Do Flight Academies Pass Bad Pilots Through?

Question

This was something that I have wondered for a while. There is a Part 141 school that is training foreign students, obviously passing them through giving them their certificate, who I feel cannot fly a plane worth a hoot. Since my local airport is about 50 miles away, many will solo here and land, many of the pilots enter the pattern wrong (although there is no set standard, just the 45 to downwind recommendation, it is still strongly suggested to be used by students who enter a G airport), they land pretty bad, and the seem confused often. I didn't know if it's just me or if these supposed flight academies are more or less "pilot mills" that will pass unworthy though? I went through Part 61 and never felt the need to go though Part 141, it sounded cool, but after a discussion with some of colleagues, it seems it wasn't so good of a choice.

Answer 1

Any private, for-profit school has a vested interest in pushing students through its programs no matter what their actual skills might be. It's a risk for flight schools just as it's a risk for any other type of school. Private schools exist to make money, not to serve the public good.



Some schools have a conscience, and won't pass anyone who is manifestly incompetent. Unfortunately, there's no way to force every school to be this way. Regulations cannot be depended upon to prevent this, as there is always too much wiggle room, even in the highly regulated field of aviation.

Answer 2

They sound like normal student pilots to me. You never made a mistake?



There's a big difference between a pilot being a real danger to him/herself and others, and entering the pattern on base instead of a 45. And bad landing? Define bad landing? Are they crashing? Are they going off the side of the runway? Or are you just upset because they floated a little too long or perhaps bounced the plane once or twice?



Those 'pilot mills' have the same quality instructors that work in part 61 schools. Most instructors strive to turn people into safe pilots. There are good and bad instructors at every flight school. Don't generalize the 'pilot mills'.



When it all comes down to it, it's the FAA that determines the quality of students getting their certificates. The FAA is the one writing the PTS, not the instructors. If you feel that schools are pumping out bad pilots, then that's really the FAAs fault.



At those large schools, there's always pressure to push the student through to the checkride. While most instructors won't sign off a 'bad' pilot, they may only have enough time to teach them to pass the checkride. That might not be right, but that's what the FAA requires of instructors.

Answer 3

Pilot check rides are always flown with an independent FAA (or jaa) examiner who is unbiased. If the pilot is rubbish they will fail until they are competent, just watch out for them!

Answer 4

The way you describe them, they sound like student pilots. You sound like you already have your PPL. Relax and keep your eyes open. Everybody has to start at some point.

Answer 5

flight school is not like the DMV