Pros And Cons Of Atp Flight School?
I know we have kicked this subject around numerous times...for those of you who feel this subject have been exhausted...my apologies.
I have heard alot of good things about ATP flight school and some bad things. Alot of you whole heartidly endorse the program, others say it is over priced and it is a "named brand" school that commands higher costs. The people on the CON side of ATP say that you can get your ratings for a fraction of the cost at your local FBO. The pros argument is that you get to the regionals alot quicker.
Up until yesterday, I was sold on the idea of going to ATP flight school. I live in Hawaii and I made a special trip to PHX to tour the facility. I had a great tour, the guys there were friendly and explained everything in fine detail. They answered all my questions. When it comes to cost...I have to disagree with alot of you who push for the local FBO route. I got my PPL at my FBO and I thought it was pretty expensive. I almost paid $10k on not along the traning, but for the materials, pilot accesories etc. Now, I know alot of you are gasping right now and think that I got ripped off...this is true, I feel like I have been had. I already had prior flight experience at another part 141 school before commiting at FBO. The FBO charges $135/hr for cessna 172. $280/hr for piper aztec. They charge $50/hr for instuctor, wheather it be ground or dual time in the air. On top of all of this, we still have to scramble to reserve a time slot becuase they only have 1 mulit a/c and 2 C172's. I wonder if the high prices have anything to do with this school being a Cessna Pilot Center?
I figure, if im going to spend close to $50k at FBO, why not go to a school that has all the equipment...and the "airline style" training such as ATP. How are you guys getting all your training at FBO for 20k? Is it becuase this is Hawaii and everything here is overpriced?