JamesNoBrakes

What does most efficient mean? Plenty of companies are out there trying to convince you that you HAVE to get your certificates and ratings REAL FAST, because if you DON'T, you'll miss the "BIG PILOT SHORTAGE OF 2015". It's BS. It's always been and it always will be. Most of us that have been there and done that will tell you to pay your way through, even if it takes a few more years. The benefits from this are absolutely worth it and it will allow you to do more things that and go further faster when you actually do finish the training and start to take jobs. Can not emphasize enough, don't put yourself in debt to do this or go to college.

MarioG1

Something you may want to consider is to find a local Civil Air Patrol Squadron, once you jump through the hoops of joining you can gain a lot of experience, flight time, and additional ratings and certificates for less $. It isn't a flying club, but you have the opportunity to fly with some very experienced instructors and other private aviators. For members there is no instructor fees and the aircraft fees are roughly $55-$65 an hour with fuel for a 172. You can't beat the cost if you split time with another pilot. Build up enough time and experience then opportunities for funded flying become available. Definitely worth some time checking it out.

Pacer17

I bought an airplane, built up the hours, and still have it. I could sell it anytime for pretty much what I bought it for. I also know a guy that bought a 150, built up 300 hours, and sold it for $1000 more than he bought it for. Thats one option. However you have to be careful because any maintenance needed is on you. I like it however because the plane is always ready to go for me, no scheduling issues, and I dont have to pay $100 an hour to build time.

WBennett

If at all possible try to keep your full time job and pay for your ratings as you go. You'll be way ahead of the game when your a fresh CFI and have zero debt to pay back!

highflyer859

Definitely get the instrument first. Make friends and split time with one of you under the hood

SmilinJack

I went to ATP and am now instructing for a local school in CO. ATP is a great program if you are committed. The 3 month zero to hero is complete BS, I didn't fail any rides and my training went smoothly aside from being grounded for a week due to a pretty bad ear infection and it took me 5 months. The debt is pretty bad and the job they offered me was in some no name town in Georgia that only had two students. So if your looking for work right after I wouldn't count on ATP to give you somewhere desirable, that being said if you do stick with it you will get plenty of time in a hurry.

The other issue is college. If your looking to get into the airlines most will require you to have a 4 year degree. Working for ATP will not allow you the time to finish college, another reason I chose to come back to my old flight club.

If you do decide to try ATP my advise would be to do your research! There are plenty of forums dedicated to people like you that are toying with the idea of committing to romen and pbr for some time.
and if you do decide to take that bullet make sure to self study. The program is so fast it will seem like you are getting a new rating every other week, so its easy to forget what you've already learned.
Lastly be an advocate for yourself. Most of the instructors at ATP are just their for the hours and don't really care for being the most competent CFI's but every base should have a few you just need to speak up if your CFI is not up to the task.

Hope this helps.