ATP a good choice?

[scotteevil]

Hi all, as someone who is currently looking into ATP for training, I am hoping that you can provide some advice. I would be attending the PHX location, so any specifics about it would be very helpful. I have virtually no flight time as of yet...just a "discovery flight" under my belt. Is it better to get my PPL before I attend? What about the "fast track" vs. the "self-paced" program? Ideally I'd like to be able to work while training, but perhaps there are downfalls besides taking longer to complete the training? Also, is the rate they advertise fairly correct, or does it end up costing quite a bit more than $35K? Any help would be appreciated!!

 

[Merlin]

First of all, ATP's advertised price is a flat rate. What you see is what you pay. Contrast that with the flight school at your local airport where you pay by the hour and the price they quote is based on the minimum number of hours that the FAA says that you must have before you can obtain the license.

Second, I hear the same story over and over again about primary flight training experiences: the student has a goal of flying perhaps 2-3 times a week. But things such as weather, wives, work or wealth (or lack thereof) would come up and they would miss a week here or only go once that week, etc throughout the training.

It's not so much about the time it takes to complete, rather, after missing even a few days you end up having to go back and do the same lesson a couple of times over again, spending $$$ to do so. In other words, learning to fly by going to the airport 4 times a month isnt cost effective and really hurts the quality of your learning.

The advantage of a fask track program is that you are at the airport every day. While you may not fly every day, being in that environment, surrounded by others with the same passions and goals as you is very conducive to learning and as a result, it usually speeds up the process.

Here's the disclaimer... fast track programs are NOT for everyone. There are a number of factors that can effect whether it's right for you... financial, family, committment, age and motivation are just a few.

If you decide that you can do a fast track program and you choose ATP, I would recommend that you get your private with ATP as well. It's a flat rate fee and comparatively speaking, the $ per hour is a good deal. Also, those I've seen come out of ATP's private pilot program definately know their stuff.

ATP does have a nationwide private pilot program. I dont know anything about it, but there's a link to it at the end of this message. You'll have to call ATP and see what they have to say about it. In fact, I'd recommend calling them to find out what they say.

As far as the PHX location, I dont know anything about it so I can't help you there. Best I can say is to go see it for yourself. Call the 800 number and set up a tour.

Hope this helps,
Jeremy

link to ATP's Private Pilot Program Nationwide Designated Flight School

 

[scotteevil]

Hey Jeremy,

Thanks a TON for the info! Fast track definitely sounds like the way to go if I can swing it.

You just recently graduated from there, right? You are instructing now? Tell me, if you don't mind, what were your typical days like there...amount of time dedicated to it per day, studying, flying, etc. Based on your experience, would it be possible to take maybe some online courses to finish up a degree at the same time, or is it best to wait until after the program, while instructing (hopefully)?

I think you and I are around the same age...I'm 30, changing careers, and I know I need the degree that I didn't finish, so I'm trying to work out the best course of action. I see they are partnered with UVSC, which is a school I have been considering. What's your situation, do you have a degree, and what is your ultimate goal...majors? corporate?

Thanks again for the help man, and congrats to you!

Scott

 

[Bog]

I did ATP's ACPP a few years ago. Same deal, I was 27 and in the mood to switch careers. I wanted the most bang for my buck in the fastest time. This was the only and, in my opinion, best choice.

When you're done and if you get hired, you'll be working for classy folks. I spent 2 months in JAX answering the phones, and was quite happy with how we were treated. Running the SAT location solo kept me busy, but any issue was quickly resolved by the Home Office.

I don't need flight schools anymore, but I try to keep an eye on what's out there. I still say ATP is the way to go.

 

[BushPilot]

I second that! I haven't started attending yet, but the whole experience when I flew out to PHX was awesome. The instructors were all great, and any question that I had for the instructors down in JAX, Diane in financial, or Jim, they were all very helpful and insightful. Good luck with your choice, I'm extremely happy I decided to go with them.