San Diego Flight Training International

"As a relatively fresh student with decades of fascination for the sky and multiple contacts within different flight academies, I must say this place is undoubtedly the best I've ever had contact with. The science of flying is cold, concrete, unforgiving, and objective.... the only difference between schools and experiences is WHO you learn from and their character. That said, Kathy at SDFTI earned my utmost respect and admiration. When it comes time for more training hours - this is the only place I'll go from here on out. Thank you. My appreciation goes far beyond the capabilities of any silly star rating."

"Just go somewhere else. There is so much drama, barely functional planes, and tons of money related problems with the owner. The company has a reputation of bouncing employees checks and making “fixed price” deals with students that are completely unobtainable. The company leaders cannot take the blame for anything and instead blame it on the overworked CFI’s or the mechanic. Don’t let them fool you, go somewhere like coast, plus one, or learn to fly instead of this place. You can ask most people around MYF and they’ll say the same thing."

"The pros and cons of this school you must know before enrolling. ­Pros - Flexible training environment - Your money is made worth only if your instructor is Oliver - In house examiner - PSI testing center in the school Cons - Unprofessional training environment - School is very disorganized - Four barely airworthy C172 aircraft - Not an accelerated school, contrary to what they claim. - Refunds are extremely difficult to obtain if you decide to withdraw from school! Before enrolling in this school, you may be quoted a course fee / timetable that entices you to enroll right away. SLOW DOWN, though! Remember that the remedy for impulsivity is “Not so fast, think first!” Consider your options carefully and read the evaluations left by previous students. The school claims to be able to provide a Part 141 accelerated training program. This claim, however, is unrealistic. A 1:6 instructor-to-student ratio is not uncommon. Instructors here are frequently unmotivated and tired, and they merely instruct to meet the airlines' 1500-hour requirement. This is because they are constantly overworked. Instructors are usually frustrated of teaching since they must cope with a few overseas students who cannot read, speak, or write English well. To make matters worse, most instructors are frequently paid with rejected checks from management. As a result, instructors aim to milk students for flying hours as quickly as possible in order to leave for the airlines to end their misery at this school. The primary educational tools used in this school are the Jeppesen training syllabus and reading materials. It is certainly a great book you should read. Keep in mind that you must guarantee that your instructor precisely follows the syllabus and not at his or her discretion. If you don't, you'll be repeating lessons all the time. Meaning more $$$. Before taking your FAA checkride, you must pass three oral and flying stage checks. There is a long wait to take a check because there is only one examiner who can perform the evaluation. When the three oral/flight stage checks are conducted, students will be greeted by a very strict examiner. When results are unsatisfactory, the examiner typically sends students back for further subpar remedial training before allowing them to retake the test. Your planned completion date will be delayed by an additional one to two weeks, depending upon the availability of resources to retake a stage check or checkride. While you wait, please keep your skills up to date by taking extra flying and ground lessons. That will be an extra $5000 please! There are only four training planes, and only two of them are "suitable" for checkrides. All planes have subpar avionics. Remember that all of these planes must meet annual / 100 hours / and persistent wear and tear caused by excessive usage on a 4:20 ratio which means the planes are often grounded. This school does not provide a conducive learning atmosphere for both students and instructors. And it is simply a means of extracting as much money as possible from you while putting in as many hours as possible for your instructor. As a result, there is a high turnover of students who are either stuck in stage checks or are simply tired of their games and opt to complete their training elsewhere. For those who are interested in pursuing a career in aviation or flying as a hobby. I can't emphasize enough how important choosing your flight school is. Only when there is a solid training program in place, CFIs who are willing to teach, and adequate resources. You will then be guaranteed success and a more enjoyable flying experience. You should choose your Part 141 school wisely, because if you switch halfway to another Part 141 school, you will be penalized. Only 50% of your flight hours will be recognized on the other side. Therefore, If you value your time and money you should know what to do with this information provided."

"I just got my private pilot license last weekend and I can’t say better things about this flight school. My instructor, Oliver is a wonderful teacher who is super kind and patient. The front office is also helpful and kind. Everyone here is a community and I felt very welcome transitioning here from Washington. There’s a ton of international students as well, who all have different perspectives on flying. Since there’s many students, there’s an opportunity to form study groups and learn from one another. Looking forward to instrument training at SDFTI!!"

"I am a Seventh day Adventist Christian and also a medical Missionary in the Philippines since 2011 who decided to come to America to get my Pilot training (PPL and IR) to go back to the Philippines and volunteer as a Missionary pilot. I have searched through the whole America for 2yrs looking for a school that would change my status from tourist to a student and upon a visit to San Diego I google flight school near me and SDFTI was 18miles away and top of the list, to be honest I called in first and I spoke to the President who answered the phone ( the norm). The school caught my attention because of the word "International" I was not surprised at all with the outcome. I was scheduled for a meeting with the president in 5 mins of our phone call. I went in and guess what my status was changed, I was enrolled and I started my training in less than 1 month after that visit. I did read the reviews on google earth and I found it to be a LIE that this school is ripping off the foreign students. Of all the shool's I applied to this one was the cheapest. Since I have been studying here I have no regrets at all. The instructors do work as a team, they all function as one inspite of their individuality. I am originally from Jamaica and most of the staff and students have visited my country so it was so easy to get along with everyone there. They always have time to listen to your individual needs. My religion never gets in the way of others at all, the respect is seen and felt. We are a family, president is very very humble, flexible and downright caring if you ask me. I can hang out with the mechanic at the maintenance hanger anytime and always learn whats going on with our airplanes. The planes are not perfect but trust me they are in tip top shape 98% of the time and if anything goes wrong we always have our mechanic a call away. I love my school. I find no fault with this school, all my challenges is always on my part (financially, getting the hang of flying, etc) I look forward to finishing up my training as soon as possible and I will always remember my first day at this school. Its hard to be late when you always get a text and an email of EACH schedule class be it flight or grounds. This school is perfect for all those who value their lives enough to want a safe, family oriented learning environment. From finding housing to enrollment to finishing your training SDFTI is not a flight school for you, its a family of aviators that you have not met as yet but we are looking forward to meeting you. Come and join us"