ClassicMan

Hi Everyone,

I am currently finishing up my PPL hoping to finish my in January and want to continue training, ultimately getting my instrument rating, CPL, and CFI/II to support my goal of flying as a career.. I'm looking at leaving my job once I have my PPL in hand to pursue my ratings full-time, and I am currently weighing the benefits of doing it a number of different ways, and am interested to hear what people hear think is the best option.

I can:
-Continue getting my ratings at the part 61 school I'm currently with (~155/hr for a 172 and 60/hr for my instructor). I'm not sure of how long this will take. I've been able to fly 2-3 times a week currently but they have not started with any 141 students and I'm unsure about how they'll prioritize aircraft rental moving forward
-Start in the new 141 school out of the same location (minimum hours for all ratings put this option at ~$62k. My other concern with this school is the maintenance. In my past 2 flights I've had issues (with the same plane) ranging from a stuck flap, to an engine out on short final.
-Fly with a local flying club. Prices at the club are much cheaper (130/hr for a 172 with G500, and 40/hr for the instructor). But I'm unsure of how able they are to support a full time student. If there is someone there that is able, this is most likely the option I'll go with. The only reason I didn't go with them for my PPL is the wait list they have. (not a factor for training beyond PPL).
-ATP. Done in 6 months. Fixed cost.

I'm interested to hear what everyone thinks is the best option out of the above. I think I have an idea of how I'd prioritize them, but would like to call on the collective wisdom here.

cons

You didn't give much information to offer any advice. However, it mainly comes down to time and money. Whichever you have more of, that will answer your question. With that said, I'm not a fan of atps pilot mill, but to each their own.

Many other factors are involved in this personal decision. Not limited to, but including the following: Current family and career obligations, expenses, location, availability to train, etc

ClassicMan

To answer these:
-Currently married, no kids with a working wife that makes plenty to support us both through the transition and savings to pay out of pocket during training
-Planning to quit work and train full time after PPL
-In Atlanta

I'd like to be done as quickly as possible so I can be back to making money and building towards 1500 hrs. I'm willing to trade off some time in a flying club or different part 61 school, but don't want to take longer than a year to finish up IR/CPL/Multi/CFI&CFII/

cons

If money isn't an issue, and time is, then go to atps and you'll be done in a year.

MikayelSakian03

Hello all, My name is Mikayel Sakian I am 18 years old and I am looking to find the perfect flight school. I have recently found a big Flight School called ATP they have locations all over the U.S and I thought it would be perfect for me because they offer a Fast track Airline Pilot Program, But I recently stumbled upon some YouTube videos and some were positive and somewhere negative. Are there any people who had any experience working with ATP in their many locations if so can you give me some feedback. Thank you for your time

kettlechips

Don't do atp.
You can train faster and cheaper at a local mom and pop part 61, plus they won't force you to take checkrides you're not ready for.