ATP and FBOs.
 

Just have a few questions for someone with some experience.

I was considering attending ATP for my training, but the closest location is 3 hours from where I live. I could do it, but it would be a strain on my family.

So, I looked at doing the training at my local FBO, which is cheaper.

Two questions:

Is there financing for someone doing all their trainings at an FBO? (Sallie Mae, Wachovia, etc.)

Do the hiring minimums that ATP says that have worked out with the airlines and guaranteed interviews help? Meaning, will it be that much easier with ATP on my resume?

Oh yeah, my goal is to work for a regional airline, hopefully on the west coast.

Thank you.

Not sure about loans. I'm sure other folks can answer that one.

The ATP system does help you get hired. I question that it's worth the extra money as it's not all that hard to get hired these days, anyhow. I believe you can train anywhere, get your CFI, build up your times, and move on. It's no big deal. In some cases, you can get better training at a smaller school and still get your ratings pretty quick. Multi time is important and that's where ATP is an advantage, but there are other ways to come by that, too.

Some people have been saying train at a smaller school and then go to ATP for the CFI's and work there to get the multi in. That might not be a bad way to go.

Hello ther pottsm604, I'm looking at both ATP and DCA vs. my FBO which I really like. I think I'm going to get my CFT at ATP and that is it. I was also told by a guy at ATP in JAX last week that they are going to have a price increase very soon. I don't know if he was trying to motivate me to sign up, but that is my guess. He couldn't tell me how much, but it makes sense b/c someone is going to have to pay for those 20 shiny, new Diamond Jets they just ordered.

So, just a 411 on ATP, make sure and ask them if they are looking to have a price increase anytime in the near future. Will be interested to hear their response.

727,

I would like to do just what you said and go to ATP for my CFIs, but I just called them and they said they aren't going to be doing that for a while. The admissions guy said there is just too many people wanting that course. Apparently it's 50k or nothing. He did say that I could still apply to instruct there, so I may just get all my ratings here at home and then apply to ATP to instruct. Then supposedly you get the regional jet and FMS training free, plus the guranteed interviews.

Thanks for all the help. Open to any other ideas that you have.

otter jumper,

I checked out DCA as well, but it just seems too expensive and looks like it would take too long to be worthwile.

Don't they require you to instruct for them for a year? Poverty wages, no thanks.

Exactly how much do you think you'll be making as a new-hire regional pilot?

I actually look at the instructor time as a good thing for me, b/c I will need to build the multi-time. My issue with DCA was the darn cost, but they do provide the time component I need. I think I will go to them for my CFI's, but not until then. I want to build a solid foundation of basics and make sure I don't sacrifice the retention b/c I"m on a time stamped schedule. That time will come soon enough at the airline training if I go that route!

In my humble examination of the schools I found this: For my taste they are jamming way too much info into a very compressed time frame...and again that is only for this guy and it's one opinion. They certainly seem to know their business and the RJ's love the product, but I know my personality. I don't want to get a rating just b/c I can squeak by, I want to know the qualification from top to bottom. Let me give this analogy and it comes from a guy who sold cardiovascular implantables for 13 years. I worked with many M.D.'s whom I would not let put a band-aid on my big toe, but worked with many D.O.'s that I would easily trust with my life. A title or degree doesn't make the man in my opinion. D.O.'s are frowned up in the little fraternity of M.D.'s, but those of us who watch these people in action know the real story....it's the person that counts, not the title.

The FBO is the way to go for me, but that isn't to say the immersion school isn't a good way for another. Great thing about America....choices!

Not much, I realize this, but I would like to keep my decent paying job as long as possible. Moving my family to Florida for two years and not making any money isn't possible, at least for me.

We've started saving up so that the first two or three years of regional airline pay won't completely ruin us.

Otter jumper,

Well said, all of it. I also value the instructing time, I just hope I am able to move to a town near a ATP location or at least instruct locally.

Don't think either one of us can PM yet, but when we can, send me one.

I've been both to an FBO, DCA, ATP and that's where I'm instructing. DCA is a place I wouldn't recommend. Granted, they have hands down the best training, but the cost is just way too much and they say they have connections in the airlines, but you never see them. ATP actually has printed letters of lowered minimums to the regionals if you go through their program. However you won't learn much. When I finished my instructor ratings at ATP, all the examiners would tell the managers at ATP that they could tell that I didn't do my training at ATP. Kinda harsh. But they will get you done in a very timely manner and they have the connections into the airlines. If you ask DCA they will say yes, but if you ask to see a document they can't produce it. I loved my training at DCA, but they are really gonna put you in debt. My advice is to do training at either ATP or an FBO. As long as you get a good instructor, you'll be fine.

Sure thing pottsm604, will do.

I'm totally committed to the FBO route now. I have my pick of several really great personalities and all are extremely competent. Furthermore, after speaking with two former and one current student I am even more convinced as they all raved about both the quality of instruction AND the straight forward dealings of the school. None of the 'oh and by the way, you owe us another $$$ for this thing we forgot to tell you about' stories.

How long until we are able to send a message by the way?

Otter jumper,

We have to post a certain amount, but I don't know what it is.

I have been taking lessons at my FBO and it is going well. I am going to sit down with my instructor tommorow to figure out the full cost and compare it with ATP. I know it will be cheaper, just don't know how much.

I think it's 10 posts for certain features to kick in.

keywords: these days....


who knows in about 4 years when you actually get finished at the local FBO and, have instructed for a litle time building. at ATP you get it done, you're in and out. You get your job and start makin money.

I fooled around with the local FBO/141 university for my private. A year and a half later, got my license. I'm making a career out of aviation... not my flight training. went to atp with my ppl in may. I got my CFII checkride tomorrow. passed the oral today.

If you want to learn how to fly for fun... stick with your local FBO.

It doesn't take four years to get your stuff done unless you let it. I did it in less than ATP time and for 40% less in today's dollars. Sounds like the Kool-Aid is tasty.

Yeah, I'm by no means going to get my CFII in ATP times, but I don't think a year and a half to two years is too long.

But I'll tell you what, my hat's off to you guys at ATP that can absorb all this information in such a short amount of time. I fly about five days a week on top of five days a week of ground school classes and sometimes -I- feel like I'm trying to drink from a fire hose.

"who knows in about 4 years when you actually get finished at the local FBO"

ATP didn't reinvent the wheel in reference to part 61 flight training. It's airplane, student, CFI. Some FBO's can do it just as fast but without the useless RJ courses and Citation rides.

Some guys feel the need to train at a place that guarantees you an interview. Others are happy to go there based on the merits of their flight experience and background. To each his own, I guess....