What would be the best way to go about finding legit flying lessons?

I had a stroke of inspiration a few months ago as to the perfect Christmas gift for my dad: flying lessons! He was in the Air Force and as a child had always wanted to be a pilot. I know that it's something that is close to his heart and I think that he would really love my gift.

However, I'm at a loss as to how to find legit flying schools, particularly in the NY Metro area.

Any insight?

Go to this website. It is sponsered by the Aircraft Owners & Piots Association. They can help you find a legit school.

http://www.beapilot.com/

Aviation is a highly regulated industry, and flight schools are carefully controlled by the FAA. So they are all "legit."

If you find something about a flight school that makes you wonder about the quality or safety of their flying, check with the FAA. You want to call the nearest FSDO (Flight Standards District Office), and if there is any bad news on the flight school, or anything the FAA wants to investigate, they will take it from there.

The phone numbers for GADOs and FSDOs are in the blue pages.

Beyond that, it's just a matter of finding a school that has the right "feel" for you, and instructors you are comfortable with.

I was a primary student more than 40 years ago, and it was typical for a student to go through 2-3 instructors or flight schools before getting a private certificate. That may just have been because we were poor, or there may have been other changes since then.

I hope your dad will find a school he likes, and I wish you both the greatest of success!

Oh you can get a free introductory offer for 30 bucks,or some guys need to build hours and would love to fly him, any fbo would have someone,, Im 1100 miles away but you dont want to take him to jfk or lga, or newark, but depoending on where you sound like you live stewart should have some pretty good people up there ,, i havent been there in years,,

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