Phoenix area schools for PPL

Hi. Hope this question is appropriate in this group. American citizen, currently Cnd resident. Intending to do Commercial license training in US and make career there. Starting at zero currently. Looking to do PPL in Phoenix area (with hopes of transferring to ATP thereafter to continue through to CL). Looking for quick turnaround to get PPL done, for various reasons. Have done some research about the various flight schools in Phoenix area. Trying to get down to just a handful for consideration. Would love your opinions, given that quick turnaround time (so resource availability is important) and cost and of course quality instruction, are paramount in my mind. Basically, which flight school(s) do you think are best for overall “value” and why? Such a hard decision, and would love your experiences or opinions. Thanks in advance.

If you’re planning on doing the bulk of your training with ATP, why wouldn’t you start off day 1 in the program?

Contrary to some belief you’re not going to save money, in fact most people who try and do their flight training locally end up spending more and take longer. Many get frustrated and quit.

You’ve obviously decided ATP is the best route for your training (and I agree), so again why wouldn’t you start with ATP?

Adam

Let me just clear some air, are you looking for an accelerated program, or a customizable program that you can tailor to your needs? If you’re looking to start “Zero Time,” why wouldn’t you choose a program like the ACPP?

As Adam said, everyone loves to believe you save money by customizing a program or attending a smaller-scale flight school, when in the end, sometimes it ends up costing money. While the FAA (61.109) requires a minimum 40 hours of flight time in the airplane, most individuals aren’t ready for the checkride until 60. Some schools provide the costs up front to the MINIMUMS, and then leave it up to you to calculate the extra costs of things.

You don’t mention any flight experience or completion of prior discovery flights but say you’re “ready.” I think before determining what flight schools are “best for you,” you should consider taking a discovery flight to ensure this is something you want. Another “many try to” is that before doing research, they think they’re ready, when it fact, I’ve done only a handful of discovery flights where individuals at the end said, “I don’t think this is for me afterall,” and it happens.

Brady

Hi. Thx so much for your quick responses. Have done a discovery flight yes, which solidified for sure desire to go commercial. ATP is a definite option, but, also still equally considering pursuing college diploma/degree in aviation or aviation/business. Hence why I’m thinking of working to get standalone PPL somewhere and make use of the time whilst I continue to assess and decide path for rest of commercial aviation.

D,

Obviously it’s your call which route you choose. That said, regardless of what you choose, I stand by the above. Far too many people spend far too much time and money trying to earn their PPLs independently. Successful flight training depends heavily on consistency which is very challenging to accomplish part-time at your local school. You’d be far better served deciding your route first and committing to it.

Adam

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Hey, ATP Admissions here!

You look like you have some questions, regarding what the best pathway for you is. As mentioned above, we are an accelerated path where you go from 0 to CFII. I understand that looking for a flight school could be overwhelming. We would be more than happy to set up a tour or flight at your desired training center.

Feel free to give us a call at your convenience so that we may better assist you. ATP Admissions is available M-F 8am-7pm EST and our phone number is 904-595-7950.