Another ATP question.
 

I do not want to start another thread about what anyone has heard about ATP.Wanted to get an answer from someone that knows about them.
They say to take the CFI Course you have to apply to work for them.
I was thinking of taking it, but do not want to work for them.
Has anyone taken it and not worked for them? How did you do it? I did not know if they make you sign something or if you could take it and then tell them you decided you could not relocate to work for them?
Please only answer the questions and not make this thread about anything else.
Thanks,
Joey

I never heard that. I went through the 90 day program and worked for them for about 18 months. It might have changed since Oct 06, but I doubt that. I would call the 800-ALL-ATPS if you want to know the truth.

I called them and the guy I talked to said that was true. But it seems like you could do it and there would be no way they could make you work there. Its not like they could take you're CFI rating away!

From what I was told, they are no longer accepting people for the CFI course unless they plan on being a CFI for ATP. Reason being they are running low on instructors because of the mad hiring spree from the regionals. Dont quote me because thats just hear say at the moment.

I would just do the program and not work for them. Why would they not take the money? The only way that you could get in trouble was if there was some kind of contract they make you sign before attending. But why wouldn't you want to instruct for them. You get all the multi time you want, the students come to you, and you can use their airline partnerships to your advantage.

I'm curious. Is there a reason why you wouln't want to work for them? I don't think they pay better than other CFI jobs but if you are on your way to airline, is there a better way to build multi time?

The amount of multi time you have when you finish ATP is enough to get on at most regionals. No need to instruct there to build more multi.

ATP doesn't pay CFI's too well (that gets people out the door quicker and keeps the pipeline open). Not everyone wants to live in an ATP location. Not everyone likes the ATP system or style. I could see how it would be a great place to get your CFI's, since they do so many and have it down, but a lousy place to work.

Limited networking opportunities as well. Most of the guys coming through get their stuff and go. They are green to the industry as well. You can make good career contacts hanging around the FBO at your local airport in many cases.

I see. That makes perfect sense.

I am not planning to go to the airlines. I am just going to instruct some at my local flying club. Not full time.

Not really Slice. They have letters of agreement with 6 or so airlines, maybe more since I was there. The company has been around for over 20 years, and was founded and is owned by an airline pilot. The guys who help him run it are all former airiline pilots. Their relationships with airlines helped me get an interview after flight instructing there. I know that they aren't perfect, but they are in know way green to the industry. I don't know what FBO you hang out, but I personally made alot of contacts working for ATP. Every major, regional, and military pilot that flew with, was more than willing to write a letter of recommendation for me, you would never get that many offers at your local FBO.

I had the same problem yesterday as I was supposed to do the CFI/CFII/MEI course in May - idiots... I wouldn't too much of a problem working for them if they would just let me finish my college degree but NOOOOOOOOOO they want people to start right off the bat... morons... I am upchucking 9K for this and they are trying to tell me where to work for the next year? Ok I am a college student with a year left - why don't those morons pay for my last year of college and I will work for them...

Really really ticks me off bad... they need to put that on their by gosh website if thats the case - there is NOTHING on there that says I have to work for them...

For more complaining see my thread "Delima - need help ASAP"

I didn't say the company was green but most of your clients and instructors are. Agreements are great but if they disappear who do you really know that can get you a job? In the current market it doesn't matter. Go back just a few years ago and it did. At a good FBO, you'll meet airline pilots, corp pilots, businessmen, etc. There more to flying for a living than getting a regional job. How many major, regional, and military guys got training at ATP after they were already at that major or regional?

How would you meet an airline pilot at an FBO?

My FBO does a ton of sports charters. And how about all of those co-workers, students and others that will be in the industry. Also, I've done a few checkouts for airline guys that want to fly for fun.

They do have a stans class, so if you fail that, you can't work for them. That might be a good idea.

There are plenty of airline guys who still fly GA...