Originally Posted by
RXS676
Thanks for the information.
One thing to keep in mind is that ATP normally considers for flight instructor positions only those students who have completed the ACPP program with them. Due to the high instructor turnover as a result of strong regional airline hiring, they are now also consider anyone who completes their CFI programs. However, as I have said before, we really can't rely on the current regional airline hiring continuing forever, and there is a chance that if you don't do the ACPP program, you may not be able to instruct with them. (Not sure if that's a factor for you or not, but I think it's something to consider).
In my paranoid mind, I'm thinking that if in fact getting a job at a regional does become more competitive, having the ME time that you get as an instructor at ATP could make a big difference.
I agree with you....CFI job is critical in moving to the next step - I suspect a lot of careers end at the CFI level for lack of ME time. I know my CFI for PPL didn't have any ME time and had been a CFI for 6 years...Thats not a good position to be in...
If you're going to go thru ATP - pay in cash for as much of the program as you can. I've even considered doing a salary CFI job after BEING A CFI AT ATP just to pay off the loan - if any - I'll have to take...I don't mind the wait to get to a regional and there are plenty of good salary CFI jobs in California and Arizona teaching Asians how to fly and speak English...
If you're flexible you can reach your goals a lot sooner than someone that is not willing to be away from family / friends...
Don't rule out flying a turboprop. As long as its 121 PIC time you're good for the next step...
-LAFF