Question for ATP Academy Alums
 

Hi all,

I'm brand new to the forums so forgive me if the question has been asked before. I'm currently finishing up my four year engineering degree and am about 6 hours away from the commercial SEL certificate. My plan is to go to ATP to fast track towards the instructor rating while getting the multi endorsement and build multi time. I was wondering if there were any specific ATP locations that you would recommend to attent the training. I was thinking of maybe going to Dallas because it is one of the largest facilities, but wanted to get the feedback of those that have gone through the ATP system.

Thanks in advance

cklein -

YIKES! :eek:
Yes - the question has been asked!!! :)
I suggest that you use the Search function of the forums and select Advanced Search. From there - type in ATP (search titles only) and then from the cateogry section - select Flight Schools and Training.
This should narrow down the search for you - which still produced 150 threads of information when I checked.

After you have found and read some of the threads that aplly to your situation (and no....your situation is not unique), then you might be able to come up with some specific questions to ask vice the open-ended [wanted to get feedback from those that have gone through the system].
Hopefully you will even find a user that you think would be someone that you might PM (once you have enough posts) and ask even more specific questions.

Good luck in your search.

USMCFLYR

There used to be a lot of discussion about AllATPs when regionals were hiring in droves and the Great Recession had not reared its ugly head. I do not recommend AllATPs for an instructor cert. The only argument they ever had going forward was they would hire you IF you obtained all your instructor certs with them and wanted to instruct for them afterwards. It was not a bad plan if you were aiming at a regional because the flight time was mostly in Seminoles.

Some reasons not to do it-

• cost is on the high side
• they may not hire you anyway
• they have a reputation for being mediocre instructors and pilots
• not many other firms are going to be eager to hire an AllATPS instructor if you choose (are forced) to go elsewhere for a job
• AllATPS emphasizes twins, which is not a balanced approach to flying

I would not do it unless you are dead certain you are going to a regional. If you are going to a regional then have at it. I still would not do it. You will save money and become a more rounded pilot through FBOs.

Hello,
I went the ATP route, but not because I wanted to go to the regionals. I was trying to get all my ratings here in Alaska, but the weather was not cooperating. So I decided to attend ATP because of the pace, and they have housing.

I could not be any happier with ATP. The instructors were great, the planes were in great shape, and the cross country phase was a great learning experience.

However if you live near an airport with good flight training available, I would go the FBO route.

The only bad part of ATP is Sallie Mae.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. BTW, I went to the Sacramento location.

[QUOTE=ASpilot2be;1115602]
The only bad part of ATP is Sallie Mae.
[QUOTE]

If you wouldn't mind, what do you mean that was the only bad part? What is wrong with it?

Just curious... :-)

The interest rates. Close to, or over 10%. My payments are going to end up being almost $1000 a month.

Other people have financed through other ways, I however was not so fortunate.

Ouch! That is nasty... Sorry to hear that...

I am a former ATP student and instructor. I now fly for a US regional. Raleigh Durham is a great location. Small location, busy airspace, great location to live. just my .02
Hutch

Just do your homework.....
 

I too went to a very big-- well known flight school whose name I will leave anonymous but I'm sure you can figure it out very easily. And, I probably would of chose another school because I didn't particular like the feeling of being "rushed" thru such a safety oriented career program like flight training. It's just not safe to cut corners in the interest of time and money. If you are looking for a school where you will get one-on-one attention from your instructor and wouldn't mind training in SW Florida then I would suggest Gulf Coast Int'l Flight Academy in Sarasota, FL. My best friend had a great experience there and it's far less expensive and they offer the same programs the large schools do and for about $10,000 less. They even have job placement services for free! That's hard to come by. Hope that helps!

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