ATP or other schools ???
 

OK so I got my PPL yesterday and want to keep training. My first thought is to get my ME and then do my isntrument training in a twin. My question is this. I am 37 and can retire next year from the Navy. If I retire my plan would be to go to one of the schools that could get me into a regional ASAP sinse I will be on the high side of the age power curve. Do schools like ATP give you a discount for things you have? Example would be if I went for the fast track program, would they discount the price for me having my instrument ticket and ME and maybe even comercial? Or should I just enjoy my PPL ticket for the next year then go to one of these schools to get everything else? I would like to continue to train now while I can but if it won't matter on the price late, it doesn't make much sense. Any insight?

No ATP dosen't give a discount for anything unfortunately. If you do have your Instrument ticket though you can use the hours that they'll promise you. I've seen people do that, they'll come in with a few ratings just use the other time as time building.

I'm probably going to get my INS and COMM at a local flight school, get my multi add-on when I get my COMM, and then go to ATP to get my MEI and MEII with the 15 hours. that's the plan anyway. I just learned about this path. I was thinking about doing the same as you, but getting your INS and COMM in a multi is super expensive. like 2.5 times the cost of a single.

How can it be 2.5 times the cost? Where I rent I can get a 172 for $125 or a twin for $195. Instructor cost is the same so it is just the $70 per hour difference. Or am I missing something?

where I rent a 172 is $100/hour and and a twin is $243/hour. I guess it's just different prices where you are. that was all I was basing my comment on.

Got it. I can get an old 172 RG for $110 but for the extra $15 it is worth getting the new SP model with all the bells and whistles. The twin they have is pretty basic. Doesn't even have GPS.

www.prairieairservice.com, you can tailor your flight training according to what you need, want, and can afford. Check it out and maybe call. Sometimes they're booked solid other times there are only a few students. So it pays to book ahead if you decide to attend. Only one option of many out there but they are reasonably priced and the training is top notch.

Oh no! Is it even legal to fly without GPS?
:rolleyes:

Nice. I'd recommend learning instruments without using GPS anyway. Anyone can look at a display and figure out where they are. Learning without it will force you to build a mental picture of your position by using basic instruments. Plus, if it's in the plane you can be tested on it. Less is more until after you're rated.

Great reply, glad to have your input.

That was a statment in the direction of why the twin isn't much more than the 172s. I am able to get where I am going without one.