Most of the posters have missed the importance of the multi-engine/ATP Certificate that they would get if they do training at ATA. It is not a simple program of just time building. The students, enrolled in the ATP program, are still required to complete AirStage’s I and II, along with the time build for the ATP Certificate. The students will take an ATP-multi-engine check ride at the end of their completion of AirStage II. If new students have previous flight time and ratings, they are given credit for their efforts and the price is adjusted accordingly.
Lets look at the schools mentioned in this message thread.
Example ATA: ATA students now have the choice of training for the ATP-multi-engine certificate, enroll in AirStage’s I II & III, or AirStage’s I & II, or just AirStage II. It covers all of the potential requirements of the students and the requirements of the regional airlines that are now hiring ATA’s students. All ATA students are required to complete AirStage II. The students now have a wide choice of flight training programs that will fit their budget and time requirements. The ATP program will allow a student to apply at various regional airlines, not just the ones ATA has a “Bridge Program” with. ATA’s flight training programs now range from minimum 400 hours to 1500 hours, and will take from five to estimated 22 months, depending on the flight time prior to enrollment.
Example CA/FS: Students that go the traditional route at Comair or Flight Safety, receive the CFI’s that are required, teach for the next year or more (that’s based on getting hired at the academy in the first place), and apply with the regional airlines having 1200 tt and 100 multi. Limited choice for sure. The academies offer a modified bridge program, but most of you do not go this route.
Example ATA: Airline First Officer applicant with ATP-multi-engine, 1500 hrs tt/ 130 hrs multi, and completion of First Officer training at ATA.
Example CA/FS: Airline First Officer applicant from Comair or Flight Safety, with CFI’s, 1200 hrs tt/ 100 hrs multi.
Regional airlines will choose “A” over “CA/FS”, in all but a few examples, because applicant “A” holds an ATP-multi-engine with 1500 hours total time. The ATA student has completed their First Officer training program. The “A” applicant already has received the required certificate to hold the Captains seat. They just lack airline experience. Applicant “CA/FS” has a ways to go and still must pass the ATP check ride. This is an unknown quality of applicant “CA/FS”
Which school has the best flight-training program for the airlines? It all depends on the students needs and what they think is best for their own future career. Not all pilots are suitable for the CFI route. If time is of importance, due to age, family, etc., the ATA program seems like the best choice. Is it more advantageous to spend $55K and receive an ATP-multi-engine certificate, or to spend $55K at a traditional flight training academy and only receive the CFI certificate?
The debate goes on and will never be solved on message boards.