How to Select the Best Flying School

1. School Infrastructure

A flying school’s infrastructure is a strong indicator of the quality of training you will receive. Consider the following factors:

• Student-to-Instructor Ratio: A lower ratio ensures more personalized attention and better learning opportunities.
• Number of Aircraft: A higher number of well-maintained aircraft means more flying opportunities and less downtime.
• School History: A well-established school with a long history is likely to have better resources and experienced instructors.
• Safety Record: Investigate the school’s safety record. A strong safety culture is critical in aviation training.
• Batch Intake: Smaller batch sizes can lead to more hands-on experience and less competition for resources.
• CFI & API Stability: Check the stability of the Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) and Assistant Flight Instructor (API) staff. Frequent changes can disrupt your training.
• Maintenance Record: Ensure the aircraft are well-maintained, as this directly impacts your safety and training experience.
• Navigation Facilities: The availability of modern navigation facilities at the airport enhances training quality.

2. Beware of Fake Packages

Hidden costs and misleading packages are common pitfalls. Be sure to thoroughly check:

• Hidden Costs: Be aware of additional costs that can add up to 15 lakhs or more. Brokers may not disclose these upfront.
• Medical Expenses: Ensure that medical costs, especially for international schools, are included.
• Insurance Costs: Check if insurance is part of the package, as this can be a significant expense.
• Extra Flying Costs: Understand any additional flying costs that might arise due to country-specific requirements.
• Transportation Costs: Confirm whether transportation between accommodation and the academy is covered. This can be a substantial cost.
• Foreign License Issuance: Make sure all costs related to obtaining a foreign license are included.
• Accommodation: If accommodation is part of the package, clarify who bears the cost if the course extends beyond the planned duration.

3. Timeline Considerations

Time management is crucial in flight training. Consider these factors when planning your timeline:

• Visa Application Time: Account for the time taken to obtain a visa and add this to your overall training duration.
• Batch Commencement: Ensure the batch start date aligns with your training goals and timeline.
• Conversion Flying: Factor in the time needed for conversion flying when planning your training duration.
• Indian CPL Issuance: Allocate an additional 1.5 months for the issuance of your Indian Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
• Timeline Transparency: Be cautious of brokers who promise unrealistic timelines, often using student performance as a delaying tactic.
• Standard Solo Time: Clarify the school’s standard solo flying hours to avoid unexpected costs for extended training.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

Balancing cost and quality is essential when choosing a flying school. Keep the following in mind:

• Avoid Extremely Cheap Schools: Extremely low-cost packages may indicate that the school is cutting corners, especially on fuel and maintenance.
• Living and Food Costs: Ensure you have accurately calculated living and food expenses, as these can be significant, particularly in countries like Australia.
• Beware of Overpriced Schools: Don’t be swayed by high-priced schools claiming superior standards. After a certain level, most flying schools offer similar quality.

5. Quality of Training

The quality of training is paramount. Assess the following:

• Training Standards and Safety Record: Investigate the school’s training standards and safety record to ensure high-quality instruction.
• Instrument Flying vs. VFR: Ensure the school offers robust instrument flight training, not just Visual Flight Rules (VFR) training.