See the reply in this topic listed here

http://www.pilotjourney.com/option,com_smf/Itemid,274/topic,259.0

This may not be exactly what you are looking for...but it is a start.

The most important this is that you get a degree...it does not matter if it is from an aviation institution (E-R, Flt. S., DCA, etc.).  The airlines like to see that you have completed the level of advanced education (college degree) and then they go straight to the flight history and experience level.

If cost is a big issue for you then I would stay away from the big name guys.  Get your degree at a reputable university and then find a flight academy that can give you the most up-to-date and advanced training possible in the time frame you prefer.  College set aside...you should not spend more than 50k for all your flight ratings (PPL thru MEI).  Of course cost of living will factor in as an additional cost but I am primarily speaking of the flight training and time building.

Time frame issues....don't go to a place that will get you a rating in two weeks...your knowledge level will bit you in the end at an CFI or Airline interview.  Get the training done right the first time but a reputable academy.  Your training should take 6-10 months depending on your availability and study habits.

Just my .02 cents (or more for that matter)

50 hours of multi engine flight time can range anywhere between 11k - 15k depending on the aircraft.  This would be anywhere from 200-300 per hour.  Most flight schools will require a "dual only" flight in twin engine aircraft.  You may be able to go through a checkout process but this often can be 15-20+ hours which is half of the time you are looking to build. 

If you have the additional money to spend, I would highly reccommend getting checked out in a new aircraft like the Diamond Twin Star but if you are looking for more of a traditional twin then a Piper Seminole or Aztec would be fine too.  Make sure you do your research and know the age and maintenance history of any twin you fly.

This can be a complicated question...

Are you planning on staying in the USA? or
    are you here temporarily and wish to operate an aircraft?

Setting aside the issue of entering the country...VISA, TSA, etc.

You can transfer a foreign license by following the requirements set aside in the FAA regulations. 
     1)The foreign license country must be a member of the ICAO
     2)You must submit all the documentation 90 days in advance from the date you wish to have the license transferred.
     3)You must be able to speak, read, understand the English language (based on the judgement of the FAA inspector)
     4)Hold a valid U.S. Medical (Best Option!!!) or a Valid Foreign Medical (several possible disqualification scenarios possible)
     5)Operate under all the U.S. Flight Rules and Currency Requirements

All ratings and certificate levels will transfer...an instrument rating requires the passing of the Instrument Foreign Pilot Test.

Some helpful links...

FAA General Information Page regarding Foreign Pilot's License
http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/foreign_license_verification/

FAA Verification of a Foreign Pilot's License (PDF)
http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/media/verify61-75.pdf

FAR Part 61.75 -- Pilot Certificate issued on the basis of a Foreign Pilot License
http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgFAR.nsf/0/8EA366A0C603B8CA86256959004BCCFD?OpenDocument

FAR Part 61.77 -- Operation of a U.S. Registered Aircraft by a Non-U.S. Citizen
http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgFAR.nsf/0/630D57B7CA90F07986256959004BCEDE?OpenDocument

There are so many headset brands out there today but I started with a David Clark and would not have anything else.  I have used others for testing purposes (Telex, ASA, Flight Comm) and while the audio may be comparable the comfort is not.  As with anything you buy...you get what you pay for however some advice that helped me on this decision when I started was....

Don't spend a little on a headset and take the chance of having to replace it later.  You are going to use this headset the most during the first 1000 hours of your flight career and you want to pick one that will last and hold up. 

Things to look for...
    Flexible Boom Mic (more durable)
    Cloth Headpad (more comfortable)
    Stereo/Mono Switch (more compatible) -- optional
   
   
I currently have 350 hours and have had NO problem with my David Clark.  If I ever do, I can send it back for a repair as they stand by there products.

Falcon Aviation has 3 locations and is hiring CFI's immediatly to staff these locations as well as start up our future locations in KCCO, KFTY, and KRYY.

Great Incentives, Bonuses, Insurance Benefits, and hourly pay up to $22 per hour.

For more information, send your resume to jobs@falconaviationacademy.com

Mention you heard about these jobs on PilotJourney.com

Look forward to meeting some of you!!!

I have just posted an update to Falcon Aviation Academy.  It is in the Starting Out forum under Accelerated Training.

Here is a link...

http://www.pilotjourney.com/forums/index.php?topic=246.0

Hello Everyone!!!

It's been awhile since I was logged in...just wanted to give a little update on Falcon's flight programs

Fleet...
There are a total of 15 aircraft (all but one are Diamond).  This includes TWO DA42's with 3 more arriving within weeks.

Locations...
Three locations...Peachtree City (KFFC) [main campus], Peachtree-Dekalb (KPDK), and Athens-Ben Epps (KAHN).  The two satalite bases each have two DA-20's and are pending the approval process for Part 141, VA, and SEVIS (M-1 VISA).

Programs...
ASA Direct Path
     This could get you a senority number with ASA within 6 months.  Here's how...complete your CFI and at this point interview with ASA...if you pass you are hired and then put on loan to Falcon to build the required flight time.  All the while you are building your senority with Atlanta's biggest Regional Airline.   Pretty Cool Huh!?!?!?

They still offer the traditional route as well as options for those interested in flying for enjoyment (as opposed to career).  The aircraft are pristine...while some not as new as others, our maintenance department stays busy keeping everything up to par.

If you haven't seen the TwinStar's...this is a MUST SEE.  Wow, they are amazing!!!.

That's all for now.  If you want more information, just e-mail me and I will send it right along.

Spencer
ffcpilot@yahoo.com

I can't say who but I know that there are some airlines that look down upon flight training that has been received from ATP.  Be careful...just because you get what you pay for doesn't mean you meet the standards set by other flight schools (CFI employment) or the airlines. 

Research well and make the best choice based on quality of training, not the cheapest or the fastest.  Trust me...you want to be well prepared for any interview that may come your way and getting a CFI in two weeks won't put you at the knowledge level needed.

Yes, this is pure opinion, but it has been taken from people I know that have gone through the process.

If you want a better reason to continue researching...do you really want to pay $6,000 for all three CFI ratings (CFI, CFII, MEI) that only gets you 12 hours of flight time?  That is $500 per hour...or $430 per day.  You don't even average a hour per day during your training.

That's my two cents.  Sorry if I have made anyone upset...just stating facts.

CFI-AI (a.k.a. CFII)

The satellite base in Athens up and running.  While the planes are still being based out of Peachtree City, Ga. we currently are offering the full spectrum of flight training at this location.  More information is available upon request.

Also, we are now approved for International Flight Training for students that obtain an M-1 VISA.  The process is a little involved however this is a great opportunity for everyone that plays a role in this process.  If you are (or know of someone) that would fall into this category, please refer them to us.
More information is available upon request.

We have also just recently added a Cessna Cardinal to the fleet of Diamonds.  We are expecting a Sept 06 delivery on a Diamond Twin Star however this is subject to change.

Falcon Aviation is working hard for you and are striving continue to producing the quality pilots that we have been for years while maintaining the quality of the fleet and services we offer.

Please contact me with any questions about our programs, facilty, fleet or otherwise and I will gladly respond.

Spencer
ffcpilot@yahoo.com

I have heard good things and bad things about ATP.  Some say they rush you through the training and don't spend enough time with you...kinda like you are a number instead of a customer.
However, if you are really trying to "fly" through your training and you want only to get the ratings and nothing more...give it a try.

I personally have gone to Falcon Aviation Academy where the customer service and quality of training is excellent.  They are located in Peachtree City, Ga. and have a brand new fleet of Diamond aircraft (all within 3 years)  I have loved every minute of my training there and am slowly (my pace) working on my CFI ratings.

Employment oppurtunities are a must when looking for a flight school and Falcon has them.  Whether you want to instruct for awhile or move directly to the airlines, Falcon has opportunities for you.  As employees of Falcon you can build the flight time and experience you need should you decide on the airlines or other corporate flight department.

Check them out.  www.faa-air.com

Any questions...e-mail me at ffcpilot@yahoo.com

Falcon Aviation Academy is located in Peachtree City, GA.  It is about 30 min south of Atl Hartsfield Airport.  Falcon Field (KFFC) is a non precision, non towered airport with the perfect atmosphere for training.  Falcon is close to several major Class C and D airports to get valuable training with traffic control, yet far enough from KATL that you don't have to worry about the Class B (the closest Class B that would affect your training would be about 10 miles SW and at 5000 feet.  The rest is not a factor for your training.  Falcon Field will also helo you save money by not burning time on the taxiways waiting for a clearence.

Check out the website at www.faa-air.com or www.falconaviationacademy.com

Just as a side note...they are also about to open a satellite base in Athens, GA  (hint hint....UGA).  This is scheduled for late April.  

Let me know if you have any other questions.

I would like to mention Falcon Aviation Academy to everyone. They are located in Peachtree City, Ga which is a short drive S. of Atlanta. They offer a great fleet of aircraft, accelerated programs, and career paths that fit your goals.

I have gone through both my Instrument, and Multi/Single Commerical with them and the quality of the training is awesome. I never once felt that I was unprepared for a checkride. I am currently working in the charter department office and will soon be checked out SIC in order to build time for further charter experience.

The cost is VERY comparable if not better than any other flight academy and you come out with much more knowledge. You can choose a self paced route or go full force and complete Private through CFI in only 120 days. It is your choice.

They are Part 141 approved and can process the VA benefits. The charter department is Part 135 certified and you can choose to move into this realm of the company or apply to the airlines. They have a 100% hire rate with multiple regionals, corporate flight departments, and several that have choosen to go to the military.

If you want you training done right...I would highly suggest Falcon Aviation Academy. Take a look at their website www.faa-air.com

If you have any other questions I would be glad to help you out. Just e-mail or PM me.

Spencer
ffcpilot@yahoo.com

Let me introduce Falcon Aviation Academy to each of you reading this forum.  They have been around for about 4-5 years and I have gone from Instrument through Multi/Single Commercial.  I would have gotten my private here but I was unaware at the time.  The quality of the training that I received and continue to receive is excellent. For those that are in a hurry to get hired with a regional or corporate flight department, then this is the way to go.  Here's why...

1) It will not cost you 60,000 + for all the training.  You can go from Private (zero flight time) to Multi Engine Instructor Instrument for less than $50,000 plus books and tests.  Now this does not include food, housing, etc. but you will be offered employment as a CFI upon completion of the initial CFI certificate.  From there the incentives beging to emerge.

2) While we do not have a "formal agreement" with any particular airline, Falcon has a 100% hire rate over the past few years with CFI's that have built the flight time to press on (this includes: ASA, ExpressJet, Pinnancle, Chattaqua, Phoenix Air Service, Military, AirShares, and other corporate flight departmets).

3) They have an awesome Diamond aircraft fleet.  They are all less than 4 years old and the rest of the fleet are very well maintained in house.

I could go on forever about the programs they offer and the instructors that work for Falcon.  I would love to talk with you more regarding the academy.  If you are interested just PM or e-mail me and we can chat.  

Spencer
ffcpilot@yahoo.com