Any recommendations on FBOs in North ATL area?

[mikeham88]

I've been reading JetCareers for the past couple weeks. I have now decided to make an account and make a post! Some info about me. I'm 19. I work full time and go to college at night. I've always caught myself looking up at the planes in the sky ever since I was a little kid and wondering where they were going. I wanted to go to. Growing up in a crappy situation really makes you wish you had wings. Situation is different now and I have more opportunities to start a life.

I have no flight experience but I was thinking of turning this into a career. I'm just not sure if I can handle 70k of debt. I want to train full time and to really do this. I don't really have credit (credit card a couple months) and I won't have a cosigner. But I'm sure I can get a loan to train.

I learn pretty fast and I'm pretty technically inclined. I currently work computer forensics and data recovery. I just don't want to spend my life in a dark room away from human contact.



I've heard of Superior Flight. I would really like some thoughtful opinions and information.

Thank you for your help. It is much appreciated.

[Gonzo]

Where on the north side are you (east LZU or west RYY)

[mikeham88]

West side. I'm NW of ATL. LZU is lawrenceville. but what is RYY?

[Barty]

Originally Posted by mikeham88

West side. I'm NW of ATL. LZU is lawrenceville. but what is RYY?

Cobb County - McCollum Field. I'm assuming since you're doing forensics that you're at KSU. Its the airport right down the street from there.

[pacer7a]

Hi there

If you are ATL NW, then check out Superior at KRYY, as you mentioned. Go and talk to both Bob & Joe (the owners). Have a heart-to-heart, tell them what you want to do. They are good people, will help you achieve what you want to. KRYY is a fairly laid-back Class D airport, so you'll get your towered airport experience there.

Now all that said, you are paying a premium in the ATL metro area for flight time. A 172 can be had for around $90/hr, with a ~$5/hour fuel surchage. To fly glass panel, expect $140-160/hour.

My advice: fly in the basic 172's to get your private, and get a checkout in the G1000's if you wish.

Now, if you are more central, and PDK is closer, go to PDK Flight Academy, and talk to Juan. He's usually there on weekends only. Make sure you talk to Juan (chief pilot/instructor). Probably a bit more $ wise, but PDK is Pretty-Damn-Busy, and if you learn there, you can fly into/out of anywhere. Got my instrument rating there, highly recommended if you find the right instructor.

Most of all, have a sit-down with whoever is assigned to you as an instructor. If his approach doesn't match your goals, or you don't click, find another one. It makes all the difference, believe me !

Best luck to you


Pacer

[Barty]

It seems like the Atlanta premium has spread to the FBOs and Flying Clubs out in the 'burbs too.

The club I used to be a member of is now charging $100 an hour for the same 172s they were billing at $70 an hour 4 years ago. For 25-30 year old aircraft.

Of course like most of the clubs/schools in the area they're real big on their professional flying program now and I suspect this is to run off the casual renter.

With that in mind, does anyone know where you can rent a 150/172 for less than $80 an hour that's within a decent driving distance of Cobb County? I could get current/finish my instrument rating if there's someplace that has aircraft available for less than an arm and a leg. I realize gas prices have jumped quite a bit, but the rental rates I've been seeing are just nuts. It has almost gotten to the point where owning your own aircraft makes better sense than renting now.