That "some requirement" is in the FARs. You have to have 15 PIC in a twin to take the MEI checkride with anyone. $1000 for 15 hours in a twin isn't bad.

I went through ATP's 90-Day program (Back when it was only $28k...) in Jacksonville. I did a lot of research, talked to a lot of people and visited many different schools, including 3 different ATP locations. Included in my training was the 2 week CFI program which is the same one that they are offering for $6k. Have absolutely no concerns about the quality of training that you will receive. It is very intensive and intensively thorough. I came away from the entire experience with absolutely no complaints, what so ever.

If you are trying to choose a location, let me give you some quick advice. Since you are already traveling a fair distance, it really shouldn't matter too much
where you go.

Choose Jacksonville, hands down.

A couple of reasons:
1.) It is ATP's home base. This is important especially for you. During my training there, we spent a lot of time at other locations, and JAX was definitely the most professional. Not to say that the others weren't professional, but there was something about the air at JAX that demanded excellence from everyone.

2.) Along with 1.), the best of the best are there as far as staff is concerned. The best instructors get JAX. The chief instructors are great guys and the one that does the bulk of the CFI class is Master CFI Walt Schamel. You will learn soooo much.

3.) Again, back to 1.), if you want to work for the company you will meet the guys in dispatch, the big guy, Jim K. and all of the other important people that make the company tick. You will also meet the woman that put the resumes on Jim's desk...

As far as working for them goes, they definitely demand the same excellence and intensity that they provide. My instructor logged over 1000 hrs of MEL time in a year flying every day and spending an average of 11 hours a day between the airport and the sim. (obviously not flying all that time), and was still very energetic and truly loved her job. Just remember, the check book might not really like the job, but the log book will love it. Plus, you get to live about 10 minutes from the airport (KCRG) with a whole bunch of pilots. If you want to live, sleep, eat and breath airplanes (namely PA-44s!) this is the place for you. I made that decision and I loved it, no regrets.

thank you , thats the info I was looking for. good to hear from someone who went thru their training. thanks for the headsup on jax. i'll PM you with some more questions if you dont mind :)

No problem, more than happy to help

Another thing I just realized as I was perusing all of the postings. For the three checkrides I spent $450 on my MEI which was my initial CFI. There are (or were) so many applicants for CFI in FL that the FSDO can't handle them all and assign them to a very few, select DPEs accross the state. The CFII which was done in the Seminole and the Single Engine add-on in a 172 were $300 each. I just find it hard to believe that the examiners were charging $500 per check ride. Up here in NH it is only $225 average!

I just wanted to add that im going to start ATP's 90 day program in Jan., and from what I can tell, from who I have talked to, and even from what I have read....this is the place to go!! I really have no info to give you about the program, I just thought I would say that ATP is worth the money and I cant wait till I get started.

hey good luck pilot_man, thats about the time ill be starting the cfi program. What location are you headed to?

Thanks and good luck to you too. Ill be heading to the GKY location. Where you heading?

Thanks for posting...I've done my research as well and ATPs is hands down the best flight training deal out there. Outside the military of course...

-LAFF

Laff,
I agree with most of your posts, but best training deal out there? Maybe for the cost, but not for the quality. I worked in PHX with a lot of guys from ATP, and a meth head with an uzi doesnt scare me as much as some of those guys with an airplane, let alone teaching someone how to fly one. No offense, but a professional is not made in 90 days.