Originally Posted by RXS676

I'm not QUITE so cynical as to think that flight training providers are just out for my money. I certainly am suspicious of programs whose cost seems higher than comparable programs at other schools, but in the case of ATP, the cost is reasonably similar to comparable training at the local FBOs (in Southern California). I am a little put-off by the slick marketing and boastful claims, but, as noted, they are a business.

Military training is certainly the best way to start a flying career, but is moot in the case of a 30-year-old with 20/500 uncorrected vision. I think you have to accept that, in the case of civilian flight training, your instructor will be a non-career flight instructor who is just building time to go to the airlines and who will prepare you for the minimum standards of the FAA practical tests. For all the tsk, tsking on these forums about how ideal training would be otherwise, such training doesn't exist in the real world.

Back to the ATP, I have essentially decided that the 90-day accelerated program is not for me. Being available seven days a week, all day, is just not reasonable, and I don't believe that training on a modified full-time schedule, where I allow myself occaisional weekends off, will have a significant impact on my career long-term. With all these concerns about overworked instructors and scheduling priority, and I concerned, however, that I'll spend a lot of time sitting around, available to train but waiting for airplane and instructor availability. Can't seem to get any assurances or information about that from anyone.