ctd57

I'll admit it, I am instructing to build time. I am not going to lie about that, but not many CFI's are or want to be CFI's for life. Most every flight instructor I dealt with before I was a student at ATP and while I was a student at ATP wanted to go the the airlines or something other than flight instructing. There aren't many ways to build time, especially multi time, other than instructing, but while I am here at ATP, I give quality instruction, I am not here just to sit in the seat to build time. All instructors have the responcibility to that student, that students family, and all other pilots out there to give the proper instruction needed. Not doing that puts everyone else at risk. So for those instructors out there doing that, you need to rethink the way you approach instructing.

N6724G

I m not not just a professional pilot wannabe. I am an aviation enthusiest. I'm the guy you see going to EAA airshows in Oshkosh or helping out with the Young Eagles program. I am the guy that loves seeing an old warbird. (my dream is to fly a P-51 just like the Tuskegee AIrmen). I'm the guy that hangs out at the flying club just to talk even if I dont have a flight scheduled that day.

Thats why I get so hyped on the "majors" thread at folks like skyhigh. SOme of us aremt in aviation stricly for the money. We have a passion for flying and if we can make a little money at it then thats a bonus. But if I never make $200K then thats ok too. I dont have to be an airline pilot. I wouldnt mind flying for the FAA as a flight inspection pilot, or flying for the forestry service or law enforcement, or teaching aviation in a university aviation program. There are many opportunities other than being an airline captain out there.

In fact, yeterday I was down in south Georgia checking out the Ag-pilot school. The chief pilot took me up in a Super Cub and showed me what they do as an ag pilot. It was fun flying low to the ground at 100kts. There were only two instruments on the plane, the altimeter and the airspeed indicator. No bank infortain except a compas. I actually had to look "outside" the airplane to see how much to bank. SOmething I hadnt really done since my PPL days. So, it was good to get back to basics.

LAfrequentflyer

I got burned by time building CFIs while getting my PPL. I didn't know any better and learned a valuable lesson. Like The Gipper I now 'trust but verify' what they tell me by asking for AIM / FAA literature referrences.

I experience has led me on an emotional roller-coaster. i told my mom one day I would treat students the way I was treated. She quickly reminded me about doing the right thing and made it clear I was (In her opinion ) that I was too nice a person to do that. Anyway, I've been completely turned off by FBOs and their BS. Preception is reality - i'm sure there are excellent ones out there but I'm not going to find any.

I am beginning to think more and more that flying is something you have to do all out or not at all. With gas prices going up I can't imagine paying to log hours. I'd rather pay for accelerated training and then work as a CFI/regionals.

I finished , but have avoided flying / training at an FBO since then (Aug 2004). When I return it will be where there is a fixed price / fixed time to get things done.

I just play around on FS these days.

N6724G

No one can guarrentee you a fixed price. Learning to fly is an individual thing. SOme people can get their PPL in 40 hours. SOme get in in 60 and some like me get it after 100 hours. Ther eis no set time to become proficient. Everyone learns at a different rate. How can a school guarentee that with 5,000 dollars you wil get your commercial lisence? You may not get a good feel of the maneuvers in the amount of time to covve that. You may need additional practice. there is no way of saying.

ctd57

I don't want to be an airline pilot for the rest of my life either. Believe me, I have been into aviation since I can remember. I don't care what I am doing as long as I am happy and I can pay my bills. The only thing that I do know is that I don't want to be a flight instructor for the rest of my life. And for that P-51, you better come up with about $1 million

LAfrequentflyer

Yes they can. AllATPS does.

There is a big difference between taking a students money and building time vs. doing your job as a CFI.

I agree people learn at different rates. However, motivated , physically capable , and educated people can learn to fly if given proper / professional instruction. When you have a CFI that can't tell a student that has completed all the hour / maneuver requirements for a PPL when his check ride will be that student shoud do what I did. Make the CFI and FBO owner tell you what areas you need to improve in? In my case , they couldn't and I wanted my checkride. Which I got and passed without any side-effect...

I'm saving my cash and in the distant future will attend ATPS and move on from there. No more FBOs for this kid...

-LAFF

ctd57

Amen to that. You can get it done within a predetermined amount of time and money, and I am one of the many who complete this program all the time at ATP. I do know of a handful who didn't make it though the program. But, these same people most likely wouldn't have made it through airline training. ATP is probably the best way to get ready for airline training. No airline is going to let you take your sweet time during training. If you cannot make it in the time alotted, see ya later. And N6724G, the COMM ME checkride is one of the easiest checkrides out there. It is basically the same as a PVT check except the maneuvers are a little bit different and there isn't as much room for error. I would honestly recommend to anyone, if not ATP, a program where you are required to get done in a certain amount of time. It will help you in the long run. You are unable to put things off and it forces you to learn. Alot of people on this website say that ATP doesn't teach you to fly, they have no clue what they are talking about. N6724G, if I were u I would do a little bit more investigating and bite the bullet and make the commitment to a structured course.

LAfrequentflyer

I have always done well in a structured program (BMTS, OTS, Technical training in the military). I want the following: tell me, show me, let me do it, and correct as needed...

I look forward to attending ATPs when I retire from the AF. I can wait - until then I'll be happy flying a F-16 in FS2004...<grin>

A motivated , educated (HS level math), and focused student can be turned into a capable CFI in the 90 + 60 (for ppl) accelerated program ATP offers. There is no reason to drag out the training.

One learns most by telling / showing others. The process of educating others forces one to confront their own weakness and to master those areas where they lack confidence / knowledge.

-LAFF

LeoSV

where did you get the F-16 in FS2004? I downloaded an F-18, but it just flew like the learjet with a fighter cockpit, it was lame. but it was freeware. maybe that was the problem.. lol

LAfrequentflyer

www.simviation.com