sigep_nm

i dont think you can even get hooked on crank in 90 days

AVIVIII

One of the things that I found is that the quality of the pilot after they left had a lot to do with their previous training. Also, like anything if you just go through the motions and don't take anything away from it, you aren't going to get anything out of it. It is unfortunate, but you can go through the motions and get away with it, but those aren't the guys that want to be a professional pilot. I figured that anyone that was posting here would have more respect for themselves.

Regardless of any of that, the biggest question was about their CFI program. I might be atypical, but just before I was supposed to start working for ATP in the office, I got a Job offer from a small airport back home. So I left the flat-land for my lake house in NH. I ended up logging 1400 hours dual given and signing off nearly 30 check rides in 2 years, everything from private to multi commercial and CFII, all except one passed on the first try.

LAfrequentflyer

For the cost / time its the best deal out there. I agree a professional is not made in 90 days. However, 90 months of training at an FBO won't make you any more professional.

I do believe a stint as a CFI will / does help most aspiring pilots.

-LAFF

sigep_nm

Serious question, how much of that was training for an EXAMINER, and how much was it training for a rating. This is not a spite or a joke, but a serious question. It happens more than you think

Slice

For time and cost check out www.prairieairservice.com, it'll save you about $15K over ATP.

PDXflyer

I think the ATP program is the way to go. get your ratings and get out. Don't waste time going to some place like riddle. Its not about where you train, its about where you go to get your experience.

AVIVIII

I do take that question seriously, and I do know how much it actually happens. At ATP they definitely train and require you to have the knowledge and be able to perform to the PTS. That being said, they let you know what the examiner will be looking for specifically. Certain people were sticklers for airspeed on steep turns, certain people liked you to say "Checklist complete" at the end of each checklist, etc, etc. And the examiners aren't fools either, they can tell as well as you or I who knows their stuff and who doesn't. They strongly discouraged "Gouge Training" but there are so many people and so few examiners that it isn't too difficult to figure out a certain examiner's style.

How was that for clear as mud?

AVIVIII

As much as I agree with you about not going to Riddle or similar schools, I think that the most important thing is your attitude. Especially during your training, don't loose track of your goals, don't get caught up in all the BS, make sure you have fun, learn all you can whenever and from whoever you can and for god sakes don't jump on the first job that comes a long just because it has a jet engine. Do it for yourself, not for the jet! Fly as many different planes as you can, including tail draggers with no radios (Yes its possible, I promise). Just get the experience and take it for what it is worth. Fly because you love it and yeah, try to get a good paycheck out of it too!

Good luck with your taining!