Need a cosigner

JOEFRIDAY2 said:
My problem with ATP is that they do not give you any credit for the ratings you already have. If you start with zero time it's the same price as going in with your instrument.

That always rubbed me the wrong way and didn't seem fair.

I agree with the others advice. Go work on your instrument at a local FBO! You can pay as you fly and you won't have a large debt that you don't need.

You'll also spend a whole lot less!

Peel off a couple hundred bucks a week from your new pressure washing business and begin your instrument training.
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Bold part not true anymore. When I left ATP in February they were already doing partial programs for people in that situation. Here it is straight from the website:

Custom Flight Training Programs

Already started your flight training? Finish with ATP and receive credit for previous training and experience. ATP now has more training options available than ever before. Let ATP customize a training program that suits your schedule and meets your training objectives.
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I understand that your still trying to find a way to finish your ratings. But once you do I would reccomend finding a flexible full time job outside aviation and just instruct as a part time job. It is really a nice way to go. You still get to fly a bunch but your not worrying about money all the time. Become a independent instructor and specalize in something such as tailwheel or instrutment and you will stay busy at night and on the weekends. And you can use your money made instructing part time to own your own airplane.
 
USRaven said:
I've been on the fence about starting my own business come Feb, VS. working at a 3rd party maintenance shop like PEMCO fixing avionics. I might get what, 18-22 bucks an hour? Well, that doesn't pay for a lot of hobby flying and hundred dollar hamburgers.
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As an FYI I've spent 2 years as a CFI and just over 4 years at a regional and my average wage since beginning until now is just under $15/hr, and that includes a short time (6 months) as an RJ CA. Not sure how much you think you'll make flying but you're financially better off making $20+ an hour starting out in your present field of work. It sounds to me like you are complaining about making $20/hr so I just wanted to let you know...
 
Here's your plan, man.

Scratch the ATP school.

Get your A&P for avionics, etc, and make a killing working out in Tampa/St. Pete's/whatever.

Save the money, and pay cash for your pilot ratings through a part 61 operation.

A part 141 GI Bill op currently requires you to pay 40% out of pocket while the other 60% is reimbursed. However, since the program requires an extensive part 141 syllabus, your out of pocket share can actually cost MORE than 100% of a decent part 61 operation.

There are so many flight school in Florida you can't throw a rock without hitting one. Just save the cash and pay as you go. Since you're already working full time, etc, and you're married, this will let you train at your pace.

(With airline hiring as it is- you're not going anywhere for a while. If you don't seek to do other than CFI work with your ratings, the less money you spend the better... You'll be decades in before you make it back just through flying..)
 
Bill,

I glad to see that ATP has changed and now does give you credit for your prior ratings.

I tried to send two students to ATP last November. Both had private and instrument ratings. They were from a flight school that was having financial issues and eventually the school did close.

These students needed their commerical multi. Both students were quoted $50,000 by ATP, to finish up, at that time. I tried to speak with the gentlemen on the phone in Jacksonville and there was not any movement off of that position.

I ended up sending them somewhere else to finish up.

I wonder what ATP would charge today for that finish up. Each student had all of their cross country requirements and had passed their Commercial writtens. They needed about 20-25 hours to get their 250 in.
 
JWP,

What is your recommended schedule of training for an instrument rating for someone that is holding down a full time job?
 
JOEFRIDAY2 said:
JWP,

What is your recommended schedule of training for an instrument rating for someone that is holding down a full time job?
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Knocking it out in 2 weeks is probably the best strategy if you can take some vacation.

I took about 6 months, which was fine for me. I only went up when it was IMC. I only flew on weekends doing it.

Most of the flying work is the 50xc/40instrument, you don't need a CFI for that. My advice is find someone working on their CFI/II and go up with them shooting approaches.

Other than being able to fly approaches reasonably well, it is mostly knowledge stuff. There is a lot of material to know, much more so than the private.
 
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