chignutsak

As an ATP grad, I can assure you that your experience can wildly vary from one location to the next. It will depend on how much turnover there is. If you are lucky you will get some instructors who have been around a bit and have actually had the time to develop good instructional technique. Just know that in the limited time they have with you, they are teaching you to pass a check ride with a handpicked examiner. Nothing more, nothing less. Spend your money somewhere else, and take the time to learn.

lavMan

I did my ATP at GKY ATP. Can't vouch for the rest of the courses, but I thought the ATP weekend course was good, no complaints.

crflyer

You can pretty much get an idea of both sides from people who have gone through ATP's programs. It's obviously true that some people are more cut out for flying than others, and that won't change based on where you go. There are advantages to different types of training, and ATP's only one is going from zero to hero in a very short amount of time. To be fair, I'm sure ATP has some great students and instructors. However, many of these students getting through the program should not get through. At least not in a matter of months. Pounding the info in and training for a cookie-cutter checkride is how things are done at ATP.

From my limited experience with folks from ATP, it has been a pretty poor impression that I have gotten. Their knowledge level has been much lower than those who have gained "experience" or who have gone through other programs (I know you aren't wanting to spend years getting your certs). An instructor at the school I was at ended up getting fired (only one to be let go there as far as I can remember), and he was a product of ATP. The place also had several students wash out of the program while I was there and some ended up going to ATP just to rifle through their program (and fail rides along the way). I know of this happening at other schools as well. I can't believe some of the people that I've seen get through that program.

In the end it comes down to what you really want out of your training.

brewpilot

GKY and I didn't use my GI Bill

Jones14

I've sent a few e-mails with no reply so far. Just curious what this is because I can't find anything about it through their SF either.

As far as the other replies... My idea of getting done quick is just having the money avaiable to train at my own speed. I'm not trying to set records here. Some of the testimonials show pilots going from zero time to MEII in like 8 months! That seems ungodly fast and I would be inclined to think that these are the people who lack in overall knowledge. If I were to take this route it would be through the self-paced program as I would also still be working FT as a mechanic. I would self study and fly on my days off.

I don't ever want to feel forced into a ride or knowledge test though. I like to thoroughly study for the knowledge tests, like to the point where I feel like I know every answer. I like to fully prepare for each training flight by following the Jeppesen syllabus to a T. Read chapter(s)/maneuvers book, DVD section, study the test questions, etc. Hopefully they don't try to force me along, because self-paced should truly be self-paced. It seems like the student is mainly responsible for his own knowledge, or lack there of. A good CFI is crucial though.

I feel that when it comes to gaining experience you kind of gain that along the way; training, first job, next job... Etc. Training is important for learning safety, fundamentals, and proceduces but no amount of ME time can really prepare you for flying a regional jet I wouldn't think. Just because I have an A&P license doesn't mean I could walk through the door and start pulling landing gear on the CRJs I work on.

Oh well, I just finished my Level 1 training for CAP today so hopefully I'll be getting that going pretty quick.

Thanks for all the replies.

Stryker

I did the Career Pilot Program back in 2007 and I will say that I had a pretty good experience. What others have said is true in that your experience has a lot to do with what kind of person you are and how well you can "go with the flow" in certain instances... Everything is predetermined for you (instructors, flight plans, roommates, etc)... I also agree that the DEs (some) are extremely unfriendly and they seem like they are looking to fail you just to charge a recheck fee.... I did enjoy my time there and made the most of it.

As for their "job placement" help, it USED to be good, but I cant even get a hold of the person in charge to see if any of the hiring agreements still exist.... I sent an email to them a few months ago and I too never heard back from them....

It is a very well oiled machine in how they get you through, but all of the learning is expected to be done before you get there... This is a LOT for some people... This is also very frustrating if you are struggling with a certain topic as the instructors have limited time to teach you (unless you are in the private pilot program).... It is by far the quickest way to get all the ratings done but you pretty much have to put your life on hold as its like a full time job.... Dont let anyone tell you what you should or shouldnt do... Go check it out for yourself and see if it works for you....

duece12345

2.

It just finished at the ATL (LZU) location. It was by far the most ridiculous checkride I have ever been through. The oral went far beyond the scope of the checkride. It was so miserable, I would not recommend this program to anyone, even if it were free. I promise you I am no thin-skinned military dude either.