Honestly, I didn't feel rushed. I too, was at the JAX location and based on my experiences at other locations, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I definitely would not have a problem recommending ATP to someone. Granted, it isn't for everyone. I was fresh out of a very challenging and fast paced engineering school, and had completely immersed myself in aviation. So to wake up and hit the books, go to the airport and fly, do ground school over lunch, head to the sim to then end the day with some beers on the beach or by the pool, the whole time studying, learning and concentrating on airplanes was enjoyable for me. 90 days seems like a real short period of time to some people, but when you are doing it every day, instead of just once or twice a week, your retention is much higher and you are able to concentrate without all of the other outside influences and distractions.

To answer your question, I would definitely recommend ATP, but only to certain individuals. It is definitely not for everyone. As far as the CFI course is concerned, I had no problem what so ever with it. I think the main reason for that was that i did all of my commercial stuff from the right seat and had already been talking through all of the maneuvers and teaching them, regardless of whether I had to or not. On the same note, I was one of the unlucky ones that had to take my MEI ride, which is also the initial instructor ride with the FSDO (Some people got to take it with a DPE). Despite that fact, I have never failed a check ride. (** Knock on wood, I'm going to take my ATP next week!) Back to the CFI course, the man that taught the course at JAX was Walt Schamel, Master CFI. This guy was great I could not have asked for a better instructor. One of the instructors that I flew with for my II prep was on her way out and kind of acted like it, but over-all, I had no problems with them.

I really hate to see the place get such a bad rap around here. It did great by me because I put the time and effort in. Yeah, you are on a schedule, so if you start spending way too much time surfing on the beach and then fail your multi-commercial twice followed by flopping your commercial single, its not because of the school. Its because you weren't committed to the program. Even though they stuff a funnel in your ear and start pouring stuff in, it is still up to the individual to make something of it. The thing that really sucks is that there are people who can go through the program, do nothing, learn nothing and still pass the checkrides. Some of these idiots i wouldn't let wash my car, let alone fly a plane.

I am more than happy to answer any questions that anyone has regarding this topic. If you don't want to put it on the board, feel free to PM me.