Answers to common questions

[desertdog71]

Here are some answers to common questions we get.

Q: Can I come and get just my CFI ratings?

A: No, we do not do CFI only training. Our programs are designed to treat and train you like a CFI and professional from day one. There is no possible way for us to evaluate someones skills or knowledge without having worked with them in the past. We have a high level of expectation and a reputation for having very well prepared candidates. This is because all of our people trained with us for more than just one rating.


Q: Can I drop the CFI Ratings off a package and get a discount?

A: No, because the hour requirement is basically the same and as I mentioned before we train you like a CFI from the beginning. Why skip the ratings when you will be the most prepared? This is not in the best interest of the students and also the cost to the school is pretty much equal whether the student gets the ratings or not.


Q: Do you train International Students?

A: Yes, we do train International Students both currently and in the past. However, we do not have anything to do with Visas, work permits, standards for foreign licenses or anything outside the scope of the FAA license requirements. If you can qualify through www.flightschoolcandidates.gov without any special handling from the school we will be happy to train you. We are not staffed to handle anything beyond that, and will not in the near future.


Q: What is there to do in Chanute, KS.

A: Learn, that is what you are here for. If you want night life and beaches go to Florida. If you want to learn to fly in challenging conditions, and have some good skills down the road come here.


Q: Can you mail me some brochures?

A: Those glossy brochures and flyers cost a bunch of money, and we don't waste our money on those things. Our website is easy to navigate and filled with the information you need. Glossy Ads and flashy website all cost big bucks that ultimately the customer pays for in the long run.


Q: What is your fleet like of airplanes like?

A: They are old, ugly, and beat up. Much like the instructor...
We fly old Cherokees, Cessna 172, and a Twin Comanche. All of which were built before Disco was cool. They like most airplanes old and new, will break on occasion, and sometimes more than we like. They are however safe, and solid airframes. Leather seats and glass panels, you will not find here.


Q: What is the housing like?

A: Its built into the Hangar on the airport property, and its a little rough. Sometimes it leaks, and sometimes you have a helicopter taking off at 2:00AM 10 feet from your head. It is however, furnished and included in the price. If you wanna rent something nicer in town, that is your call. Rent is very cheap here in Chanute, figure about $400 a month and you will be in pretty good shape.


Q: How many students, instructors and airplanes do you have?

A: We have one and a half instrutors. Meaning its me and the owner who would rather not instruct unless he needs to. We have no more than 3 full time students at one time and we have 4 airplanes. We keep things small and personal so everybody gets the attention they need. This is a small place and we do not have any huge expansion plans. We can use another instructor and may add an airplane in the future, but for now we are small and personal.


Q: How much will I fly everyday?

A: Sometimes not at all, and sometimes 6-7 hours. It depends on what you are working on at the time among other factors. Figure that it will take the time frame that is included with your package. It has been running pretty close to 6 months zero thru MEI.


Q: Do your students get hired anywhere?

A: We had 2 students hired at Skywest, one at Piedmont, one at Colgan, one at Air Cargo Carriers, one at Scenic, and 2 at Large flight schools in California. Those are the ones I have kept in contact with.