Question

[IcarusGR]

Hey guys im scheduled to be down in Vero August 4th and I have a question regarding things I will need to bring with me. Since I have no prior Flight Hours ( Just took a Intro Flight ) I basically have no flying materials or equipment. What should I buy before coming down ? .. Thanks.

[pavelump]

Actually, the pilot shop here is pretty resonable and they have everything that you might need. Of course you could always try buying stuff used too.

Dave

[IcarusGR]

Thanks for the reply, but the question is what will I need when arriving at FSI I figure a Flight bag .. what else?? ... I can buy some stuff from a local store in my area ..let me know

[pavelump]

Well, if you're starting here w/o your private, you don't really NEED anything to get started. You'll be in ground school for a couple weeks before you go up. I'm not sure how long that is because I came here with my private done already. The pilot shop has all of the books/supplies that you'll need, but if you want to get a head start, you could buy the Jeppesen Private Pilot book. I have a used copy if you're interested (send me a PM if you want). Other than that, you'll need a copy of the FAR/AIMs, Miami and Jacksonville VFR sectionals and some other books. The pilot shop has a copy of the required books and they're actually cheaper than most mail-order places.

As far as a flight bag goes, I'd hold off until you can get an idea of what sort of bag you'll need. Personally, I like the Jeppesen bag that I bought here. It's the Aviator model and it's big enough to fit what I need w/o being too big.

You'll also need a headset (if you don't already have one). I'd recommend treating yourself on this purchase. It's going to be clampped to your head for a long time. Whether you get noise reduction or not... I'm not going to start that argument. Again, the pilot shop has many models that you can try out. Personally, I'd wait until you get down here so that you can try a few out.

Hope that helps. Seeya in August (if I'm still here!)

Dave

[IcarusGR]

Thanks Dave for all the information .. I got one more question .. you have to pay for all your books ?? I thought maybe we get some stuff free .. let me know if we get anything for free hehe .. thanks again.

[Baronman]

I think I got some cookies for free during orientation....

[pavelump]

Well, so far I've gotten a bag, two coffee mugs, a luggage tag, a couple pens, and a FSI memo pad. You'll soon learn that nothing in avaition is free.

Well, that's not exactly true. If you go to the airport cafe in Venice, FL and get a certain number of gallons of gas, you get a free breakfast.

good luck,
Dave

[IcarusGR]

haha .. Ok ill make sure ill do all my shopping at FSI. Btw I heard FSI has a seperate gym, is it far from campus?, maybe that is free haha thanks ... I got so many questions sorry

[Baronman]

Yes there is a gym close to campus....It would be a far walk but a good bike ride (5-10 minutes maybe).

It's called the Leisure Square Gym, it's part of the Indian River County Recreation department. It's got pretty nice facilities, a weight room, cardio room, raquetball court, olympic outdoor heated pool, basketball courts and a big football/soccer field.

It is free however you have to pay a fee to use the pool...It's not as nice as a "Brand Name" gym but if you don't have a ton of $ and are looking for a halfway decent place, this is it.

[IcarusGR]

Thanks for the info ... will definatly be going when I come.

[ananoman]

They also took one of the Bungalows on campus and put in a weight machine, bike, treadmill, T.V. Room, Pool Table, etc.

[IcarusGR]

very cool, thanks for all the info .. see you August 4th !

[SkyKingRon]

Hey Dave, and any other FSA or is it FSI? I've got got a couple of questions and hopefully you can steer me right.

Firstly, I've been doing my homework since I decided to go the major big bucks Fla. academy route and have been scouring this and other forums to get a handle on many things. In many ways comparing the different academies is like comparing apples and Cessnas. There is fact and there is alot of personal opinion and preference. I'm sorting through all of it and am leaning to FSA( before tours). I've got all the brochure packs and have spoken to admins and CFI etc from the acad's and of course they all paint a much prettier picture than what I see in the posts, thats ok. A grain of salt. Anyway...to the questions.

I have read posts that advise to get your FAA writtens over before coming. You all agree? I will be doing the Airline Career route, I already have the PPL. What textbooks do the Instr. and up classes use? Jepps?

I see that many start in a dorm and then get an apt. later. Does a new student have to start in a dorm or not? I have been checking out the area apts online and heard one FSAer suggest Canterbery/burry Place. Comments? I would like to make arangements ahead for rentals if I can start first in a apt. One advantage to starting in a dorm though might be that you will meet some that you might like to share an apt. with, right? On the other hand you can also meet someone in class or campus.

What's the latest on how long after course completion is the wait for instructing as a CFI?

There was discussion yesterday of some that wished they had of got their SE done before ME. Do you agree? I was told to set that up right away in orientaion. Can I also request/demand that I get assigned a non-smoking CFI?

Can I get a free FSA pencil and coffee mug?

That's all, thanks ahead to all that dare reply...

Ron

[SkyKingRon]

One more thing. I've heard some say that you don't have to go to a major acad to get hired by a reg. or whatever, that so many hours TT and ME is just that and you can go to a mom and pop school and it won't matter so don't spend the big bucks. Of course the acad employees will say otherwise but it seems to me that a recruiter would much more favor a candidate with time at a structured acad than mom and pops.

What's your take on that debate?

Thanks again.

[IcarusGR]

Hey Ron,

I reserved a Dorm first, its not required .. its a first come first serve basis. A lot of my friends who have graduated from FSI told me that they first started in a dorm and found people to leave and share an apartement.

I am also doing the Airline Career Program, I have no PPL.
When are you planning to begin training?

See you at FSI !

[IcarusGR]

Ron on your second post ... I know for a fact in Europe or at least in my country Greece, the flight school name does matter. Now for the United States, Im sure they will look at where you trained, FSI has very good training and will train you to be the best. What you get at FSI you wont get at your local flight school. You train at the best you become the best, just my opinion.

[SkyKingRon]

Icarus(born on wings of steel...), thanks for the info, at this point I havn't set a month yet and have a few things to clear up here first but perhaps betwwen Aug and Jan. is the best estimate I can give this far out.

I do favor FSI because of the high training standards. It seems as though it does have some clout to have FSI on resume. Sounds like you like it there right?

[IcarusGR]

I start my training August 4th .. but I have a lot of relatives and friends who attended the school and now fly for airlines around the world! All Ive heard from all of them is that I will have a great time and I will leave very satisfied both with training and life.

[ananoman]

I would recommend doing the program in the twin. You have to have multi-time eventually, so why not start now? It is my opinion that it will make you a better pilot. If you can do it in the twin, it will seem easy in a single. I also think it will make you a better MEI. If you have questions about cost comparisons between single vs. twin for your training, call marketing. They will get you any information you need.

If you come stay in the dorms, you can leave them anytime. There is no 'notice' required. That way you can look around for apartments once you are here. Also note that most apartments require a 9 month lease. It is possible to complete your training in less than that if you are in a big hurry.

As far as the wait list, I would not really plan on working here in the immediate future. Contact marketing to find how many people are on the list. Any estimate of how long the wait list is just a guess. No one really knows what is going to happen.

Good luck what ever you decide.

[SkyKingRon]

Thanks anonoman, I'll keep those ideas in mind. I'll call marketing and see what they have to say. Anybody else currently at FSI care to add on any of my questions and your inside/non-employee opinion?

[pavelump]

[ QUOTE ]
In many ways comparing the different academies is like comparing apples and Cessnas. There is fact and there is alot of personal opinion and preference.

[/ QUOTE ]
This is true... It takes some effort, but if you put everything out on paper you can get closer to leveling the playing field and making an informed decision. Like you, I spoke with many schools (including universities, and FBOs). After I came down here and visited several schools, I was more confused than ever. Just remember, marketing people are paid to do one thing, market. What really turned the tide for me was: a) visiting the schools, and b) talking to different student of the schools and observing what was being said about the schools on this and other forums. FlightSafety isn't necessarily the perfect choice for everybody, but it was good for me and my situation. (talk to me after a couple years of repaying my Key loan! )
[ QUOTE ]
I have read posts that advise to get your FAA writtens over before coming. You all agree?

[/ QUOTE ]
I don't see any benefit of doing this. I know that ATPs requires it, but that's a whole different situation. It makes no sense to take the tests before you know (and understand) what the material is. It doesn't cost any different to take the test here or elsewhere, so I'd just recommend waiting until you finish ground school for which ever test your going to take. That being said, the instrument test uses an identical set of questions that the CFII and IGI (instrument ground instructor) do so you might as well get those out of the way at the same time.
[ QUOTE ]
I will be doing the Airline Career route, I already have the PPL. What textbooks do the Instr. and up classes use? Jepps?

[/ QUOTE ]
The commercial and instrument ground schools both use the Jeppesen Commercial/Instrument book. You could probably pick one up used, just make sure that you get one that's reasonably new. FSI also uses a few FAA publications. They are sold here pretty cheap or you can try and get used ones. They are: Aviation Weather (AC 00-6A), Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45E), Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3), and Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15). Also, check half.com for a used copy of the old Instrument Flying Handbook (AC 61-27C). It's not required, but it's a lot more detailed and your instructor will think you're cool when you pull it out. I got one for around $5.00 on half.com. Other than that, you'll need a current FAR/AIM, POHs for the different planes and checklists. Phew.
[ QUOTE ]
I see that many start in a dorm and then get an apt. later. Does a new student have to start in a dorm or not?

[/ QUOTE ]
No.
[ QUOTE ]
I have been checking out the area apts online and heard one FSAer suggest Canterbery/burry Place. Comments?

[/ QUOTE ]
Canterbury is ok. One nice thing about them is that they offer shorter leases. I think they have a 7 month and a 9 month available. In retrospect, I wish that I would have gone there myself because I signed a year lease thinking that the instructor waiting list would be shorter. Ooops.
[ QUOTE ]
I would like to make arangements ahead for rentals if I can start first in a apt. One advantage to starting in a dorm though might be that you will meet some that you might like to share an apt. with, right? On the other hand you can also meet someone in class or campus.

[/ QUOTE ]
I would just wait. That's the cool thing about the dorms, they're day to day. And like you said, you will probably find a classmate who's in the same situation.
[ QUOTE ]
What's the latest on how long after course completion is the wait for instructing as a CFI?

[/ QUOTE ]
I've heard a minimum of 8 months, but who knows? That seems to change from day to day. It really depends on the industry and student load. If the airlines were to somehow magically start hiring tomorrow things would be a whole lot different. The last time I asked, the plan was to get down to about 70 instructors before they started bringing people in. At that time there were about 80 something working. My current plan is to complete my CFI here, try to get on the list and then if I do, finish my CFII and maybe my MEI and then go elsewhere to teach while I wait.
[ QUOTE ]
There was discussion yesterday of some that wished they had of got their SE done before ME. Do you agree?

[/ QUOTE ]
Well, I can't say that I agree. Yes it's more expensive. About $107/hr. more. But, where are you going to get multi (and/or complex) time for $107/hr? Also, I feel a LOT more comfortable in the Seminole now than I did after getting my Private-Multi; after 14 hrs. or so. I think that will make it a lot easier to get the MEI and be able to teach it well.
[ QUOTE ]
I was told to set that up right away in orientaion. Can I also request/demand that I get assigned a non-smoking CFI?

[/ QUOTE ]
I can't imagine that being a problem. Talk to Mr. Tardy about that.
[ QUOTE ]
Can I get a free FSA pencil and coffee mug?

[/ QUOTE ]
I can't confirm that.

Good luck,
Dave

[SkyKingRon]

Thanks Dave, your a good egg to take the time to answer all my questions including the quotes, I'm gonna have to figure out how to do those.

Your advice was well recieved and will take it all into account.

Blue Skies there big daddy

[davidhigbie]

1. Do the tours down here if you can...would be pretty easy to visit ComAir (now Delta Connection Academy I think) on one day then FSA in Vero and Pan Am in Ft Pierce the next. Leave day #3 for Disney, Universal Studios, etc... My story- I was set on Pan AM- based on the brochure and a really nice career development guy I spoke to on the phone- before visiting. After seeing FSA and talking to some students and instructors, knew it was the place to be. I think one of the main reasons people post some concerns and complaints is that the industry is so bad right now there really isnt much to be happy about. Maybe some dont realize the superior level of training they are/have gotten here as well. Yes, there are some problems and things that can be improved at FSA, but nothing is perfect in life. My two cents on where to go...

Ask for Campbell for your tour guide....

2. Dont worry about doing the writtens before coming...you'll still be sitting through ground school anyway (which is not a bad thing, especially for instrument) regardless of whether or not you've got your writtens done.

3. I started in a dorm as well then found a house and a roomate. The library has a list on the computers for places to rent, roomates wanted, furniture for sale, etc.... (Including my house for rent, PM me if anyone wants info- 2bed/1bath house for $700...great neighborhood).

4. Wait list- its long, I am #77 of 79 or so I think. Do CFI / CFII here then go somewhere else in the world and teach/make some contacts, etc...You can then come back when FSA calls or you may be happy where you are. Some on the list do not come back when their number is up..there are other really good gigs out there (apparently, I am trying to find one right now)

5. Fly the Seminole- yeah, it hurts at $200+ an hour, but its well worth it. Flight training is not cheap, do it right.

Somebody mentioned Mr Tardi in another post- yep, he is the man...you've got a problem or question, he'll help.

If you get a free coffee mug, take advantage of the free coffee on the flight line....

[SkyKingRon]

[ QUOTE ]
1. Do the tours down here if you can...would be pretty easy to visit ComAir (now Delta Connection Academy I think) on one day then FSA in Vero and Pan Am in Ft Pierce the next. Leave day #3 for Disney, Universal Studios, After seeing FSA and talking to some students and instructors, knew it was the place to be. Yes, there are some problems and things that can be improved at FSA, but nothing is perfect in life. My two cents on where to go...

Ask for Campbell for your tour guide....

2. Dont worry about doing the writtens before coming...you'll still be sitting through ground school anyway (which is not a bad thing, especially for instrument) regardless of whether or not you've got your writtens done.

3. I started in a dorm as well then found a house and a roomate.
4. Wait list- its long, I am #77 of 79 or so I think. Do CFI / CFII here then go somewhere else in the world and teach/make some contacts, etc...You can then come back when FSA calls or you may be happy where you are.

5. Fly the Seminole- do it right.

Somebody mentioned Mr Tardi in another post- yep, he is the man...you've got a problem or question, he'll help.

If you get a free coffee mug, take advantage of the free coffee on the flight line....




[/ QUOTE ]

[SkyKingRon]

Well, if at first you don't succeed, suck a lemon

Apparently my attempt to use the quote to answer back a post failed. Now I know one way not do do that. Guess I'll give it another go. Another time perhaps. If it doesn't involve too much explaination, would anybody care to give a shot at telling me how to do a post?

Anyway thanks a heep for your answers! Guess I'll get a dorm room first then find a roomie or not and move into town.

I'll get the writtens done there too, someone mentioned that with the writtens done beforehand you won't be eating into any of your limited study time for ground.

I'll be sure to look up the guy's you mentioned.

I think that doing the training in the twin combined with your other intruction may be more expensive but can kill two stones with one bird! I don't mind spending the extra dough to accomplish dual goals.

Free coffee with free coffee mug?! Where do I sign up

Thanks to all of you for your time, I really appreciated it.