ElephantPilot
New Member
I am going on a tour at the Daytona Beach, Fl. ATP location early next week. Does any one have any suggestions on some good questions i could ask them? I plan to attend atp nearing the end of the 2009 summer.
If I had it to do over again, I would buy a 152. I would get a freelance instructor and do my private, instrument, and time building in the 152. I would build about 230 hrs in the 152 then I would then do my commercial multi at an FBO. When finished with that I would consider the state of the industry before I did a single commercial ad on. I would probably get it anyway if it were me. American flyers has a good deal on the CFI CFII. I think it is 3 or 4k for both. That includes 20 hrs dual, unlimited use of sims and 120 hrs or ground instruction. Last I would do the MEI ad on and sell my 152. You could probably do it this way for up to 20k cheaper than ATP.
Avoid the academies. The airlines only care that you have the tickets. They could care less how much you paid for them.
Yeah ask them if you can give them 30k for the program as that's all its worth. No seriously if you are waiting until end of then perhaps you should look through an FBO. You will save a crap load of money and also can start today!
[/quote]Well sure. Buying a single engine aircraft would be a great idea. That is, lets say... if I had the time!
The one great thing about ATP is the amount of time that you get all of your ratings, and well the multi time of course.
Looking at the 'big' picture, buying a 172 or 140 would take too long. I am 20 years old and will be finished with my second year at the start of the summer in 2009. While I go to school full time and have two jobs. One is a part time job at my school. The other one is a 32-hour a week job at the local FBO near my home. Just trying to find enough time to study and maintain 3.5GPA in all my classes is tricky enough.
I find that even though ATP is 'overpriced' (you could say...) it seems like a great program, and the time it takes you to become Multi CFI, COMM, ME, etc.... it is amazing.
Personally I think that starting atp at the end of the summer and finishing by Dec 1, and then starting my junior year of business 'online' through UF in January will give me a great deal of time to instruct while going to school and paying off my loan. Since the program through UF is an online degree I will be able to work anywhere in the USA as a flight instructor, and maybe even at ATP?
I think this would be a great plan. And for my current status it works perfectly.
It sure would put me ahead of the gang, as well as I would be gaining heaps of experience under my size 29” belt.
Just some words for thought, I suppose.
Adios.
Both Negative and Possitive Advice and/ or Comments are welcome.:yeahthat:
Sounds like you already convinced yourself. Have fun paying back the extra 20k or so. How much "time" do you think that will take?
ElephantPilot,
Going to ATP is a great experience. You will enjoy DAB and the PA-44. You will get some practical experience in a really busy place. The multi time will be worth the money, and you can count on that.
Buy a plane? :whatever:
Going to ATP was a great experience. I met a lot of people that I now consider good friends. Yes you can do it much cheaper at an FBO but it will take more time then it will at ATP. I would at least get your Private at an FBO if you dont already have it. Kliegh right about the multi time, you won't get that anywhere else. The only thing that I really regret is the loan that I now have. You may plan to only be at a regional for a short period of time, but I think pretty much everyone has that plan. Anyways, good luck with your training and have fun!!!
150 with mid-time engine 20
150 hrs dual from free lance instructor @ $25 per hr for pvt, instr, com multi $3750
Duchess rental 20hrs for multi commercial $4000
Single commercial ad on with 20 hrs in 172rg $2100
American flyers CFI, CFII academy $4000
MEI ad on with 10 hrs dual instruction $2250
fuel for 150 - 5 gph @ $5 per gallon x 230 hrs. $5750
Total $41,000
Then sell the 150 when done.
$41,850
-$20,000
= $21,850 total spent, plus examiners fee.
Every rating possible for under $25k. Yeah I must be crazy.
ATP $57,495
Over $30,000 more and that doesn't include the instructor ratings.
Instead of listening to salesman from ATP or a punch of 250 hr wonders, why don't you pay more attention to people who have been there and done that.
I can not wait. It is a while away, but i think its going to be a surreal experience. Yes, i already have my PPL and a fair amount of IFR training. No multi yet, which i am really excited about trying.
I think i might knock out the Exams sometime soon so that i have them passed and done with before i head to ATP.
Did you do the test before you went to ATP?
How was your experience at ATP, did you work there afterwards as a CFI?
Did you have to answer phones before teaching CFI in a multi a/c?
Over $30,000 more and that doesn't include the instructor ratings.
Instead of listening to salesman from ATP or a punch of 250 hr wonders, why don't you pay more attention to people who have been there and done that.