RDU or BHM locations

Z

zachoe

Well-Known Member
I'll be finishing up my Instrument rating shortly, and am looking at getting my MEL-CMEL at ATP, since my FBO is not able to train me in these areas. Anyone have any experience at the BHM or RDU locations? Instructor availability, quality of instructors, etc. would be highly appreciated, as well as any other tidbits.

Thanks!
 
Last I knew about RDU they only had one airplane and it was down a LOT. But that was about 2 years ago so if someone with more current information could chime in that could help. Go visit the two locations if you can though, the information I just told you actually came from the instructor that was at RDU at the time, so they should be fairly straight forward with you.
 
I went through RDU this past year, and the training there was great. It's a very fun location with very nice housing. I'd highly recommend it, if you must attend ATP. PM me for details if you'd like.

BHM is located at Jasper, AL. They have 3(?) airplanes, and 2 instructors I think. I'm not completely sure. I don't think there is an issue with airplanes being down at any location. If the airplane is broken they just fly in another.
 
I went to Atlanta, but spent considerable time at both locations. The BHM location is in small town Alabama, but has a good atmosphere, I really like the examiner there. I did a few of my checkrides with him. The RDU location is a much bigger airport, but still a small location. I like the RDU area a lot. Both locations are relatively small, so you should not have any trouble getting an instructor. On the down side, they won't have many planes, so if maintenance becomes an issue you could be sitting for a little bit. ATP is pretty good about getting a replacement when needed though.
 
Thanks all. I am pretty familiar with RDU as an airport and the surrounding area, as I did the bulk of my training there. My folks live near Montgomery, so theoretically I would have free housing, although it would be a little bit of a drive.

ATP can create custom "programs," right? In other words, they could create something so I could start off with my ME all the way to CFII, right?

I have heard of Jasper as a city, pretty sparse from what I understand. Oh well. At this point ATP seems to be the only viable option to get my ratings without having to go half way across the country.

Oh, and what have the experiences of those who went to the RDU location been as far as the examiners are concerned? Good to know that the BHM one sounds fair.
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Just learned that the BHM location is now gone. Well I guess that makes my decision easier.
 
zachoe said:
Thanks all. I am pretty familiar with RDU as an airport and the surrounding area, as I did the bulk of my training there. My folks live near Montgomery, so theoretically I would have free housing, although it would be a little bit of a drive.

Oh, and what have the experiences of those who went to the RDU location been as far as the examiners are concerned? Go to know that the BHM one sounds fair.
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The RDU campus has a very good relationship with an examiner in the area. The instructor is very good at RDU, and has a very good pass rate as well. The examiner will not allow you to leave the checkride unless he's taught you something. Even if you totally rock, you will learn lots during your checkride(s).

If you will be paying for housing, you really can't go wrong at RDU. Its right near the airport, near food, near fun etc.. It's very nice IMO. It's also a quiet location so you will probably have your own room.
 
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