San Diego Flight Training International

I can say that San Diego flight training is a good place to start to learn how to fly....

My experiences at San Diego Flight Training International (SDFTI) were great. They are very well informed as to how the VA helps to pay for flight training with veterans and service members; something that is very hard to come by. The staff was very helpful. I went through my commercial and flight instructor certificate with them. The instructors were courteous and very knowledgeable. I have used three different flight schools from private to CFI. San Diego Flight Training International was, by far, the most professional and up front about your progression. If you want structure and to know that the quality of training and service you get will be second to none, choose San Diego Flight Training International for your training.

Approved by the FAA as a Part 141 school, SDFTI offers a structured and stringent course of training having higher quality standards in flight instruction. Part 141 schools require FAA inspections to be conducted regularly to monitor the safety and quality of their training syllabus. 

Personally, while I was there, I was lucky enough to have Instructors who had higher expectations of their students than those required, with an emphasis on safety at every stage/ phase of flight. The environment itself was conducive to learning and gaining the right kind of experience: 

The terrain varied from sea level to snow capped peaks. Within just 50NM of the airport, one can fly over mountains, the sea or the desert.

The weather though mostly sunny and constant, offered instrument conditions at the right time of the day/ night

The airspace in the vicinity is complex. This meant that all theoretical knowledge about airspace had to be applied in the real world, since you were surrounded by all those variables.

The airfield, and its controllers, were very cooperative and accustomed to training flights. It also has 2 runways, to allow for crosswind conditions.

Debriefing rooms & the office: Unlike many Fixed Based Operators (FBOs), the office itself was organized catering to the needs of instructors and their students. The debriefing rooms offered a quiet environment for students to self study or have one on one attention from their instructors. The school also has the added benefit of being able to take your written exams.

Maintenance of the aircraft thanks to Mr. David Long was super. Whenever issues/ squawks did arise, he attended to them promptly and ensured flight safety. On occasion, I visited him in the hangar and learned something new from him every time. His perspective helped give me a complete understanding of the working of an aircraft.

My Instructors, like I mentioned before, expected higher levels of safety and precision than those required. Throughout my training, they were able to make themselves available on short notice for a flight . They were always their to help, and continue to be even today.

The Administration: Phil (President) was very cooperative, especially towards the end when I had a copious amount of paperwork to complete. He was direct and to the point in his approach, and offered his help whenever it was needed. Cathy (Dispatch Manager) was at ease tackling overloaded schedules since she had an organized approach which ordinarily, would be a logistical nightmare!

I'd like to thank everyone at SDFTI who was instrumental in helping me achieve a strong foundation in aviation, and more so, a love for it.