I am looking at the CFI route to build time, and make some extra money while I continue teaching. I was looking into the ATP route (2 weeks for the CFI, CFII and MEI.) Has anyone been through the program recently? Any advice would be appreciated.
Additionally, as this is one of my first posts, let the jokes/sarcasim commence. The better the joke, the more extra credit I give

 

I studied for an entire summer to take the initial CFI checkride. I work 9-5 but studied in the evenings and on the weekends. It is one heck of a big checkride. You need to make lesson plans for everything in the PTS for PVT and COMM. My best suggestion - work on it full time over the summer when you aren't teaching and you'll knock it out in a couple months. Use a local FBO and do the 'slow & steady' method. You'll be a much better CFI because of it and benefit your students much more. When it came down to my checkride I whizzed through it and even got an email from the FSDO Examiner the next day telling me how nicely I did on my ride. I knocked out the MEI & CFI-I in 3 weeks working part-time at it in the month after my initial ride.

 

I did the 2 week CFI program at ATP (ended up being 3 weeks.) It's the way to go IF you are very, very prepared ahead of time. Don't walk in there expecting much in the way of ground instruction. ATP will not hold you hand, either you come prepared and study your butt off or you will fall behind, spend more money, and they won't feel bad for you.

I did it in JAX back in September and it was the most intense few weeks of my life. It was very worth it in the end having all 3 CFI, II, MEI done. I studied hard for a few months ahead of time in the evenings. I came with my binder and lesson plans made, and writtens completed.

If you didn't do your training at ATP or don't have much Seminole time I'd suggest the 15 hour program despite your current multi time. The 7 hour one wasn't enough time for me to get all of their crazy procedures down.

Just know going in, ATP is the McDonnalds of flight training. It's quick, cheap, not the best quality, but you will get what you paid for if you are motivated and can handle fast paced training. PM me if you want more details on my experience.

 

Thank you for your advice. I will be taking both perspectives into thought.

 

Your dead on. I studied for 3 weeks prior and did it I also had just recently did all my ratings at another school.