I was close to going to ATP again about 3 months ago, but the cost is too much to bear. The repayment will be $612/mo for 20 years. And I already have my PPL. Add the other $9k in for the PPL and the payment goes up to $709/mo for 20 years. Perhaps if I was single and didn't care about anything, but even then it's a tough sell at that price. You, on the other hand, may have it a little different. You said that your dad may help you with about $40k. Well, that means you only finance $30k. Your payments would be significantly less, but you'll still be around $300/month for 20 years. Other than the money, I believe they have a good program. I am really enjoying the FBO thing though. It's more like a family. We have cookouts, flyouts, hanger parties, there's very little turn-over, and I get to enjoy flying in general aviation for longer. I like being able to rent the plane and buzz my mom's house, or fly to the mountains with my friend, or the best will be taking my dad up. ATP is a fastlane to the 121 world. I used to want that, but there's so much more to flying than just work.