Hello all-

I'm hoping that I can get some advice on the topic of accelerated private pilot courses--namely, whether they are a good idea and, if so, which ones would you suggest/recommend (links would be appreciated)?

By way of background, I am a 32 year old, father of two, with a full-time job (attorney/engineer). Thus, a 14 day PPL course is very appealing, as it would be easier for me to take two weeks off from work, than it would be to take 2 hours off from work for two to three times a week for 3-4 months.

I've done some research on the subject and read the thread here regarding accelerated IR courses, but I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts on the subject of accelerated PPL courses.

Well at least you have one honorable profession....engineer. I am looking at doing the same, researched it quite a bit. Pass rates on the check ride appear to be slightly higher. Retention, according to those I have interviewed is better, less time to kill off the brain cells. A school here is chandler, az, offers a deal for 7 days across country, day you return they send you up for the check ride. Supposed to be intense but they add alot by flying across country for 7 days, cost is about $5k plus fuel if you use your plane.

Last month I completed a 14 day intensive PPL at American Flyers in Pompano Beach, FL. It was very good and I would recommend the intensive approach to anyone who is willing to comit the time and money. I do believe however that once the training is complete, you MUST fly frequently to gain the time and variety of exprience that you do not have owing to that type of training. I have flown at least 8 hours a week for the past 6 weeks and I have flown with a local CFI on every other flight to help me through new conditions (ie weather, ADIZ here in Maryland, VFR navigation over snowy terrain and just plain bad crosswind practice). Prior to going to Fla. for the training I had about 6 months (20 hours flight time logged) and was ready for the written, which I passed on my first day there. At the rate I was going, it would have taken me another 6 months to get my PPL and I would have forgotten much of the detail that I learned early on had I not opted for the intesive training.

Good Luck

SP

I think in this post you are asking the cost of getting both the PPL and commercial licenses and sending your son for them?

Depending on the country you live in, it may be fairly expensive to convert the US license to your nation's equivalent. Probably still cheaper in the end but I do know that at least in Europe they stopped giving simple conversions because they felt too many people were going to the States, getting their licenses and then coming back and thus "cheating" Local flight schools out of business.