Where to start flight training?
 

Hello everyone! I've been wondering where to start my flight training but have been conflicted with all the different options, and which is the best path and which would be worth the money I'd have to pay.

A background of everything:
I am a 23 year old graduating senior in college. I'm obtaining my Bachelors degree. I have 0 flight time and would be starting from scratch. I've contacted ATP flight school and got more info from them but the price was really high and the stuff I saw about how they rushed students alarmed me. There is actually a local flight school which is right next to the ATP location in my city's home airport. That flight school allows you to obtain your PPL, on your time, even while working.

My long-term goal is to be an airline pilot for a major airline but I don't know where to start. I also want to add, I have a child so ATP would be very difficult not being able to work while also learning how to fly, but they give you everything you need (from what I've read). I've applied at some Airline Cadet Programs (JBU, AAL), but even other cadet schools require at least a PPL.

Any suggestions? Thanks for any responses in advance!

Where do you live? That would help us offer insight on the flight schools near you

I live in Concord, NC

Aerowood (I think that's the name) down in Monroe is really good from what my friend is telling me

Your local airport has several flight schools other than ATP. I’d visit all of them and see what your gut tells you after talking to them all face to face

Tell them you are interested in doing all your training but you’re not sure if you will do it all in one place.
Make them work a little harder to get you as a customer.
Train part time as your schedule allows.
Your family will suffer enough down the road. No need to start early.

Thank you!
 

Thank you everyone! I will use these as back up's now that I was recently selected to move forward with the JetBlue gateway select program.

I would start right now(ASAP) with a local private pilot ground school, classroom environment if able. Then build from that start.

You're financing $110k for training worth only about 30-40k at best.

Maybe talk to other pilots and see what options are out there? FBOs, Flight Clubs, etc.

Maybe 30 years ago.
0-CFII at a decent school will set you back $60-70k.
Instruct for 1200 hrs after that is approximately $36,000 so that puts you around $106-$110k so ballpark.
Yes I’m assuming you’re paying for your own CFI wages.