ATP CPT - good, bad, and ugly
 

Hello all,

I recently attended an ATP CPT course, that was very disappointing to say the least.

I understand the concept of what the law requiring this was wanting to accomplish; however, I feel It has turned into a complete waste of money and time! This is based solely on my experience (with one course), so correct me if I'm wrong.

Just curious if my experience, is the status quo or if there are better programs out there?

Maybe I'm way off expecting actually achieving a greater level of knowledge from a $5000.00 investment? None the less I would like to amass multiple opinions on the subject, so other might be able to choose the best possible investment.

Thank you in advance to everyone who contributes.

Best Regards.

The CTP is designed to fill a regulatory requirement that was designed in reaction to a bill passed by Congress. It was a top-down initiative, and not a response to a specific need brought forth from the bottom up.

Unfortunately, it is largely irrelevant what you actually learned, because it is a hurdle required to unlock the ATP written and the path forward in your professional career.

This will not be the last time an element of your training existed simply to fill a regulatory requirement.

I couldn't have said that better.

Man I hope you didn't pay for that course out of pocket. Everyone knows it's a joke, which is why the regional airlines are stuck paying for it.

That's the low end of the average price. Another good option is FTI Ratings as they offer the course in Denver and Dallas so their sims are going to be decent quality. (Google FAA ATP-CTP courses and you'll get a list of certificate holders authorized to provide it.) Looks like SkyWarrior in Pensacola, FL costs $3800 right now, think they use sims in Atlanta. That price might not include the written test so it's probably about the same as you found.

Look into Aerosim. Lots of sim location options (MCO, DFW, LAS, MSP)and dates to choose from. I had a buddy go through them recently and he had a good experience in DFW.