ATP's CFI program IS fast paced. I went through it, and it is pretty much a self-study program. I wouldn't classify every ATPer as not knowing how to teach though, I know how to teach, but maybe that comes from the fact that I have other life experiences to draw from, who knows? Anyway, in that short part of the program there is a lot of self study, no one will tell you the answer to anything unless you have exhausted all assets you know of to find the answer for yourself. It's a good idea I think since it makes you know where to find information. You'll spend a lot of late nights too. Another word of advice is to make sure you write your OWN lesson plans. There will always be someone who comes with something pre-fabricated. This is no good since lesson plans should be formed to how YOU would teach. The program is good and you still have to pass the same exact initial test as everybody else since the exam is taken with the FSDO. Mine was a fun filled 10 hour oral exam followed by a 2.5 hour flight the following day.

 

I guess I'm not really sure what a decent price is for getting your CFI CFII and MEI. Since examiner fees, books, etc are probably the same either way, I'll consider that a wash. For people that did any instructor rating at a part 61 FBO school, how much did that cost you?

I really don't think that $2333 per rating is excessive...maybe I'm clueless though.

Edit: Career Pilot School has an "Aviation Educator Course" where you get all three ratings for $9595 in 25 days.

 

Books: The FAA books are the only ones that are really fair-game. They're available for free in PDF format on the web. They worked well for me.

Fees: Man up and take your initial with a Fed. If you can pass with a DPE, you should pass with a Fed.

Get your initial CFI and maybe the CFII. Once you're instructing somewhere fly with a fellow instructor and get the signoff for the MEI and take it that way.

Also, a lot of places hire their CFIs from students that trained there. This is how I got my first job. If you plan on working somewhere that isn't ATP you might want to look into your local FBO.