Pilot mills like ATP are sufficiently more expensive than other forms of training to make their use questionable in a soft job market. Aspiring pilots need to be careful about accruing debt even in strong markets. The way to do this is to find flying clubs, fixed base operators, individuals or institutions that offer training services and use them while taking minimum (preferrably zero) loans to fund it. This approach cuts the cost of training by 50% or more, and actually improves the chance of success by reducing the stress of entering a business where the starting pay is notoriously low. From what I hear, airlines do not care where you obtain your flight training as long as it consists of the specified hours of experience.
Last edited by Cubdriver; 06-18-2008 at 09:34 AM.