Yesterday I went to Atlanta to checkout the Aviation Atlanta flight school based out of PDK (Peachteee/Dekalb). My first impression was positive. It seemed that the school was very busy and from a business perspective that’s a good thing. I’d rather see it busy than dead. They must be doing something right.  One of their flight instructors told me that they were definitely the busiest in Atlanta compared to ATP and others.

I sat down and spoke with the owner and we went over the professional pilot program that takes you from your Private Pilots Certificate all the way through your CFI ratings. The cost was surprisingly economical compared to others I’ve researched. You try to cut your costs by flying in airplanes that aren’t more sophisticated or newer. What I’ve found so far concerning your PPL, it seems that if the planes are kept in good mechanical shape, it doesn’t matter what you train in; Like a Cessna 152 compared to a 172. The basic mechanics of the plane haven’t changed in 50 years except maybe avionics. I don’t know I may be wrong.

Aside from cutting costs with the particular aircraft you train in, most of the instructors at the school were trying to gain hours for the majors. Doesn’t make me too happy but I should get rid of the idea that just because they’re young doesn’t necessarily mean that they lack ability. I got some instructor email addresses and a reference list of pilots working in the industry that graduate from the school so that’s my next step.

Anyhow, the program seemed very sufficient. My plan still is to get my Private Pilots Certificate here in Athens for logistical reasons (aka short commute) and then go on to Atlanta for my advanced training. I’ve got a long way to go to get my CFI but its attainable. Have to look five years down the road.