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seeking a flight school in Philadelphia area

S

sonicboom

SNA
Can anyone recommend a place to start on my PPL or instrument rating in the Philly area?

It can be from personal experience or word of mouth. Price is a major concern but from what I've read should not be the deciding factor. Any and all suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

I found these:
http://www.philadelphiaflightacademy.com/airplanetraining.html#private_pilot

http://www.phillysportpilot.com/

www.hortmanaviation.com

www.wingsfld.com

www.wingsfield.com

www.nphilajetcenter.com

www.neastaviation.com

www.FlyViaAir.net
 
Nafod

Nafod

Change I can belive in
Go visit some of these places and meet the instructors. Finding a good instructor you get along with is clutch since you will be spending a lot of time with them.

I've always been more partial to 141 schools since every flight is pretty much laid out ahead of time. The flip side to that is 61 training is more flexible. Either way you get your PPL though...

My advice would be to use price as a guide and finding a good instructor as the deciding factor.
 
FLYTPAY

FLYTPAY

Pro-Rec Fighter Pilot
pilot
None
Here is a quick eval I can make just from looking at what these places have to offer. Price is a huge factor in your decision. Also, watch out for places that want to get you into a "glass cockpit". Personally I recommend against introductory learning in a glass cockpit as there is too much technology that can prove distracting when you need to be learning steam gauge flying. Find a place convenient to where you live. An uncontrolled airport or a tower controlled airport with very low traffic provides a more efficient training experience. Watch out for instructors who want to spend excessive time charging for "ground" time. Let the fun begin.


http://www.philadelphiaflightacademy.com/airplanetraining.html#private_pilot
seems like a decent place

http://www.phillysportpilot.com/
way too expensive

www.hortmanaviation.com
not enough info for a recommendation

www.wingsfld.com
seems like a decent place

www.wingsfield.com
same as above?

www.nphilajetcenter.com
not enough info

www.neastaviation.com
decent prices...sounds like a good place

www.FlyViaAir.net
way too expensive
 
Clux4

Clux4

Banned
Whether Part 61 or 141, makes sure you can get along with the instructor. If you have an option, stick with one person as oppose to two or three. Because you are going through a 61 school does not mean you cannot get a structured period of instruction. Trust me, you do not want to end up with a lazy instructor that just wants to go up waste your money. Be consistent and study before your flights. You will be fine.
 
A

Avalanche24

New Member
If you have friends/family that live in the Lancaster area, I'm sure it would be cheaper to just make the hour trip and stay/train there rather than in Philly.
I don't know of anyone on hand, but I'd probably recommend NOT training with those people that were headed for the airspace around the White House a few years back....I vaguely remember the news saying they were flying out of Lancaster.

http://www.yellowpages.com/Lititz-PA/Aircraft-Flight-Training-Schools

It's pretty much farmland out there, so that can calm your nerves (if you have any). Plus there's Amish food.
 
McBuff

McBuff

Sees the light
I got my private at Hortman and recommend them, especially if you're looking for a structured program. It took me approximatley 70 hours and ~$8000. You can do it cheaper at other places but I felt very prepared for my checkride. I did change instructors about halfway through due to regional hiring but I don't think thats really an issure anymore. Changing instructors maybe cost me ~5 hours. Good Luck and PM me if you have any more questions.
 
atrickpay

atrickpay

BDCP SNA
I recommend trying out some discovery flights at the various places. Thats what i'm doing, that way I can try to make an informed decision, as well as get some cheap hours in the logbook.
 
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