National Flight Academies

[Finchawk]

I don't know what to do. I got accepted to 2 NFA's and i don't know which one to choose. Does anyone know anything about the Bangor, ME or Camp Ashland, NE academies?

C/SSgt. Finch

[LSThiker]

Well I cannot speak for the NFAs.  However, having been to both of those locations for unrelated events, I would rather be back in Iraq than go to Camp Ashland, NE.  It has been a while since I last went to Camp Ashland, but when I was there, the barracks were falling apart, gutted due to previous years of flooding, and full of mosquitos.  Granted, they have some nicer BEQs but overall the base is just ugly.  Bangor:  well beautiful town and a great location.

So take that as you see fit.

[lordmonar]

I would pick the one that had the best time fit for you....and/or the cheapest travel costs.

Good luck.

[Finchawk]

Well the flight costs are roughly the same and I also got accepted to Hawk Mountain Ranger School and that takes place july 12- july 20 and i also have a camp in California the week prior so if i was to go to Maine i would be flying to Maine then straight to California and then to Pennsylvania without a day in between. But if I went to Nebraska i would go June 12- June 26 giving me a week and a half between activities. I got selected as a primary for the academy in Nebraska and was selected as an alternative for Maine, but got selected later because someone dropped out of a primary slot. But thanks for the info about Camp Ashland because i couldn't find any info about it.

[HGjunkie]

Go for NE (NFAP-NCR Right?). I went last year and it was a pretty great experience, very good pilots and people there and you're pretty much guaranteed to Solo.

[Huey Driver]

...very good pilots and people there and you're pretty much guaranteed to solo.

Same goes for Bangor.

[Rustydude]

I attended Johnson Flight Academy in Matoon, Illinois. It was my first flight academy, but the ground school was outstanding. The flight training itself is quality. The CFI's will work you hard by testing your emergency procedures, your stalls, and aviation knowledge. Your odds of soloing are based on your performance and if your CFI feels you are ready for solo. Definitely a premier flight academy at an affordable amount. Only payed $1,025. I would highly recommend JFA.

[Mitchell 1969]

I attended Johnson Flight Academy in Matoon, Illinois. It was my first flight academy, but the ground school was outstanding. The flight training itself is quality. The CFI's will work you hard by testing your emergency procedures, your stalls, and aviation knowledge. Your odds of soloing are based on your performance and if your CFI feels you are ready for solo. Definitely a premier flight academy at an affordable amount. Only payed $1,025. I would highly recommend JFA.

At the risk of bringing some people to tears, comparing now to the good old days...

At "Cadet Flying Encampment, License" in 1970, we arrived with a total of 15 hours, including solo time. We left a month later with Airman's Certificates declaring us to be "Private Pilot, Single-Engine, Land."

Total cost was $98.00, for meals. All other costs were covered. Transportation there was via USAF T-29, transportation home via USAF C-118 (DC-6).