Career Change with ATP Blog
- Thread starter ZippiGuy
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ZippiGuy
New Member
June 8 -- Day 3
I woke up this morning not feeling very well and also felt very tired because I stayed up too late studying. So the day did not start out very well at all. However, I dragged myself out of bed and we covered aircraft systems in the ground school portion of the day. I was not sure if I really felt well enough to fly, but I did go up with Steve Houk. Let's just say that while he worked me very hard, he showed me how flying can be so much easier when rudder pedals are used correctly. He also threw just enough at me to maximize my learning, so at no time I did not feel overwhelmed like I did on the other flights at certain points. I went through several basic manuevers which went really well. My radio work still sucks and I still need to get more familiar with checklists. I also had my very first decent landing which really made my day!
I spent the evening becoming more familiar with check lists. In spite of how things started, it turned out to be a great day.
June 9 -- Day 4
Today we started out covering basic manuevers in ground school (the same as those I flew yesterday). I went up with Victor Shifflet who took me for Turns Around a Point manuever which I did fairly well. However, I seemed to botch up every final approach and landing attempt we did today, so I found myself a somewhat depressed after the flight. There was an emergency landing and go around that didn't go well either. Well, it was very choppy today near the deck and hot as hell--but, I'll have to learn. It turns out that all four of us students had difficulties flying today--it makes me feel a little better. Also, in my debriefing, Victor assured me that there was a lot I did right and that I now have an opportunity to learn from my mistakes.
After the flight Victor took all four of us up to the tower where we could watch the controllers work.
I am now absolutely amazed at instructors and find it difficult to believe that one day I will be one of them. For example, an instructor has to give the student pilot directions, monitor and anticipate everything he does and correct or take over so you don't kill both yourself and the instructor. At the same time, he is visually monitoring traffic, listening to and answering radio calls, and keeping tabs on the weather which changes very quickly around here. If you are not a pilot, you would not believe how quickly they identify and issue and and how fast they react when there is a life threatening situation! And today, I could barely keep the plane in the air! How do they do it?
I woke up this morning not feeling very well and also felt very tired because I stayed up too late studying. So the day did not start out very well at all. However, I dragged myself out of bed and we covered aircraft systems in the ground school portion of the day. I was not sure if I really felt well enough to fly, but I did go up with Steve Houk. Let's just say that while he worked me very hard, he showed me how flying can be so much easier when rudder pedals are used correctly. He also threw just enough at me to maximize my learning, so at no time I did not feel overwhelmed like I did on the other flights at certain points. I went through several basic manuevers which went really well. My radio work still sucks and I still need to get more familiar with checklists. I also had my very first decent landing which really made my day!
I spent the evening becoming more familiar with check lists. In spite of how things started, it turned out to be a great day.
June 9 -- Day 4
Today we started out covering basic manuevers in ground school (the same as those I flew yesterday). I went up with Victor Shifflet who took me for Turns Around a Point manuever which I did fairly well. However, I seemed to botch up every final approach and landing attempt we did today, so I found myself a somewhat depressed after the flight. There was an emergency landing and go around that didn't go well either. Well, it was very choppy today near the deck and hot as hell--but, I'll have to learn. It turns out that all four of us students had difficulties flying today--it makes me feel a little better. Also, in my debriefing, Victor assured me that there was a lot I did right and that I now have an opportunity to learn from my mistakes.
After the flight Victor took all four of us up to the tower where we could watch the controllers work.
I am now absolutely amazed at instructors and find it difficult to believe that one day I will be one of them. For example, an instructor has to give the student pilot directions, monitor and anticipate everything he does and correct or take over so you don't kill both yourself and the instructor. At the same time, he is visually monitoring traffic, listening to and answering radio calls, and keeping tabs on the weather which changes very quickly around here. If you are not a pilot, you would not believe how quickly they identify and issue and and how fast they react when there is a life threatening situation! And today, I could barely keep the plane in the air! How do they do it?
BrianNC
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Sorry that I was late in posting yesterday's entry. This program is incredibly fast paced and they do keep us very busy! Also, I went to bed early yesterday because of not feeling well. I do feel much better today
[/ QUOTE ]
Well, just don't let it happen again.
Sorry that I was late in posting yesterday's entry. This program is incredibly fast paced and they do keep us very busy! Also, I went to bed early yesterday because of not feeling well. I do feel much better today
[/ QUOTE ]
Well, just don't let it happen again.
Zippi,
your posts have been some good reads so far, keep it up...as for your training, take it one day at a time and enjoy it!
are you going to stay at jax for all of your training or are you going back up to TIW for some training? I used instruct for ATP up there and it was the most scenic area i've ever flown in......
your posts have been some good reads so far, keep it up...as for your training, take it one day at a time and enjoy it!
are you going to stay at jax for all of your training or are you going back up to TIW for some training? I used instruct for ATP up there and it was the most scenic area i've ever flown in......
BrettInLJ
Well-Known Member
Speaking of insturction, I was curious how ATP teaches someone to be a CFI/CFII/MEI so quickly. It just seems like there is so much to learn and worry about as a CFI that it would take months to be competent, but somehow they graduate in a week and from what I hear many are very good.
There reason I'm asking is that after I finsish up my commerical I will either go with a certain FBO at SNA to get my CFI, where it is a long program but judging from the instructors I have had, I would be the best CFI that I could possibly be. Or, saving some time and money and going through ATP and being done in a week. I don't want to compromise on my learning because I have had so-so instructors before and I don't want to ever waste a student's time. Do any ATP instructors or students here have any insight? Thanks.
There reason I'm asking is that after I finsish up my commerical I will either go with a certain FBO at SNA to get my CFI, where it is a long program but judging from the instructors I have had, I would be the best CFI that I could possibly be. Or, saving some time and money and going through ATP and being done in a week. I don't want to compromise on my learning because I have had so-so instructors before and I don't want to ever waste a student's time. Do any ATP instructors or students here have any insight? Thanks.
Captain_Bob
Well-Known Member
Brett,
A couple of things... First off, it is a two week program and not a one week program. Also there are some prerequisites as well.
[ QUOTE ]
When you schedule, we will send you:
-ATP's Piper Seminole Training Supplement
-ATP's Flight Instructor Packet
-Three PTS's:
-Flight Instructor for Airplane Multi-Engine
-Flight Instructor Instrument
-Flight Instructor for Airplane Single-Engine
-ATP's CFI Program Pre-Test
-Directions to the ATP Training Center and accommodations information
ATP requires that you schedule two weeks before your class date so that you will have enough time to review the training materials and complete the pre-test before arriving for training.
Prerequisites Prior to Start Date
-Commercial License
-Single-Engine
-Multi-Engine
-Instrument
-Instrument Proficiency
-1st or 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate
-FAA CFI Written Exams Complete
-Fundamentals of Instructions (FOI)
-Flight Instructor (FIA)
-Flight Instructor Instrument (FII)
-Thorough Knowledge of:
-ATP Piper Seminole Training Supplement
-ATP Flight Instructor Packet
(Both provided to you before arriving for your training program.)
[/ QUOTE ] Notice that it requires at least two weeks of pre-study and lot's of pre-work.
In my opnion, ATP's two week CFI course would be very hard if you didn't follow the guidlines above. There are other programs that you can attend for 30 days and do the same thing... they are more expensive because they feed you a lot of the info in a classroom environment that you can easily get if you apply yourself and self study the materials.
As far as the 90 day guys go... they are being prepared from day one of the program. The folks who sign up for the two week course need to take at least the two weeks mentioned above to feel comfortable in the program.
Remember also that the CFI-SE and II, are simply add-on's so I would say that 80%+ of your focus in your studies goes towards the initial CFI (MEI).
Lastly... I'll be the first to admit that I wasn't "Da Shizzle" when I got my CFI... I don't think I would have been if I had spent a year getting it. It wasn't until I had instructed and observed, over the course of several months that I felt really comfortable in my role as a CFI. I would venture to say that most people would agree with me. It takes time and experience to be the best you can be... anyone who says you will be that good after their CFI course has some really great marketing.
You yourself stated that you felt like it would take months to be competent. There is a lot of truth it that statement.
When you graduate high school, are you fully competent to venture out in society and live fully on your own?
When you got your drivers license, were you competent to drive in all conditions and environments?
When you pass the bar exam, are you competent to practice all aspects of the law?
I suspect that some would say yes to the above statements... most of those are young and think they know it all already... those of us that have been around even for just a few more years would have to say this: Anyone can study and pass a course/practical/exam, etc... but it takes time, practice, and experience to be competent.
So... you may have heard this many times before... the CFI is a license to LEARN. How you get that license is entirely up to you, and what you do with it afterwards will shape your future.
That's my 2 cents here Brett... I hope it helps.
Bob
A couple of things... First off, it is a two week program and not a one week program. Also there are some prerequisites as well.
[ QUOTE ]
When you schedule, we will send you:
-ATP's Piper Seminole Training Supplement
-ATP's Flight Instructor Packet
-Three PTS's:
-Flight Instructor for Airplane Multi-Engine
-Flight Instructor Instrument
-Flight Instructor for Airplane Single-Engine
-ATP's CFI Program Pre-Test
-Directions to the ATP Training Center and accommodations information
ATP requires that you schedule two weeks before your class date so that you will have enough time to review the training materials and complete the pre-test before arriving for training.
Prerequisites Prior to Start Date
-Commercial License
-Single-Engine
-Multi-Engine
-Instrument
-Instrument Proficiency
-1st or 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate
-FAA CFI Written Exams Complete
-Fundamentals of Instructions (FOI)
-Flight Instructor (FIA)
-Flight Instructor Instrument (FII)
-Thorough Knowledge of:
-ATP Piper Seminole Training Supplement
-ATP Flight Instructor Packet
(Both provided to you before arriving for your training program.)
[/ QUOTE ] Notice that it requires at least two weeks of pre-study and lot's of pre-work.
In my opnion, ATP's two week CFI course would be very hard if you didn't follow the guidlines above. There are other programs that you can attend for 30 days and do the same thing... they are more expensive because they feed you a lot of the info in a classroom environment that you can easily get if you apply yourself and self study the materials.
As far as the 90 day guys go... they are being prepared from day one of the program. The folks who sign up for the two week course need to take at least the two weeks mentioned above to feel comfortable in the program.
Remember also that the CFI-SE and II, are simply add-on's so I would say that 80%+ of your focus in your studies goes towards the initial CFI (MEI).
Lastly... I'll be the first to admit that I wasn't "Da Shizzle" when I got my CFI... I don't think I would have been if I had spent a year getting it. It wasn't until I had instructed and observed, over the course of several months that I felt really comfortable in my role as a CFI. I would venture to say that most people would agree with me. It takes time and experience to be the best you can be... anyone who says you will be that good after their CFI course has some really great marketing.
You yourself stated that you felt like it would take months to be competent. There is a lot of truth it that statement.
When you graduate high school, are you fully competent to venture out in society and live fully on your own?
When you got your drivers license, were you competent to drive in all conditions and environments?
When you pass the bar exam, are you competent to practice all aspects of the law?
I suspect that some would say yes to the above statements... most of those are young and think they know it all already... those of us that have been around even for just a few more years would have to say this: Anyone can study and pass a course/practical/exam, etc... but it takes time, practice, and experience to be competent.
So... you may have heard this many times before... the CFI is a license to LEARN. How you get that license is entirely up to you, and what you do with it afterwards will shape your future.
That's my 2 cents here Brett... I hope it helps.
Bob
ZippiGuy
New Member
June 10 -- Day 5
As you all know we have a tropical storm messing up our weather here in Florida, so we had a no fly day. Went over charts and airspace in ground school and went home early. Thank you Arlene for a much needed relaxed day! I will use the extra time to finish up my studying for the Private Pilot FAA exam.
As you all know we have a tropical storm messing up our weather here in Florida, so we had a no fly day. Went over charts and airspace in ground school and went home early. Thank you Arlene for a much needed relaxed day! I will use the extra time to finish up my studying for the Private Pilot FAA exam.
BrettInLJ
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Brett,
A couple of things... First off, it is a two week program and not a one week program. Also there are some prerequisites as well.
...
You yourself stated that you felt like it would take months to be competent. There is a lot of truth it that statement.
When you graduate high school, are you fully competent to venture out in society and live fully on your own?
When you got your drivers license, were you competent to drive in all conditions and environments?
When you pass the bar exam, are you competent to practice all aspects of the law?
I suspect that some would say yes to the above statements... most of those are young and think they know it all already... those of us that have been around even for just a few more years would have to say this: Anyone can study and pass a course/practical/exam, etc... but it takes time, practice, and experience to be competent.
So... you may have heard this many times before... the CFI is a license to LEARN. How you get that license is entirely up to you, and what you do with it afterwards will shape your future.
That's my 2 cents here Brett... I hope it helps.
Bob
[/ QUOTE ]
Thank you for your input. I would hope that other FBO's would see it the same way when looking to hire a CFI.
Brett,
A couple of things... First off, it is a two week program and not a one week program. Also there are some prerequisites as well.
...
You yourself stated that you felt like it would take months to be competent. There is a lot of truth it that statement.
When you graduate high school, are you fully competent to venture out in society and live fully on your own?
When you got your drivers license, were you competent to drive in all conditions and environments?
When you pass the bar exam, are you competent to practice all aspects of the law?
I suspect that some would say yes to the above statements... most of those are young and think they know it all already... those of us that have been around even for just a few more years would have to say this: Anyone can study and pass a course/practical/exam, etc... but it takes time, practice, and experience to be competent.
So... you may have heard this many times before... the CFI is a license to LEARN. How you get that license is entirely up to you, and what you do with it afterwards will shape your future.
That's my 2 cents here Brett... I hope it helps.
Bob
[/ QUOTE ]
Thank you for your input. I would hope that other FBO's would see it the same way when looking to hire a CFI.
ZippiGuy
New Member
June 11 -- Day 6
More bad weather. Appropriately, we went over weather in ground school today and went home early. Studied for the FAA Private Pilot exam for the remaining portion of the day. Then, went exploring around town for a break.
June 12 -- Day 7
Still more bad weather. Went over more weather in ground school and learned how to read weather reports from various sources. Also, did some review for those of us in the class who were preparing to take the exam. Stayed up late studying for the FAA Private Pilot exam--I am planning to take the exam tomorrow.
June 13 -- Day 8
It seems like so long ago that I arrived in Jacksonville, and it's only been a week!!!
The weather was nicer today so went up for 1.8 hrs to practice touch-and-goes here at Craig airport. I think I am finally getting this landing thing down! Passed the FAA Private Pilot exam with a score of 83--was hoping to do better, but, hey, at least I passed!!! Now I can focus on learning what I need to know to fly better like manuevers, checklists, and radio calls. Got home late after taking the exam, so relaxed a bit this evening.
Advice to others who are planning to join the ATP Private Pilot fast track: It will be a lot easier on you if you take and pass the FAA exam before you get here.
Sorry if I have not responded to all of your posts--they really keep us busy around here!
More bad weather. Appropriately, we went over weather in ground school today and went home early. Studied for the FAA Private Pilot exam for the remaining portion of the day. Then, went exploring around town for a break.
June 12 -- Day 7
Still more bad weather. Went over more weather in ground school and learned how to read weather reports from various sources. Also, did some review for those of us in the class who were preparing to take the exam. Stayed up late studying for the FAA Private Pilot exam--I am planning to take the exam tomorrow.
June 13 -- Day 8
It seems like so long ago that I arrived in Jacksonville, and it's only been a week!!!
The weather was nicer today so went up for 1.8 hrs to practice touch-and-goes here at Craig airport. I think I am finally getting this landing thing down! Passed the FAA Private Pilot exam with a score of 83--was hoping to do better, but, hey, at least I passed!!! Now I can focus on learning what I need to know to fly better like manuevers, checklists, and radio calls. Got home late after taking the exam, so relaxed a bit this evening.
Advice to others who are planning to join the ATP Private Pilot fast track: It will be a lot easier on you if you take and pass the FAA exam before you get here.
Sorry if I have not responded to all of your posts--they really keep us busy around here!
jetbound
New Member
congradulations Zippi on the PPL exam!!! Like you said an 83 passing!!!!!! Quick question, does anyone what type of training ATP uses for the " ground school": King, Cessna, Sporty's or their own material? I understand that you do study on your own, but wonder if anyone uses an outside training guide or if ATP uses thir own and how effective it is? Any help on this would be great! Maybe you can even help Zippi
ZippiGuy
New Member
ATP Provides us with King and Jeppeson materials and the FAR AIM. I lost count of how many times I fell asleep watching the King videos. The best way I found to prepare for the test is to go through the whole bank of questions and watch the videos for those you don't understand. After going through all of the questions, most of the questions in the real test will be very similar, if not the same.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Thanks for the encouragement!
ZippiGuy
New Member
June 14 -- Day 9
This morning started out beautiful with clear blue skies and calm air (Arlene is finally gone). Spent the morning reviewing and memorizing checklists and did some "chair" flying. I thought I was going to get off the ground at 8am this morning, but my flight instructor decided to take another student out first. Not a problem...or, so I thought. By noon it was blistering hot with near 100% humidity. With the haze above 2000 feet (where it is cooler), it was not possible to practice any manuevers. So, we went back down to practice touch-and-goes at Fernandino Beach airport and, because the weather was deteriorating, went back to Craig for more touch and goes and emergency landings/go-arounds. Did some really good landings today. But the heat got the better of me and my last 20 minutes of my flying got really sloppy. I definitely need to get out earlier in the day tomorrow when it is cooler. A highlight of the flight was seeing police cars and a helicopter below chasing after someone who was hanging out near the end of the runway. Total for the day, 1.8 hours. Went home a little early and practiced radio calls with my classmates this evening. My instructor told me today that he expects that I will solo soon. The thought of this is both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. But, my confidence is building as I see that I am improving day by day.
This morning started out beautiful with clear blue skies and calm air (Arlene is finally gone). Spent the morning reviewing and memorizing checklists and did some "chair" flying. I thought I was going to get off the ground at 8am this morning, but my flight instructor decided to take another student out first. Not a problem...or, so I thought. By noon it was blistering hot with near 100% humidity. With the haze above 2000 feet (where it is cooler), it was not possible to practice any manuevers. So, we went back down to practice touch-and-goes at Fernandino Beach airport and, because the weather was deteriorating, went back to Craig for more touch and goes and emergency landings/go-arounds. Did some really good landings today. But the heat got the better of me and my last 20 minutes of my flying got really sloppy. I definitely need to get out earlier in the day tomorrow when it is cooler. A highlight of the flight was seeing police cars and a helicopter below chasing after someone who was hanging out near the end of the runway. Total for the day, 1.8 hours. Went home a little early and practiced radio calls with my classmates this evening. My instructor told me today that he expects that I will solo soon. The thought of this is both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. But, my confidence is building as I see that I am improving day by day.
John_Mitchell
Well-Known Member
Zippi...I just found your blogs and I will anticipate them each day!!!
It sounds like you are doing great and keep up the good flying.
Thanks again for the updates, but don't let them interfere with the real reason you are there!
It sounds like you are doing great and keep up the good flying.
Thanks again for the updates, but don't let them interfere with the real reason you are there!
