Flight school, or Buy an airplane?
 

Hi, I am 25 years old. Married, no kids. I have always wanted to be a pilot since I was about 15-16 years old. My plan now is to earm my PPL at a part 61 Operation, and then go to ATP Flight School Around September of this year. I currently have 5 hours on my log book. Here recently I thought about picking up a little Cessna 150 that is IFR certified, and paying my current instructor to continue to teach me until I can become a CFI. For multi engine ratings I could rent a plane at a local FBO. What is the best option. I don’t want to cut my career compensation down, I know ATP is a respected school in the industry. What are some thoughts on this? Last question.. I am looking to finish my bachelors degree once I earn my ratings, so I can count that towards more credit hours. Which colleges are cost effective. I had a long conversation with liberty University in Virginia.

Thanks in advance

I'd skip ATP ("respected in the industry" depends on who you ask)- it will most certainly be less expensive to stay at your current 61 school and the pace can be just as fast if that's what you want. I'd reconsider buying a 150 for instrument flying...

Buying your own plane will likely save money, as long as you get your hours quickly and then sell the thing.

Some intangible downsides of going that route...

MX: If you have a major MX expense that could wipe out all of your savings plus a lot more. There's no way to guarantee for sure that you won't, so it's a calculated risk. You can mitigate the risk with a very thorough pre-buy inspection, from a very trusted A&P. If for some reason you wanted to keep the plane long-term after your training, then yeah definitely go ahead and buy one (that you can afford).

Price: I looked at buying an IFR 152 to commute to work (sit reserve at home). They are getting expensive and VERY hard to find due to the high demand for GA training capacity. I also insisted on a plane with an engine not way over TBO, which I couldn't find and a 172 was even more costly.

Network: At a bigger school, you'll develop more of a network, both students and instructors. This can help your career progression down the road. The good news is that today (unlike the past) you DON'T need any sort of network to get a regional job. So you could build the network once you get to the regional. You can still meet a few folks at an FBO, but most are typically not airline-bound.

CFI Ecosystem: There is benefit to learning from multiple instructors, vice just one. If you go the FBO route, I'd recommend doing a few "stage checks" along the way with an alternate instructor. You could also just "tag team" two instructors (with their concurrence) if you wanted to fly more than one instructor could support.

With the mention of a few of the ‘faster track’ programs, I would hold off on the idea of buying your own plane, now. There will be added expenses, and then it’s far from ‘free’ to actually fly your own plane.

I would work towards your private ASAP, then keep advancing. Once you get To CFI you’ll have an assortment of options. Keep your eye on what’s at arms reach, which is private pilots license. You plans can be adjusted some later. Put yourself on the fast track, you can get there if the motivation level is adequate.

Don’t buy a plane.
Two disadvantages: they’re always more expensive then planned and flying with the same instructor for all your ratings isn’t necessarily a good thing.
Varying methods of teaching and new techniques can be a tremendous help.
Your instructor also doesn’t need to be your friend, more somebody who can transfer knowledge and allows you to learn.
Skip ATP and find a local school and you’ll be just as fast for less money.

Cut your career compensation down?

What are you talking about?

Good advice! I like the idea of two instructors! I signed up to another FBO with an instructor that went to ATP, I am excited to pick his brain. And see if I like his teaching style better.

Okay, so your advice is to stick with part 61?

That’s helpful information! I am happy that is confirmed, as I just signed up with another instructor so I can have a diverse learning platform!

I don’t want to limit myself by choosing not to do a certain thing, or checking a certain box. I would like to make myself as marketable as I can