Old 12-29-2016, 05:07 PM
  #6  
FlyingStormie
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Joined APC: Oct 2015
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Originally Posted by Nunavut View Post
I believe that you were the individual that recently posted about stating at ATP?
Yep, that was me.

Originally Posted by Nunavut View Post
Why did you choose ATP?
A number of reasons. I liked the pre-packaged nature of the program. You pay X amount of dollars, and you get Y amount of hours. Going the FBO route, you'll get a quote based on the minimum amount of time required for each rating or, sometimes, the average number of hours students require to attain each rating. I wanted to make sure I could secure financing for all of my training before I started, rather than run out of money part of the way through.

That's not saying FBOs are a bad place to get your ratings, its just that some are better than others. I got my PPL at an FBO and they were very well organized as far as having CFIs on staff, aircraft availability and scheduling, and maintenance. The other FBO on the field seemed to treat training as an afterthought.

I also liked the "guaranteed" CFI job. I put that in quotes because if you earn yourself a bad reputation as a student, you're not getting offered the job. Like you, I'm not too keen on being a CFI. The plan is as soon as I pass my Commercial check-ride, I'm applying just about everywhere I can. In aviation, always have a back-up plan, so having a clear pathway to a job (CFI) is a great thing. The training for the ratings alone will be nothing but a benefit as far as my piloting skills are concerned.

Originally Posted by Nunavut View Post
Where there other schools that you considered?
I'm from Albuquerque, so I looked local first. The FBO I went to has long since gone out of business. As a member of CAP, I have access to Kirtland AFB's Aero Club. Decent outfit, but the aircraft are very tired and I think only one aircraft as an IFR certified GPS. They also didn't have any twins.

Then there was Del Sol Aviation. Their fleet was only slightly less tired. They also didn't seem to put a lot of effort into thier website.

I've been interested in relocating to the Denver area anyway, so the "stars aligned" and here I am. Truth be told, if ATP had an ABQ location, I would have gone there. ATP seems committed to having a modern fleet.


Now, if you haven't done so already, find an FAA AME and get a First Class Medical Certificate. You'll want to find out now that you have some sort of disqualifying medical issue. I think you are still able to get a Student Pilot Certificate through an AME as well - you'll need it before your first solo.

With regards to training, there's nothing wrong with "Zero to Hero" programs. However, it's a good idea to get your PPL first, then consider a more extensive training program. This way, you can see if flying is truly for you.

No matter which route you take, make sure you have a refund policy in hand before committing anything if the school you choose has a pre-payment system. With ATP, for example, you (or your lender) pays for the program in four installments with the first installment due on the first day of training. You'll receive a pro-rated refund should you end your training before completion, subject to thier hourly rates for the aircraft, CFI, FTDs, and debriefings. They'll provide you a copy of thier rates.
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