vs38viking

I was very disappointed with the quality of the ATP flight school. Four day ATP program turned into a one month nightmare. No one would call me back to schedule or commit to a time for flight training. Instructors are overloaded with students and overworked. When I finally cancelled –ATP had the nerve to charge me $350/hr for flight time when other schools charge $220/hr. Save your money and go elsewhere. Experience: Prior military Iraq veteran, fly 135 cargo, 2200 hrs, 1200 multi, 300 actual, CFI/CFII/MEI, and JimKoziarskiof ATP had the nerve to say that I lack experience. (Wow, isn't that why I'm at a training school?) They really made me feel like scum. If you think you are getting an edge on the regional airlines, you are in for a rude awakening.

RXS676

I have been trying to find some viewpoints on ATP, as I am considering their ACPP program.

It has also been my suspicion that that ATP's instructors are overworked (and their aircraft overbooked as well). Interestingly, when I had my interview with them, the instructor said that they usually give priority to those doing the 3-4 day add-ons (ME, ATP, etc). Maybe this varies by location.

Did you happen to notice anyone in the ACPP programs? Were they ever sitting around waiting for instructor and airplane availability? Or did they seem to be getting scheduling priority. For someone like me who has only a private, do you think the ATP program would be better?

Would appreciate any comments. Thanks.

LAfrequentflyer

People paying for the 90 day program will have priority. I've asked the same question of ATPs reps. ATPs priority is the 90 day student.

At location where the PPL is offered its my understanding ATP has a cadre of CFI devoted to getting those customers their PPL and into the career program - again the 90 day career program folks will have priority.

My recommendation is to visit the ATP location you want to attend and if possible one or two more. The larger metro facilities (ATL , JAX, etc...) will , i presume, have more CFIs as there is a larger pool of students.

Good luck...

-LAFF

RXS676

I have visited ATP facilities; it was an ATP instructor at the facility where I had my interview, and where I would like to attend, who told me that one of his biggest frustrations is managing the scheduling, because priority is given to students who are there for just a few days, i.e. the ATP and ME add-ons.

I was under the impression from talking to ATP represenatives, over the phone and at the AOPA expo, that the ACPP students are given the highest priority, but that is what the instructor told me.

LAfrequentflyer

Which location did you visit?

BTW - there are going to be people that don't make it at ATP...They are in the minority - a very small minority compared to the overall success stories out there.

I'm going to the ATL location in August.

-LAFF

TankerBob

Guys you are gonna learn that scheduling is a huge problem everywhere you go. Try working schedule for a day and you will see. Suck it up a couple extra day arn't going to kill you, or make it so you never make it to the airlines.

vs38viking

My instructor at ATP worked from 5am to 6pm when I asked his schedule. When your instructor looks like he's about to go to sleep while enroute for shooting an approach and can't remember where you were the day before -this is a problem. I was there for the 4 day ATP. They couldn't accomidate me after I started training so after a month I requested a refund. I'm still waiting for my money (after they said they would refund).

TankerBob

Yeah I have a friend who is still waiting for a refund from a flight school that was 5 years ago. I agree with you man, its BS. Report them to the better business bureau, they didn't meet there end of the bargain.

RXS676

Hey LAFF-

I visited the Riverside facility.

I think you and I are in the same boat. I really like ATP on paper. The experience seems good (yes, I know, I know... they only teach you to pass the checkride. Well, they're no different from any other school in that regard, and all I can do is compare them to what is available. If someone knows about the perfect flight school, I'd love to hear about it). And considering I live in Southern California (and am not keen on moving to Kansas to do my flight training) the cost is actually quite favorable. Still I have these lingering doubts. I talk to ATP several times a week, but keep getting only vague assurances when I would like concrete facts, examples and statistics.

Interesting, also, that you bring up the issue of the washout rate... another elusive statistic that I have asked about over and over again, but can't seem to find out.

Would love to exchange ideas with you before this thread devolves into a philosophical discussion about certificate mills and training pilots to pass checkrides, etc.

LAfrequentflyer

I hear you...I don't mind moving to Kansas to get the training. I'd have to live away from family (like I do now) if I went to ATP - closest one is in Atlanta. I get the feeling the bigger city ones have more 'visibility' with management at JAX. This is purely from talking to the reps on the phone. How much does a 20 something waiting to fly a jet really know?

ATP is a flight school - business. Nothing more or less. But they do a good job of getting your money and giving you your ratings / getting people placed at the airlines.

I'm being open minded about PAS (prarie air service in Kansas) and giving them a visit in September this year. Its the only other option I'm considering.

It will be difficult to get facts out of any flight school - especially a big business like ATP. All of them have that little clause about time varies with student aptitude. My father was right - flight training outside the military is a scam to get your money.

I suspect Skyhigh is more right than wrong. There are thousands of pilots that have fallen by the wayside during / after training due to the financial / emotional beatings / frustrations that come with just trying to make ends meet in the job.

In all honesty, if you can get into the military and get them to pay for your flight training do that- you'll be better off in the long run.

I'm about to give up on the whole idea and stick to my day job for the rest of my life...Its sucks but thats how it is...

-LAFF