There are some very busy Passport Offices. My mileage through the Chicago Passport Office was surprisingly quick: Appointment 8:45am. Passport ready for pick up after 12:30 pm. Good venues for eating nearby, or museums, shopping, etc.
I have heard the Atlanta Passport office is also quick with the airline letter in hand.
I am not an Atlas Pilot, just an applicant who has bets this thread will top 1000 pages of good info.