Visit before you pay
Walk the ramp. Look at tire wear, paint, and interior condition. Ask when each aircraft last went down for maintenance and how long it stayed down.
Ask about instructor turnover
Instructors building hours often leave for airlines. Ask what happens to your syllabus and your deposits when your CFI departs.
Understand aircraft availability
Fleet size means little without the student-to-aircraft ratio. Under eight students per aircraft is healthy.
Protect your money
Avoid large upfront block payments at schools without escrow protection. Pay in smaller increments where possible.