Alternatives to ATP flight school
 

Hey all,

My buddy is looking at enrolling in a program at ATP in Houston or Smyrna, TN. I've been out of the flight school game for a while, but I know he can get his ratings for cheaper than what ATP charges. Any flight schools / FBOs in either of those areas that anyone would particularly recommend?

Thanks,
Rye

Anson Air in Sugar land, TX

If time is more important to him than money, then ATP is the best place because they will get him through quick. If money is more important and doesn't need financing, then anywhere other than ATP will work.

I took a tour of the Houston ATP facility a few weeks ago, was very impressed with the aircraft and staff (less so with the building/facilities)

If money was no issue then I would be signing up, unfortunately I only have about half of the money saved, so will be looking elsewhere.

How do you schedule a tour of ATP?

I just emailed and asked. The admissions coordinator that I was dealing with was called Greg. Was very helpful in arranging everything.

His email is [email protected]

It's the admission office.
 

I can't emphasize enough how you have to do your homework and read all the posts about ATP School. Be advised and don't let them fool you about the best connections they may have.

I ended up deciding against ATP, will most likely go with American Flyers but still have not made my final decision. I may go with Anson Air if they can provide the scheduling I require.

I am a student at FlightSafety Academy and I recommend them. Some of my fellow students actually left ATP and have transferred into our school...

Becoming a commercial pilot
 

Neither fsster nor cheaper equal better. It is very important to interview the potential providers. And yes, I did say interview,
I found that ATP is very different from location to location. At KAPA, while holding a private certificate with instrument privileges two years ago, I asked the young CFI how long he had been working for ATP. He looked at his watch and said about 18 hours. He said he hoped I would sign up and he also said that as I was a (then) 900 hour pilot, he could learn a lot from me.
As an aside, at that time, it was mandatory ATP SOP to descend to TPA 10 miles out, when returning from the SE practice area. I appreciated the CFI's candor, but I sure as heck took my money to some place other than a diploma mill for my comm & instructor ratings. I understand that they do have some facilities that are better (I've the products of them), but it is all on the luck of the draw, as each CFI at ATP (and most other bigger schools) is only there to achieve his/her ATP minimums and move up to a regional.
To the original poster, find some personal help in deciding on a school and don't rely on the recruiters. You can PM me if you wish, I'd be glad to help.
I'm sure sonicflyer may gotten a good ATP education, maybe even at KAPA, as I see he has a proclivity for talking about how harmless a little ganja can be. Just 🤡ing around, nothing personal intended.