To clear this up. I like skypark and most of the people out there. I do have a major problem with the chief pilot. He is another one of those who comes off like god's gift to aviation when he is absolutely dangerous. I am not going to go into details but we have butted are heads numerous times on safety related issues. Maintenance is another issues. I am PIC I decide whether an airplane is airworthy enough to go flying not some whack job A&P. Also I use my landing light during landing during day, night, dusk, dawn, 3 miles vis, or 30. It is a safety issue and I think it should be used. A 2300 X 35 foot runway is a tough place for some to learn to fly. There is little room for error which is why there have been so many accidents involving these airplanes and the chief pilot. There is also a little pre-pubescent 17 year old that runs around the airport telling lies about me like we are in high school again...o wait he is. He is not only unsafe and dangerous he also displays a ton of defense mech's and hazardous attitudes. He really needs a reality check or he will kill himself and even worse others.
Don't knock on the young guys, it takes some time as a young pup to realize you need to check yourself before you reck yourself. Don't judge him because he's young, judge him because of how he flies and treats you (which, albeit, sounds like crap). As for 2300x35 being too short to learn on, I learned at z41, its 2200 x 75 ft. No bigey, plus there are trees at either end. You just have to learn from day one that you always have to pick your point and hit it every time, otherwise go around.
As for the lights, and the A&P etc. Look, lights burn out quick, no sense in leaving them turned on while you're on a 3hr cross country, in the practice area, yeah, turn them on. As for A&P mechanics, look, they know a hell of a lot more about the airplane than I do. If something is broke, write it up, otherwise, if it ain't broke, it ain't in the MEL, TCDS, part 91, etc. then why worry? I don't know the circumstances, but I think you probably need a reality check too. You're a good guy man, but there is no need to be so opinionated about some of this stuff there's no real right or wrong answer on this stuff, just opinions. When you're in the airplane, do what you want, but think some of this stuff through logically.
As for ATPs, I did my Multi there, and was impressed with the quality of the instructors despite their low time. That being said, I think the way that the logging works is shady at best. I tend to think that you learn more knowledge when you're at ATPs for your ratings, but lose out on some of the more stick and rudder stuff because A) you're splitting time, and B) You're not really spending that much time doing serious amounts of touch and goes, not really planning your cross-countries that much, and are going everywhere pretty much by means of the GPS. Its good for training IFR guys, and everyone of the pilots out of there (with the notably exception of my best friend, who grew up in aviation) seemed to be awesome at IFR, but short on judgement. I'd reccomend it ATPs to several groups of people. People who have a kid on the way and need a job NOW, and people who are young and want to knock everything out at once before they go to college, and then instruct or work 135 while they're studying. Just my $.02.
-pat
