail or justify why they say that. But one thing though is that RFS won't let me talk to any of their current students or their alumni, which kinda makes me wonder.....

But thanks for your reply. I am also looking at Tiffin Aviation in Nogales in AZ.

Cheers

Sunny

They just don't have the time to set up meetings between current and prospective students. It is a "BUSY" place.

My suggestion would be to try to schedule a visit like someone mentioned above. There you'll be able to talk to some students. Like I said it is a BUSY place and there are always some hanging around shooting the bull swaping stories and whatnot.

I will throw this out there for what its worth. RFC does have a very high ratio of International students, mostly from India. I've met quite a few. They are nice, hard working and respectful of others. Some have what I would describe as poor english. Sometimes it causes some difficulties with ATC. They usually get much better with time.

All of their instructors that I know of are American. Their chief instructor(Wayne) is a very sharp individual!!! I think its a great school for the money.

That being said......I chose not to attend RFC for the following reasons.

1. Time is everything....I can do it faster at ATP. I think they have better facilities and aircraft.
2. RFC is 10 miles from my house, where I have an established comfort zone. I know the airport and the people, who are great BTW. But, for me personally I work better under stress, and being out of my comfort zone will keep me from becoming too relaxed.
3. I've lived around Tulsa for 31 years... Its a great place to live and raise a family. but after 31 years it is becoming boring. I Want A Change of Scenery!!!
4. I Love the DFW Metroplex. Attending ATP in Arlington soon.

OK maybe that's a lil more than 2 cents worth...Hope it helps

[sunny441]

Originally Posted by CorbiePilot

They won't let you talk to any alumni or current students? Now that really does sound strange. I think I spoke to current students at each of the three schools I checked out. You're on track, IMHO, to think that's a little off.

Yes. They said it's against school policy to give out info - anyway I will be driving to OK next week or so - and hope to meet some students in person.

The guy in Nogales was helpful and gave me a few email addresses over the phone - as soon as I asked him if I could talk to some of his current trainees.

[sunny441]

SoonerAv8er:

Thanks for the info. I am planning a trip to OK sometime next week or so to check out the school and facilities and meet some students.

Thanks for all your help!

Cheers

Sunny