OK so I am about 2/3s done with my PPL. It is some of the most fun that I have had. Looks like I will be at between $6K-$7K once it is done. My goal in life is to fly for NETJETs someday within the next 5-6 years or so. I am 36 and retiring from the Navy in the next couple of years.

My questions is:
-On average what have you guys seen the ratings cost MEL/COM/CFI etc...

The reason that I ask is that with me being late in the game getting everything done, I am wondering how much more going to someplace like ATP to do the 90 day thing would be rather than continuing at my FBO. If it is only 10-20K more, it may be worth it for someone like me starting late. Plus being a late starter, ATP would help get me into a regional sooner so that I could move on sooner.

 

I was a late starter myself. Flight instructed for a bit to build the time. If ATP will take your GI money do that. They will get you connected. If memory serves me right, you should be eligible to get a hugh chunk of our ratings beyond private covered by the gov. Get as much multi and meet as many people at netjets as you can. They'll be hiring! Even if you instruct at ATP for a bit the time would be well spent.

 

I thinks its $45,000 for the program, but you will get $27,000 back from the VA. $18,000 is about the best deal your gonna find. Plus you can get done fast. Pay sucks for ATP instructors I have heard, something like $10 an hour, but it's all multi. You could be at Netjets in 2 years not 5.
Goodluck,
Shurb

 

It's a lot more than when I learned. With the cost of gas going up every day, then sooner the better. Every day longer it takes you, the more expensive it'll get.

 

He's right the pay sucks but you'll get 30-40 hours of flying in a week vs 15-25 at fairly busy FBO with 6 other instructors. I am not sure if ATP instructors get any pay for running the office? Maybe someone who has been there can chime in?

 

ww.osaviation.com Get your COM/MEL/MEI for dirt cheap. Getting my COM/MEL there May 21st. The guy that runs the place is super nice and he'll send you the manuals ahead of time via email.

 

OSAVIATION... I just went down to Siler City, nc and got my ME SE COMM last month. Oscar is one of the best flight instructors you'll ever meet!!!! Tell him Jason said wuts up. You'll be flying a twin Comanche. You can stay at the bobs motor inn for 35 bucks a night. It is most definitely the best deal in aviation. Tell him your situation and he will set you up a program. It would be way cheaper than ATP. He stays pretty booked up so call him today and set it up.
Shurb

 

heres the number
(336)266-3325
ask for Oscar Espinoza
he's the flight instructor

 

I would say about $35,000 for everything from Private to CFI/II/MEI. At ATP, that number is like $55,000 (because you need 85 hours and a private to start their $45,000 course). The best idea would be go to a FBO that is part 141 (so they will accept your VA benefits). If someone previously said they will give you $27,000 for training after private, then you would not have to pay anything at a local FBO, versus about $20,000 out of pocket if you go to ATP.

On top of the expensive cost of getting your ratings at these pilot academies, a huge deal is pay when you are an instructor. At a typical FBO, they will pay you about $25-$35 an hour to instruct. As an independent contractor (like all the FBO's at my airport classify their flight instructors), the school doesn't take any of your money. In other words, you can charge the student $40 an hour, and you will make $40 an hour. At airline academies, it is something like $14 an hour. At ATP, it is a flat $1,000 a month (about $13 an hour if you fly 75 hours, even less if you fly more )

It is a myth that you can get your pilot licenses/ratings any faster at a pilot academy than you can at an FBO. Just find some planes that are available, find an instructor that is available, and fly everyday you can. That is all they do at ATP. They fly everyday. You have as much, if not more control over how long it takes you to get your ratings at an FBO.
I think it is pretty obvioius which route I am advocating. Good luck.

 

Thanks for all of the replies. I think that one of the good parts about going to someplace like ATP is that they get you into a regional with low time. I would guess that with the FBO route it is harder to get to the regional with low hours.