I always thought that ATP flight school was great but since reading the forums on here it seems bad, also I was just reading a forum on a school called National Flight Academy and heard they were bad. Who here has actually went to a Flight School/ Academy like ATP, FSA, RAA, etc and can tell me which are good or bad??? thanks

 

keep in mind (i think) there are a few people on this forum that are paid to give praise to certain schools

ya know if you can find a good FBO that will fly you once a day if wx permits and isn't too expensive that's the best route

 

I've been to both ATP and DCA. And my opinon is, is that they both have their high points and their low points just like any other school.

 

academically and quality of training wise i found DCA to be top notch. i think everyone's experience differs and has a lot to do with the instructors you are dealt (i say dealt cuz it really can be a crapshoot). personally i had a great experience there and while it cost more than it should have, it wasn't nearly as bad as a lot of people make it out to be (for me at least, again i feel i got lucky and had great instructors that did what they could to look out for me and my finances).

 

The truth is, you'll find it really hard to get a straight answer on a flight school. My best advice to you is to research, research research. Visit the schools, see the planes, checkout the training outline stuff like that. There will always be bias for and against any flight school anywhere. I for one attended DCA for all of my ratings, and was a check instructor there. As much as i bash it, as a student, it has it's ups, and it's downs. Money and management (yes they affect students too) being their biggest downfall. But the training is very very good.

There will always be those who loathe and those who love schools like DCA. It just really depends on that person's story, and the trail they followed.

Regardless of your choice as a student, don't work for DCA


Good luck man, PM if you want more stories.

 

Whatever fits your budget and schedule the best is where you should go. I for one went to ATP, did the 90 day program and then went on to instructing for them. They have alot of locations, they also have a 10 month program which works great for people who want to continue to work. They too have some downfalls, but who doesn't. Choose which ever flight school best suits you. Don't totally go by these forums, there are alot of people who find it their goal in life to only bash ATP, DCA, etc...Make your own decision.

 

"Don't totally go by these forums, there are alot of people who find it their goal in life to only bash ATP, DCA, etc..."

Yeah, and there's people on here that have little experience outside the way THEY did it and get upset when people have legit questions about the method, or school, they are so fond off.

This site is a great cross section of people that worked their way up different ways. I've experienced ATP, Riddle, and small 61 schools, myself, and no two people at APC did it the same way.

The best thing to do is listen to what everyone says. Check schools out in person, then decide on your best course of action based on what you can afford.

 

Prairie Air Service. Google it.

 

Good Post!

 

Matthew,

I am anticipating on leaving for ATP in January. I'm waiting for an answer from the FAA and should know this week.

As far as attending ATP, I have done the math and the research and have come up with the same conclusion every time; you get "more" for your $ @ ATP than you would at any other flight academy, school or in my opinion...FBO. Now I'm sure there are some that will take issue with that, however, ATP is my choice.

The "more" that I'm speaking of is the amount of multi-engine time that you get for the money. Granted, I'm 45 and really don't have the luxury of time, if you will, that someone like yourself has being only 16 yrs of age. Use your time constructively & wisely. Try to avoid from dilly dallying around and stay focused and determined. Steady Eddie wins the race.

All the best. Blue skies.


atp