Please help. Zero Hours. What's the Best Path?

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Keysersoce

New Member
Please help. Zero Hours. What\'s the Best Path?

Hello everyone,

I have been out of college for over a year now and have decided the 9 to 5 job just isn't for me. I have always been interested in flying, but just recently thought of doing it as an occupation. I'm going to take a few lessons at an airfield near by just to make sure I'll enjoy it (Which I'm sure I will). That being said, what is the best path to follow in becoming an airline pilot.

I have the 4 year degree, so that isn't an issue anymore. So what is the next best step? Should I enroll in ATP, or another flight school? I know flight safety is a 10 month program, but they I've heard there are a lot of hidden costs. Flight safety seems to be the best route to take, but considering I already have loans out, I want to take the cheapest path.

I know ATP is 38K, and that is by far the cheapest out there. But is that a good program for someone who has never flown before? I have absolutely no knowledge of the aviation field, and am worried that having to cram so much knowledge in 5 months (2 month PPL, 3 month Career Pilot) will be too much to handle.

I read on this board that people were talking about taking the written exams before you attend ATP. Do they not train you at ATP for the written exams?

I'm really not sure which path to choose, and if any of you have any other suggestions (Both costly, and inexpensive) that would be greatly appreciated. I would like to be a certified instructor ASAP in order to obtain hours and fly for a regional.
 
Re: Please help. Zero Hours. What\'s the Best Path?

ATP can certainly be an excellent choice:

- zero time to flight instructor with all instructor ratings (MEI, CFII, CFI-Single) in 5 months,
- ~140 hours of multi time when you finish the program,
- the opportunity to instruct for ATP at the completion of the program to build even more multi time,
- a guaranteed flat rate price for the program and no hidden costs,
- the nationwide multi-engine cross country experience,
- the stellar reputation of ATP in the industry,
- etc...

I dont have first hand experience with the Private Pilot portion of the Career pilot program, but I've seen several pilots who went through it and they are all very competent, skilled and knowledgable pilots. I would highly recommend going that route.

While ATP is and continues to be the best choice for many, many people (myself included), it may not be the best choice for you. I suggest that you shop around, weigh the advantages, costs and disadvantages of each school to find what fits you and your needs/goals the best.

For an example of how it really works, an ATP-Atlanta instructor was just hired as a new FO flying RJs for ExpressJet. He went from zero hours to airline pilot in 13 months. http://www2.allatps.com/AirlinePlacements/.

Good luck with your decision.

Jeremy
ATP-Dallas Instructor
 
Re: Please help. Zero Hours. What\'s the Best Path?

I went to FSI and got my Multi Engine Insturctor from ATP. Both were very good and I have no complaints.

In your situation, I would recomend getting your Private Pilots Liscense before going to any of these programs. Find out if you really enjoy flying before you set down any big bucks.

I would also recomend looking at doing your training at your local airport while you work your regular 9-5 job. If you can this will help you keep the cost down and stay out of any more debt.
 
Re: Please help. Zero Hours. What\'s the Best Path?

There is no best path. You must choose based on what you know you can accomplish, the time and energy you have available and your career goals. Look around and decide what is right for you. I did.

I started flying on October 6, 2003 in the ATP Private Pilot and Career Pilot program. Today I just updated my resume and have 726 Total Time with 400 Multi-Engine including 238 Multi-Engine Dual given.

I have begun to submit my resumes to Regional Carriers with an expectation to be interviewed sometime soon.

That's just my story . . . your's is yet to be written!
wink.gif


p.s. Merlin WHAT UP DUDE!
 
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