ATP's CFI program IS fast paced. I went through it, and it is pretty much a self-study program. I wouldn't classify every ATPer as not knowing how to teach though, I know how to teach, but maybe that comes from the fact that I have other life experiences to draw from, who knows? Anyway, in that short part of the program there is a lot of self study, no one will tell you the answer to anything unless you have exhausted all assets you know of to find the answer for yourself. It's a good idea I think since it makes you know where to find information. You'll spend a lot of late nights too. Another word of advice is to make sure you write your OWN lesson plans. There will always be someone who comes with something pre-fabricated. This is no good since lesson plans should be formed to how YOU would teach. The program is good and you still have to pass the same exact initial test as everybody else since the exam is taken with the FSDO. Mine was a fun filled 10 hour oral exam followed by a 2.5 hour flight the following day.