Expert: Jeff Davis - 2/15/2007

Question
Hello Jeff, I have a quick question about general information about flight school. I am graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee this May, 2007. I am really excited to pursue flight school for a career. I am clueless as to where to start though. I know that I want to attend a part 141 school but does that include ALL of the training necessary? Also, what are the costs and ways to find part 141 flight schools near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I want to stay as close to home as possible! I appreciate your time!

Answer
Sorry about the late response, you caught me right after I left work for the weekend.  A Part 141 school has everything you need - books, ground school, flight training, FAA examiner for your test, the works.  I'm in North Carolina and can't really give advice about flight schools in your area, but I will recommend a couple of excellent Internet sources to start.  The best is probably AOPA.org (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association).  Their site has a members-only section, but a lot of the site, probably most of it, is free to anyone.  They have a wealth of information on how to get started in aviation, and could probably give you some advice about flight schools.  Another site worth checking out is Landings.com; that one has a lot of databases, and one of them includes flight school listings.  Also, you're not far away from the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh.  They aren't geared as much toward flight schools and beginning students, but since they're so close, you might also want to contact them for assistance.  Look them up on the web (I think it's EAA.org) and look up their local chapter and just give them a call.  I'm betting that the president of the chapter will be delighted that someone wants to get started in aviation and will be flattered that you chose to call him.  Good luck, happy flying, and let me know how things work out!