Re: Any thoughts on ATP\'s new program?
Sprint,
If you ask 15 people... your going to get 15 different answers. Everything from "It sounds like a ripoff" to "It was the best program for me".
Of course I'm sure that your point was to fish for multiple opinions in the aviation community... and that is what you should do. However, you ultimately need to decide for yourself what type of program is best for you.
Realize that lots of "Professional" pilots and CFI's are very loyal to their school or FBO, and others are extremely proud of the way they "did it", and they believe that that was the best way... and most likely it was... for them.
The best way to go about this type of research is to attempt to compare apples to apples vs. just thowing out a " What do you guys think of this type of program?"
For example... If you have the ability, funds, financing, time, etc. to go to an academy style flight school (pay close attention to what aloft and many others are saying re: loans)... then you should be asking a more pointed question of something like: "How does ATP's full program match up/compare to Pan-Am's/FSI's/DCA's etc...?"
If you are considereing an FBO route, and a pay as you go type thing, then you should be asking questions like "My local flight school said they'd hire me if I did all my ratings with them... but they cost significantly more than the flight school in the next town over... what would you guys do?" If you ask questions about pricing specifically you'll get guys in all parts of the country saying that it's a ripoff 'cuase the got 172's wet at their FBO for $25/hour cheaper... or other guys will say that's a steal 'cause they are paying $25/hr more at their FBO.
You would want to compare such things as Total cost versus time in program, total multi-time, what costs and ratings are included/excluded, are the costs fixed, what can cause the costs to fluctuate, what type of "professional" development is offered?
The forums under "Flight Training" section are a great place to start comparing these types of things from actual student/instructor testimonials... However, the best way to weed through it all is to actually call the schools that you are interested in and ask these questions directly. Then you can make up your own mind on what is best for you.
Sprint, I know you've been around these boards for quite a while, and most likely know most of this already... I am just putting it out there for the new guys trying to sift through this huge information highway that is JC.
To those that are interested in serious and professional flight training (FBO or academy style)... I would say the schools that Doug has allowed to sponsor JC is a great start to be looking into. Other than that... Folks... take your time... research... and have fun, it's a helluva ride no matter what route you take.
For what it's worth...
Bob
PS: I love the line in your profile... "Loving life with my wife, hanging out with the youth of my family, and buying things for my wife and daughter." I feel the same way... about my wife and daughter of course.
Mainly to see if it is a worthwhile cause considering the money, etc. I'm suspicious of the rebate. Here's a description of the program.....Receive an airline job offer within one year of starting the Airline Career Pilot Program. ExpressJet Airlines (Continental Express) has a formal agreement with ATP to provide pilot candidates based on the qualifications and experience you gain in this program. Your success is backed by a $10,000 rebate and guaranteed multi-engine instructor position with ATP.
