MOVING TO CO FOR CHEAP FLIGHT SCHOOL (RMFS)

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Ok_Battle121@reddit

If you're still looking, I know a place that has a cheaper rates, and their plane are well maintained. It's been a few months since I rent but mainly fly Pa24 and Pa28R. Pa24 goes for about 135/hr and 50/hr for an instructor

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Rikki_sweetie@reddit

Hey! I moved out to CO for the same reason and I’m a student at (RMFS), and I can confirm that their rates are among the most affordable in the area. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are several flight schools operating out of Metro. My instructor mentioned that BJC is also one of the busiest airports for flight training in the entire western U.S., although I can’t verify that part myself.

One thing I have noticed is the significant amount of traffic, especially during peak hours. For example, there are times when you’re taxiing and you could end up waiting up to 45 minutes for takeoff clearance due to congestion. Just the other day, we waited 33 minutes before we received clearance to depart. As you know, flight schools typically charge for time from engine start to shutdown, which means you're paying for that time spent sitting on the taxiway...

While the rates at RMFS are low, you need to factor in how much of your time is spent on the ground versus in the air. Given the high traffic volume, it can sometimes feel like you're paying for less air time than you might expect. I’m actually considering transferring to a flight school at Erie Municipal Airport, which is just about 10 minutes from RMFS. It seems like a more manageable option in terms of traffic and overall efficiency.

Another thing to consider is that because RMFS offers such competitive rates on aircraft rentals, it can sometimes be difficult to secure a reservation, especially if you're trying to book on short notice. In many cases, you’ll need to plan ahead and book at least two months in advance for some of the cheaper planes. Additionally, the winter months bring unpredictable weather, and cancellations due to conditions like low visibility, snow, or icing are fairly common. If you do get a flight canceled, you may find yourself waiting weeks—or even a couple of months—before you can reschedule and make up for that lost time.

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Funny_Ad5499@reddit

Are you sure their planes are 90 an hour?

Average cost breakdown on their website (link attached) says 119 * 70 for aircraft.

I believe the lower rates they mention are for single seaters that are not suitable for training?

https://www.rmflight.com/privatepilot

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InspectorOutside1225@reddit (OP)

still a very low cost at 119, but the aircraft i was looking at Cesna 172 is a two seater, ive done my discovery flight in one. Maybe they were factoring in a better plane? either way it wont take me 70 hours and not to mention instructor rates are 40 an hour which id nearly half the price of anywhere else

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Funny-Message883@reddit

Check out The Flying School in Loveland

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iamkolya@reddit

RMFS I believe has a waitlist. Also cost of living in the Denver area like you said is pretty high.

In my opinion, you’re going to spend a good sum on flight training regardless of where you go, so prioritize quality and sustainability. Before you commit to moving somewhere for training don’t only take into account cost. While it may be “cheaper”, in the long run if you’re pulling your hair out over instructors, maintenance, finding work, and DPE scheduling, it can take a serious toll mentally and financially.

That being said I did my flight training down in Colorado Springs and CO is a great place to fly. It can be challenging with weather on the front range (high DAs, wind, thunderstorms, icing), but you’ll become an excellent pilot flying here.

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InspectorOutside1225@reddit (OP)

I had talked to them last week no waitlist as of right now. I definitely would not want to compromise the quality of my training! however i am working 2-3 jobs right now saving up every penny for it no assistance whatsoever so of course every penny is valuable to me and i would like to save as much as possible turning a 70-80k ATP into that of under 50k.That being said i think my next post will be on asking former students/CFI’s their full thoughts on it. Being able to fly around the Rocky Mountains daily at some point is enticing enough. However as far as weather’s concerned it would be at a faster rate here in vegas with clear skies 90% of the year i am aware. I appreciate the time you took to respond to me man, have a good day and safe travels always!

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Bubbly_Curve189@reddit

i got my ppl in 2 months there for 14k. flew more than needed, 65 hrs.

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InspectorOutside1225@reddit (OP)

Nice man!! Ive done all the math and for my PPL at least it will cost me 9.5k ideally & thats fyllying 4 times a week at least 2 hours a day so i can hopefully soak it all in and get it done around 40 hours and move on to my instruments

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Bubbly_Curve189@reddit

do three hour blocks after the first two weeks. you will get soooo much more out of it.

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InspectorOutside1225@reddit (OP)

is that how you went about it? ive been picturing moving up to at least 4 hours a day once i get a little more comfortable but im not sure if thats real long in reality or not.

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Bubbly_Curve189@reddit

4 hours probably pushing it. the real value is the time you start. 6-9a in summer is prime. i flew 5 days a week. 6 + a couple hours right before my checkride

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Bubbly_Curve189@reddit

also, if you manage to do it at minimum hours, that’s impressive, i would say 11-12k is a safe bet if you’re fully commitedd

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InspectorOutside1225@reddit (OP)

Thanks for the reality check there, im honestly not sure what to expect and my mind is just going crazy. 110% committed though, i had my first discovery flight Wednesday morning and ever since its all i can think about.

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CluelessPilot1971@reddit

Flew 87 hours on the PA-44. You can do the math as to how much money I saved. They stopped renting these to time builders though.

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Jay18001@reddit

I have to preface this with, I’m not saying their planes are airworthy or have issues. I’ve only rented from them once for my spin endorsement. I’ve heard a few stories though.

I don’t know the owner of the flight school has the flight school and a shop. I used to take my plane to the shop. I found a few issues that they should have caught at annual that were pretty obvious. Like the alternator sparking on the cowling, among others.

Because of these issue I don’t take my plane to them anymore. I’m also curious if the flight school plane inspections have the same issues.

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InspectorOutside1225@reddit (OP)

Wow sparking alternator is a scary ideal, losing all power up there would surely cause a panic! i appreciate the input brother

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MovieEuphoric8857@reddit

Losing electricity would be the least of your worries

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UnitLost6398@reddit

Calculate the cost of housing first. It ain’t cheap out here.

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DonutDestroyer300@reddit

Not worth it. I was going to do the same thing. Rent is extremely expensive in that area. You’re only saving $20-$30/hr max any way. On a PPL that’s only a few thousand dollars at best.

I found a cheap flight school near me

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isaac1987a@reddit

I rent and get periodic checkouts and reviews from RMFS. I have had exceptional experiences with all of their instructors.

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InspectorOutside1225@reddit (OP)

It couldnt be that bad or everyone wouldve heard about it? Right??

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Fit_Homework532@reddit

Are you already on the waitlist? If not, make sure you talk to them about your plans.

Also, these planes are basic bitches, there is a reason they are cheap. Make sure you talk to current and former students and think it through. They are cheap, they have pretty good instructors, it's a good field to learn out of, just make sure the fit is right before you change your whole life for them.

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InspectorOutside1225@reddit (OP)

i had talked to them last week and there is no current waitlist. Thank you for the advice man i will take it to heart.

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ASELtoATP@reddit

You’ve gotta ask yourself why it’s so much cheaper. Also, cranky neighbors are trying to close KBJC, which would really put a damper on your plans if you move there.

Not trying to rain on your parade, just want to make sure you’ve got an umbrella.

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ballstowall99@reddit

The owner is an A&P and IA and does all the maintenance on cheap planes they bought and fixed up. They fly and are safe, but everything is old and worn out.

BJC won't ever close and the lawsuits are at minimum years out from being resolved. If anything they would limit touch and goes, but there's still a long way to go before that gets decided.

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InspectorOutside1225@reddit (OP)

i have seen a bunch of subposts in the past on how the owner is nonprofit and that is how they can afford to be cheaper than anywhere else

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InspectorOutside1225@reddit (OP)

that sure would put me in a pickle! i appreciate your response man truly

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rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

Hey all im sorry if anything is improper as this is my first time posting but i am planning on moving to Broomfield,CO early next year once my lease is up on my apartment, planning to do this to attend RMFS( Rocky Mountain Flight School) where they have planes wet for 90 an hour and instructors for 40-45 an hour.

This will save me almost half the cost of flight school each day.Flight schools in my area are roughly 175 for a plane wet and 70/h for an instructor. I know that cost of living over there is considerably higher than where i am (Las Vegas,NV) but i would of course still be saving a whole bunch of money attending RMFS compared to my options here right?

Has anybody done anything like this and has it been worth it? 19M trying my best to not get screwed while looking for the best prices. Have never had much but im firm on getting my ATP.

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