I've heard bad things about American Flyers and have had some bad experiences at the hands of their instructors. Often times I'll use them as an example for my students as what NOT to do. One of my closest aviation mentors is a DPE in Dallas and he consistently complains about the lack of airmanship their students display. That said, I send all my students there for their written exams and when it comes time to renew my CFI again I'll use their program.

They are like any of the other academies with their usual evils and I'm sure some good comes from them too. Each time I go in there though I get the heebie-jeebies.

ATP is alright, especially at GKY, when you use their targeted programs. I don't know if I'd go to them for the initial CFI though since it's the MEI. I'd much rather save the cash and find a freelance or run to skymates.