I do see the increase in price as a little shock as they just increased prices not too long ago. I am sitting here in Richmond waiting for my startdate(monday). I find it amusing all the naysayers bashing ATP, and saying its a waste of money, time, etc.
I agree its alot of money. And I also agree the program isnt for everybody. But to me its kind of rediculous to tell people their idiots for doing something that works for them. Last time I checked, nobody here is Dave Ramsey.
I am married, and my wife has her masters. She is pulling in close to 70k right now(sugar momma) as a travelling OT. I worked my arse off to help her finish school and let her do what she has dreamed of doing. Now its my turn, and thats being a pilot. I do not have any school debt. So its a wash to me when people critisize people for dropping 55k (soon to be 60k) for pilot ratings, when you could very easily spend the same amount going to college. My wife was very good at budgeting, but she still came out with 80k in school debt. So each path has its pro's and con's.
I could spend a year or two flippin burgers to try and save to fly. But why? Everything around me is telling me the costs to become a pilot are going to get higher. Higher fuel costs(talk to ur CFI, I bet these costs have him worried), More regulation(user fees pending in congress), and overall the worsening of the economy. Our dollar just doesnt buy what it used to. I forsee less people entering aviation, but to me and I believe every other commercial pilot out there as a good thing. Less supply, more demand, higher pay. The baby boomers are starting to retire, even with the new age 65 retirement rule, its only postponing the inevitable. Pilots are going to be in HIGH demand. Look it up, research it.
And I could very well follow a path that I make big bucks, but I wouldnt enjoy it. And as far as I know, in this "game" of life, there is no reset button. I would rather spend 40 years doing something I love and get paid crap to do it, than be miserable and try to replace that happiness by being materialistic.
Anyways, Im going to ATP. I am excited to do it. It works for me. Flying is what I love to do and what I have always dreamed of doing. IMO flying in the first row of any RJ is the best office in the world. The view is constantly changing, challenging, and fun. Anyways, I felt to unleash my opinion to combat all the people who will spend their days bashing ATP and programs like it because they will never realize that life is short, money in the end is just a piece of paper. And happy comes from the heart. So I would tell you to follow your heart, and live a happy life in whatever you do.
