annfunirius

Hi all
I'm planning to begin my flight training in around March or April of 2010, I live in Burlingame and work full time in San Jose so I was thinking to start my training for private either in San Carlos, Palo alto or maybe even consider Hayward although a bit out of the way, what are some of the things to consider of these the schools in these airports from the perpective from someone who is familiar with the area (price, instructors, airplanes, etc). Any advise will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Stallog

I got my PPL in 1995 with Trade Winds Aviation back when they were out of SJC. They moved to RHV, purchased a whole bunch of brand new 172s, and recently put a Remos LSA on their line. It's been 14 years so I can't speak for how they are now, but back then they were superb.

Stallog

Ottopilot

Hey, I was chief flight instructor of TWA back then. I didn't know they moved. I have no idea how the are now. That was a long time ago. Most flight schools are run by shady businessmen. Don't be fooled by fancy buildings and planes. Find a good instructor. He can work anywhere. Good luck.

propwash2005

Agree with the above post. However, I can put a bit in for Aerodynamic Aviation out of RHV, all their instructors are topnotch and you could do your primary in taildraggers (they also have Cessnas and LSAs). I did some training with them last year. The only reason I didn't do more was they were quite a drive from Oakland.

pattupilot

Do not choose Flying Vikings. You will get done quickly over there, flying C152 and C172 from 1960 and 1970. But the quality is BAAAAAAAD. The majority there are from India. And the examiners are corrupted. They will teach you only the basics.

I had a job there in my hands, but i turned it down after the interview. After knowing how they do things. I was being hired mostly for instrument students, and was told only to teach them ILS, LOC and VECTORED VOR. NOthing else. I asked why, and the chief replyed why doing it harder than it already is. He mentioned that the Indians will not be flying in the USA and over in India everything is on sale, even certificates. So I turned down the offer, and suggest everyone not to join that school.

annfunirius

Awesome..Thanks guys for the information

Flatspin

Stay away from "Cal Airways" in hayward!! Very shady operation. There's better a few minutes up the road at OAK.

pattupilot

Yeah I totally agree. They are just like FLying Vikings, school is full of Indians.

ke6nez

Ok, one of the things I've learned over the years of flight training (over 15+ years in the Bay Area) is to be careful of what you say about another school because you never know whom might see it and decide not to give you a CFI job.
Cal Airways has their issues just like any other school in the Bay Area. The school isn't full if Indians. Cal Airways has a contract to train some Indian students but isn't run by Indians what so ever. Flying Vikings has their own issues and yes, having train their I can say, they are shady and currently under FAA review. Cal Airways downsized their fleet to maintain their competitive pricing.
Hayward flight school just opened up and is doing pretty well. Small fleet but they have a good location and that can be a plus. Aclan at Hawyard is doing very well. A lot of Cal Airways students moved over there because they are the only place that has a complex aircraft.
If you fly out of Oakland then Oakland flyers is the place to be right now.
All in all, you need to ask yourself what kind of training am I looking for and how often do I want to do it. Each place has their own issues; don't listen to all the negative crap from people because it just might not be true.
I've flown out of Cal Airways, Flying Vikings, Hayward flight school and even managed a school that was at the school.... All had their issues but with a good instructor, the issues shouldn't be a problem. Just keep your head down, study your ass off and pay attention.
Another thing you can do is wait for ATP to open their Oakland location and you can train there.

HuggyU2

West Valley Flying Club might be worth looking at. I am not a member of the club, but considered joining (I didn't because it's just too far from where I live).
So,... I can't say either way, but they seem to have a nice stable, and there are a number of instructors that work there.
Just google them for the website.