Zorkus

Hello guys,

I would greatly appreciate any advises or references on the following. I'm in Dallas, TX, and I'm a software developer, not pursuing a career as airline pilot. I just want to learn how to fly, get PPL, and then either rent a small plane (Cessna 172/182 or something alike) or buy the used one and fly for pleasure.

Based on that, I'm thinking part 141 is not a good choice for me. I did looked around for flight schools like American Flyers, ATP academies and such, and all them seem to be more concerned about maintaining continuous stream of new students (hence, MONEY!), and more helpful in getting various ratings / passing checkrides and written test etc, not the learning on how to actually fly well.

So, I'm looking for a small flight school which goes on part 61 (or may be just some CFI who likes to teach others. I don't really care how long the education is going to take (provided I can pay per-month or per-lesson, not all amount of money upfront).

Could someone please suggest some options for me?

Thanks.

Std Deviation

Zorkus,
I'm based in the DFW area. I'm also a CFII but I do not provide the aircraft anymore. There's a couple schools on the outskirts of the metroplex that would fit the bill. I would stay away from Addison unless you want to run the clock up waiting to takeoff and land. Spinks (north of Fort Worth has a couple of good schools). Also, there's a great instructor (and she's also a DPE) in Waxahachie (S of the metroplex). She also teaches tailwheel and gliders. I had my first glider lesson last week which was a blast. Big Q aviation is the name. You're right about the "puppy mill" schools here though. Many specialize in a constant chain of students with a fat pre-paid account balance and have little interest in someone flying for pleasure and paying each time they come in.

CaptainCarl

Fixed it for ya.

Std Deviation

Thanks! I was using map up vs. North up! Actually, I had Meacham on the brain.

Zorkus

Thanks, I will contact Big Q Aviation, it seems not too far from downtown Dallas where I am, but it looks like they're more oriented into gliders/aircraft rental, than on PPL 61 training.

Would anyone suggest some more good instructors to consider and compare?

Zorkus

Looks like there are a few other schools to look at..somebody had any experience with any of them?

Learn To Fly Dallas, Flight Instruction, Addison, TX 75001 - index
dallasairborne.com: The Leading Dallas Airborne Site on the Net
Monarch Air | Where You and Your Business Take Flight
Lone Star Flyers ~ Flight Instruction and Pilot Services
Learn to Fly at Slipstream Aviation in Dallas, TX
Learn to fly in Dallas Addison Mckinney Denton Texas area! - Home

DirectTo

Monarch will do you 61, but is very pricey, even for an Addison school (think 10k+ for private).

Isn't there some popular little school over at Hicks near Ft. Worth?

Zorkus

I'm in Dallas, and FW is kind of little bit far to drive to for lessons twice or once a week. Would prefer something in Dallas, Addison, Mesquite or so.

Yep, Monarch looks like pricey (may be bcs they give cessna 172 to flight and for other reasons). I'm not sure how can they ask for a lot of money if they suppose people to a lot of self-learning at home, not in class rooms.

Twin Wasp

As has been said, the bigger airport flight schools tend to focus on 141 "so you want to be an airline pilot" training. I was at American Flyers at ADS for one of their Saturday safety BBQs and asked what the going rate was for a 172. The instructor said they don't rent planes outside of the 141 program.

Since you're going to be giving the school a fair chunk of cash and entering into a short term love/hate relationship you want to find a place you fit in with and an instructor you can relate to. I don't know anything about them but there are flight schools at Dallas Exec and Mesquite airports. I'd say spend a Saturday afternoon and check them out along with Carol.

Twin Wasp

Holy Guacamole! A 170 an hour for a 172!