Callador
New Member
I can see the appeal of going on the 90 day fast track. You get it done quickly, and you are ready to take the industry head on!
At one time I thought this way as well. I started looking at this forum in 2005, but didn't end up making an account until I got my commerical in 2006. I also really couldn't get a loan, so I ended up working and flying at the same time. In the end, it was a blessing in disguse.
One thing about ATP is that to me it is almost too fast. You are getting the required training, but you really don't get a lot of experience out of it. Not knocking the instructors, but a lot of them are low time, or higher time with a fast accumulation rate, which also means that they could still be inexperienced.
While I went slower, I ended up getting to fly lots of different kinds of stuff, for example: C-172, C-175, C-182RG, C-185, C-310, Piper Tri-pacer, Apache, Arrow, Dakota, Cherokee 6, Super Decathlon etc... and this was all on the way from Private to CFI's. I since added things like the Navajo, but I won't count that since that was post CFI.
Other than equipment, you get some seasoned instructors. I have had retired DC3 pilots and airline guys for teachers. It brings more perspective. Also, things like real grass strips add to it as well.
The one disadvantage is time... but I honestly think that if someone flew full time at an FBO they could realistically do it in 6-7 months, which is not bad. And you get real ground school too!
With the state of the industry, why not take a little extra time to do it right. ANd in your case, since you are on hold anyways, 6 months at one place might finish you off at the same time you would at ATP.
I am not knocking the program, just trying to show that there are other alternatives. Keep looking, you might be surprised.
Oh yeah, the 150 is not a bad idea either... I am too big for those I think though. But it could work.
At one time I thought this way as well. I started looking at this forum in 2005, but didn't end up making an account until I got my commerical in 2006. I also really couldn't get a loan, so I ended up working and flying at the same time. In the end, it was a blessing in disguse.
One thing about ATP is that to me it is almost too fast. You are getting the required training, but you really don't get a lot of experience out of it. Not knocking the instructors, but a lot of them are low time, or higher time with a fast accumulation rate, which also means that they could still be inexperienced.
While I went slower, I ended up getting to fly lots of different kinds of stuff, for example: C-172, C-175, C-182RG, C-185, C-310, Piper Tri-pacer, Apache, Arrow, Dakota, Cherokee 6, Super Decathlon etc... and this was all on the way from Private to CFI's. I since added things like the Navajo, but I won't count that since that was post CFI.
Other than equipment, you get some seasoned instructors. I have had retired DC3 pilots and airline guys for teachers. It brings more perspective. Also, things like real grass strips add to it as well.
The one disadvantage is time... but I honestly think that if someone flew full time at an FBO they could realistically do it in 6-7 months, which is not bad. And you get real ground school too!
With the state of the industry, why not take a little extra time to do it right. ANd in your case, since you are on hold anyways, 6 months at one place might finish you off at the same time you would at ATP.
I am not knocking the program, just trying to show that there are other alternatives. Keep looking, you might be surprised.
Oh yeah, the 150 is not a bad idea either... I am too big for those I think though. But it could work.