Which flight school should I choose?
Posted by Electronic_Car7537@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 10 comments
I am 18 years old about to graduate high school and just received a $10,000 scholarship that I can use at a flight school of my choice. I live in Colorado and plan on staying here for the next year.
My two flight school options are either Journeys part 61 flight school in Boulder Colorado out of the Boulder airport (BDU). This is a small airport that I won’t have to sit and wait on the runway to start flying. My other option is a flight school at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC). This is a much busier airport and if I trained here I would either go through Rocky Mountain flight school or McAir Aviation. Both part 141. I have heard stories of people in flight school that have paid a good amount of money to just sit and wait on the runway.
I am wondering what is the better option for flight schools? More specifically which flight school will my $10,000 go farther at? Does waiting on the runway add up to a significant amount of money? Also kind of off topic but would it be smart to wait for the war to die down to start training so the cost is cheaper?
CluelessPilot1971@reddit
RMFS is Part 61, not a Part 141, and might be the most affordable flight school in the country. Field is busy and you doubtlessly will get stuck waiting for take off or extending downwind.
Disclaimer: I did fly a bit with RMFS but didn't get a certificate there. Didn't fly with any of your other options.
Electronic_Car7537@reddit (OP)
Okay thank you! I totally forgot it was a part 61 (I will be editing the post.) Do you still think that RMFS would be cheaper than journeys out of the Boulder airport? I took a 1 hour discovery flight from Journeys and it ended up being $260. If that can help visualize costs at all.
ShockPopular@reddit
I would read the documents Journey’s give you carefully. When I took a flight there they wanted a “no bad review / bad comments” document signed as part of their aircraft rental agreement, and the aircraft rental agreement was the worst I had ever seen. At least compare it to other schools in the area.
I’ve flown at RMFS and they definitely have the best prices, and the agreements are very typical and straightforward. Owners aren’t trying to hide anything and don’t expect fancy meeting rooms or lounges and such. They’re very popular and probably the hardest part is scheduling since their instructors and aircraft are usually booked out a couple weeks. Mechanically the aircraft are pretty good, but they all have one or more quirks since they’re older and avionics are inconsistent between each tail number.
x4457@reddit
RMFS is one of the cheapest, if not THE cheapest, flight schools in the country.
fortinbrass1993@reddit
Wow! RMFS the most affordable flight school in the country?! What makes them out compete everyone pricing wise?
How’s the cost of living around there? Is it worth it to move there for school? I know people move to AZ or TX for flight school too. Just trying to research a bit before committing on one school. Thanks for reply!
DifferentIntern6311@reddit
RMFS is affordable. I have not received instruction there but I used to rent their aircraft frequently. If you schedule lessons for when the pattern isn’t busy you will save money not having to wait for a spot in the run up area.
Electronic_Car7537@reddit (OP)
Good to know, thank you.
natbornk@reddit
Word to the wise, yes RMFS is very affordable. Check out their accident records and maintenance practices. How much is that (not dying) worth to you?
StrongWork_@reddit
I'm biased and not in your position, but part 61 all the way. There is a lot more flexibility, and if you are self motivated, should be cheaper and a better experience, because the training can be tailored to you and your strengths/weaknesses. Part 141 is very regimented, and some people probably need that.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
I am 18 years old about to graduate high school and just received a $10,000 scholarship that I can use at a flight school of my choice. I live in Colorado and plan on staying here for the next year.
My two flight school options are either Journeys part 61 flight school in Boulder Colorado out of the Boulder airport (BDU). This is a small airport that I won’t have to sit and wait on the runway to start flying. My other option is a flight school at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC). This is a much busier airport and if I trained here I would either go through Rocky Mountain flight school or McAir Aviation. Both part 141. I have heard stories of people in flight school that have paid a good amount of money to just sit and wait on the runway.
I am wondering what is the better option for flight schools? More specifically which flight school will my $10,000 go farther at? Does waiting on the runway add up to a significant amount of money? Also kind of off topic but would it be smart to wait for the war to die down to start training so the cost is cheaper?
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