ATP - I'm in... Feelings and opinions welcome.

mdolezal

Well-Known Member
Good evening to ya'll-
The past few months, I've watched post after post go up about ATP and I've read all of them with few exceptions. After doing such, I decided to do the ATP 90 day career route. My box of books arrived today, and I'm set for a June 30th, 2008 in Atlanta (anybody going to Richmond that day, please quite right now so I can go there instead...). However, I'm debating switching to Stuart, FL.
Anywho, just thought I'd post a thank you to all of those who have taken the time to answer my personal messages seeking counsel and to all of those who have also just posted on this forum... the breadth of knowledge available here is unsurpassed by any.
A note: I'm open to hearing any opinions regarding starting at ATP, locations, or anything else someone may wish to share... although I don't think any opinion regarding ATP hasn't been shared already, which is great.
Second Note: I've read so many posts about people saying DON'T do ATP, it's a rip, and DO do ATP, it's worth it. I respect all of those opinions, and took all of them into account. However, for those newcomers looking for advice on whether to go to ATP or not, I'm not going to say "yes, for sure" or "no, for sure" even after I graduate (unless they go bankrupt with my money, or don't follow through - I anticipate achieving my goals). My particular situation in life was such that this really was the best choice I could make. I priced the FBO's, and yes, they were much less expensive. However, there are some places you just don't want to trust holding onto your $35K, which was something I debated (gotta admit, ATP will probably be still standing in 180 days). So, to anyone reading this, looking for guidance, the best guidance I received were all of the opinions, taking them all into account, and deciphering what would work best for my situation. I suggest to anyone to do the same, and I'll try to get a post going occasionally to see if my opinion changes.
Again, thanks for all of the help!
Mat
 
Only one problem here... you should be going to the Riverside CA (RAL) location ;)!

Seriously though, thats awesome that you used this forum to learn about the pros and cons training at ATP. Thats what i did when I was in your shoes 2 years ago. Theres positives and negatives to every flight school, but Im sure that you made the right choice.

Its gonna be a little stressfull and overwhelming at first, but just take one day at a time, GET YOUR WRITTENS DONE asap, and have fun! I have many fond memories of ATP as both a student and an instructor. Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress so others can get your insights about the school!
 
Hey, thanks man for the recommendations... Truly, I did look into a few CA locations, RAL one of them, but cost of living out there is a bit higher, and I'm a Midwestern at heart, so I figured I should probably stick around here. But I hear RAL is awesome.
I'm workin' on writtens right now, so we'll see how that goes. I'll keep posting as it was a tremendous help to me. Thanks again,
Mat D.
 
Here's some good advice for you....

Get off the internet and start studying all those books ATP sent you.
 
I went to Stuart for my 90 day and taught in Atlanta. Stuart and Atlanta are both very nice but Stuart is by the beach and it's Florida. In Stuart you are 3 minutes from the airport but there is very little night life and you won't see as many other students. In Atlanta there is a lot of night life and many other students and teachers so there is more you will be exposed to as far as learning. Stuart is usually very casual and less stress but not as well structured. Atlanta has a lot going on in the office and being in a busy FBO. Atlanta is not rigid like Jax. Both Stuart and Atlanta have gated apartments. Stuarts are a little more warn down but it has a great pull. Charlie's is just around the corner with a pool table and Karaoke on Sunday.

There are good and bad instructors both places. So review all your private books thoroughly, read your instrument Jepps book 30 times, take all your tests as soon as possible, finish you CFI pretest before your cross country, memorize your checklists like the back of your hand, and have fun. Good luck.
 
I agree with the posts above - ATP is a great choice. It might not be the best route for everyone, but it worked for me and a lot of others on this board.

In addition to getting your ratings and building time, ATP is also a great place to network with people, so be sure and try to make an effort to be a nice guy/gal. Leaving a bad impression your first few days can make the remainder of the 90-days a living hell (Ballet Parking?) I consider a few of the peeps I met at RAL to my best friends, not just in my flying circles, but overall. I feel confident I will know these guys for the rest of my life, and depending on how things go, we may actually work together someday. At night or when you are at school during the day, make an effort to study with the other students. You may think you are ready for your sim sessions, oral quizzing by your instructor, and your checkrides, but 10 minutes tossing the football with another student while going over stuff could save you hours of studying and absolute embarrassment at an inopportune time.

Just my two cents...

Nick

PS: And remember, when you are simulating an emergency on your checkride, DON’T actually call tower and declare an emergency. :panic:

Edit: PPS: Yeah, you should have gone to RAL!!! Its the Country Club of ATP!!!!!
 
Here's some good advice for you....

Get off the internet and start studying all those books ATP sent you.
Uhhh... Thanks for the advice?.?.?.

Actually, I appreciate all the great words (even if it's something as...uhh.. useful as the above comment - by the way DE727UPS, thanks for getting my books to me on time :)). I've read the books they sent (yeah, I owned them before they sent them so I could get a good head start - nerd.)
So sounds like a good idea would be to stay in Atlanta from a networking standpoint. The beach is awfully nice, but sounds like Atlanta will be more of an active environment, which will keep me moving forward... although Stuart sounds frigging' nice...
Anyway, again, these words from experience are always helpful; I really appreciate those that have been there and done that chiming in with their experiences. I'll do my best at not being an ass when I get there... Hey, thanks!
MatD
 
Stuart was the best time of my life, I say that because of the people I went to Stuart with. My good friend is instructing down there right now, as is another instructor that was there when I was, he is also a good guy even if he refuses to pick up the phone when I call him.
You do have to deal with the Gestapo security guard though...
Anyhow, the hard part is over, you made your decision, you have the books to study, just get at it, it will ALL be over before you know it. Just make sure you get those written tests done asap. Well the Atlanta location has free hot chocolate, Ft.Lauderdale has HOT line girls and free cookies, and Stuart has a "Life is a beach" mentality. Daytona seamed like a good location as well.
Just don't get too distracted and keep your priorities straight.
 
Ft.Lauderdale has HOT line girls and free cookies, and Stuart has a "Life is a beach" mentality.
Huh.... sounds like Ft. Lauderdale it is then... or Stuart... or ATL.
Damn.
Rough decision. ATP has informed me I can change my mind once. If I change after that, they charge me another deposit. Ha! Yeah, not gonna spend another $2K on such a decision, so I'd hate to change and then Richmond comes open, where I'd like to go, and then drop $2K just to switch. Huh. Eh, I'm sure everywhere has pros and cons. Except the hot cookies and free girls (or did I get that wrong) is a strong case for Ft. Lauderdale. Hmmm...
Again, thank you for the input BillH!!
MatD
 
pick one to goto for ACPP and another to teach. ATL is great for class B experience. Stuart was awesome. All my buds from Stuart taught in ATL with me.
 
Huh. Eh, I'm sure everywhere has pros and cons. Except the hot cookies and free girls (or did I get that wrong) is a strong case for Ft. Lauderdale. Hmmm...
Again, thank you for the input BillH!!
MatD

I wouldn't choose a location based on hot girls, cookies or where the beach is. I'd go where you will get quality instruction. I've heard some locations are pretty bad. ATP is definitely not what it used to be when I went through it some 3 years ago, back when it was also somewhat affordable.
 
I wouldn't choose a location based on hot girls, cookies or where the beach is. I'd go where you will get quality instruction. I've heard some locations are pretty bad. ATP is definitely not what it used to be when I went through it some 3 years ago, back when it was also somewhat affordable.
Well you went three years ago, I graduated right before thanksgiving, in both cases we are WAY outside the loop in terms of what is going on right now. Just because you go to ATP, or Flight Safety, or Embry Riddle, there is no sure way to know what the quality of instruction is going to be. That totally depends upon which CFI's you get. There is no flight school that is immune from that.
I can say this however. My quality of instrument instruction at ATP far exceeds what my students get now at a part 141 school. The 30 hours of time building under IFR was invaluable. My students first exposure to that type of flying occurs in Stage 3 right before end of course...
ATP does instrument and multi better than most!
 
I'd say be ready, this aint no game, people drop like flys. Writtens, have em done. Chair fly some flights. Get your hands on the seminole checklist from ATP. Memorize your systems. Get your instrument and CFI quizzes done asap.

OH and SIM SIM SIM and when you finish that SIM some more. DO NOT get in the plane unless you have all the manuevers and checklists down. C.P.C. clearing turns, power setting, configure the A/C then perform the manuever and cruise it out.


Good Luck

TOS

"I am a strong believer in luck and I find the harder I work the more I have of it."
-- Benjamin Franklin
 
Congradulation.. i'm also looking at goin to ATP phoenix location...If possible if you can let me know any things to do or should do prior to attending, i welcome alll info... once again congrats on joining ATP.
thanks
kaiks
 
Congradulation.. i'm also looking at goin to ATP phoenix location...If possible if you can let me know any things to do or should do prior to attending, i welcome alll info... once again congrats on joining ATP.
thanks
kaiks
\

Aloha Kaiks! Im from Honolulu and have took a tour of the PHX facility. Lots of local braddahs up there, you will feel at home. I dont know about training experiences but of course the guys that showed me around said all they could that is great about the PHX facility. Good luck with your flying career.
~JP
 
Congradulation.. i'm also looking at goin to ATP phoenix location...If possible if you can let me know any things to do or should do prior to attending, i welcome alll info... once again congrats on joining ATP.
thanks
kaiks
Start playing Microsoft flight simulator shooting instrument approaches
 
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