ATP for Career Change?

Asta

Asta

New Member
Newbie here. Great forum.

I’m just gonna throw this out there and see what sort of take people have: I’m a 42 year old ex-professional in NYC looking to change careers into aviation. I have had a PPL since 1998 but do not have too many hours TT because until recently I was too busy with work etc to ever put in enough time to feel comfortable taking the family up, so I let it lapse.

Now I have time/money to focus on flying, so I want to pick it up and do it right—I’d like to work toward professional ratings/experience, even if ultimately I don’t pursue it.

I posted this here because I’ve been thinking about enrolling in ATP’s airline career pilot program in Trenton. I considered Flight Safety but I can’t leave my wife and kids alone for months. Trenton is an hour and a half from New York City, and while their expedited program is not available there the self-paced is.

Some questions before I change my life:

1. Am I nuts? (I know the pay stinks, but I can live with it.)
2. Is ATP my best choice?—better than FSA or American Flyers or the good old part 61 school where I got my ticket?
3. After graduation, do I have any realistic chance of getting picked up by a regional or, down the road, to transition to jets and a corporate department?
4. In regard to this last question, remember I’m 42 and assume at this point an airline is out of the question.
5. Are there any regionals based near NYC? (I’m too settled here to relocate.)

Any thoughts and opinions are very welcome. Thanks, all.
 
In a similar situation. I have after many months made the decision to change careers. I too have a wife and kids however I live just outside of Jacksonville and don't have the problem of moving for a program as many others have had to endure. I'm going to start in April / May in the self pace program here in Jax. That way I can still work and and payoff the last few bills (plus stash more cash away)while pursuing my dream. Used to fix jets in the Navy. Now I want to be the one who breaks them.(not too bad though)
Close in age, I'm 38 and I'm timing this to give myself a 40th birthday present. Plan on quiting my good paying, really, really boring banking job when I finish (hopefully close to my birthday)and instruct until I can get going with a regional. My wife is good with the idea as she is a career changer too last year!!
I say go for it. As many posts on here have stated, don't look back with any regrets later on. If your wife is on board and you can swing it financially, live it. Life is way too short.
Last one there buys.:bandit:
 
Asta said:
Newbie here. Great forum.

I’m just gonna throw this out there and see what sort of take people have: I’m a 42 year old ex-professional in NYC looking to change careers into aviation. I have had a PPL since 1998 but do not have too many hours TT because until recently I was too busy with work etc to ever put in enough time to feel comfortable taking the family up, so I let it lapse.

Now I have time/money to focus on flying, so I want to pick it up and do it right—I’d like to work toward professional ratings/experience, even if ultimately I don’t pursue it.

I posted this here because I’ve been thinking about enrolling in ATP’s airline career pilot program in Trenton. I considered Flight Safety but I can’t leave my wife and kids alone for months. Trenton is an hour and a half from New York City, and while their expedited program is not available there the self-paced is.

Some questions before I change my life:

1. Am I nuts? (I know the pay stinks, but I can live with it.)
2. Is ATP my best choice?—better than FSA or American Flyers or the good old part 61 school where I got my ticket?
3. After graduation, do I have any realistic chance of getting picked up by a regional or, down the road, to transition to jets and a corporate department?
4. In regard to this last question, remember I’m 42 and assume at this point an airline is out of the question.
5. Are there any regionals based near NYC? (I’m too settled here to relocate.)

Any thoughts and opinions are very welcome. Thanks, all.
Click to expand...

I believe ATP is the best training gig going for someone looking to make a career change into the aviation industry--the results are quick-turn allowing you to get back into the workforce as a Commercial Pilot and the experience, facilities, and equipment used are excellent. As long as you understand many of the risks involved (e.g., lots of money spent for training with no guarantee of work; little to no experience to be competitive for most jobs, etc.), I say go for it.

I've just finished up ATP's 90-day and am looking for work as a CFI or any other job I might qualify for (I am transitioning from a former career into aviation as you would be). I really enjoy flying and look forward to doing it for a living. If you feel the same, you could, at least, have a fun and somewhat lucrative career as a flight instructor (those will always be needed), and, at best, be fortunate enough to do the kind of flying you've always dreamed of yet never thought was possible.

Bottom line: understand the risks you'll be undertaking and have a plan--I cannot emphasize that enough.

Best of luck to you with whatever you decide.
 
I agree 100% but the reginals might be alittle leary because of your age. But there is a good chance you could get on the corperate operator.
 
Thanks all for weighing in. My inclination is to give it a shot. In the worst case scenario and I cannot find employment (or employment near my home) I nevertheless will have received some great training, which will be invaluable even if I remain "only" a private pilot.

I wonder what gives one the best shot upon graduation from ATPs program: to remain and teach as a CFI, or to sign up for their transition program and build more hours that way?

Anyone know if Flight Safety allows "outsiders" into their Business Jet Direct program?
 
Asta said:
I wonder what gives one the best shot upon graduation from ATPs program: to remain and teach as a CFI, or to sign up for their transition program and build more hours that way?
Click to expand...
If money is no object and time is of the utmost essence... then the transition program may work for you... However... Most folks on here will tell you to instruct... It builds time (while you get paid) and offers a chance to build and refine your own skills and experience by teaching others.

Bob
 
I am also ready for a career change and looking for some options. I have visited the ATP in Stuart and liked the attitude there. So here is my story:

I'm a 23 year old who is currently working full time (at a job I hate), going to college part time, and flying when ever I can afford to. I wanted to speed this up by going to school full time but FAFSA claims I make too much money (yea right). I could go the college loan route or I could go ATP then online degree (I was thinking UVSC). I understand the lack of having a degree out of the gate but I am confident I can tack that on after I start doing what I love. I'm also looking at Flight Safety as an option. My father has commited to help me the best he can by letting me live free at home (but it's about an hour from Stuart) and slight finacial help.

I am a 156 TT Private Pilot with IR. What do you think?
 
Captain_Bob said:
If money is no object and time is of the utmost essence... then the transition program may work for you... However... Most folks on here will tell you to instruct... It builds time (while you get paid) and offers a chance to build and refine your own skills and experience by teaching others.

Bob
Click to expand...

Bob -- Good advice about instructing. I've taught other subjects and find that you only really "know" something when you have to teach it to someone else. My only reluctance to CFI for a while is that it might take a year or more to build minimum time to apply to a regional, whereas I could get the needed experience with the ATP transition course. At my age, I imagine I should not move too slowly.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top