bassslayer

I trained at ATP a couple of years ago. Overall, I enjoyed the program. Lots of flying and good experience. You pay exactley what is quoted. The powers that be at ATP are stand-up individuals. Unlike most flight schools out there.
However, (just my opinion) I found the training to be marginal. You are trained to pass the checkride. The examiners are NOT ATP staff and do NOT just give away the ratings like some people think. The instructors however do have gouges on the examiners and you are taught the checkride. At least this is the way it was at a couple of locations I took checkrides from. Most of the instructors at ATP are new instructors with very liittle time and virtually no flying experience outside of ATP's training pipeline. They get hired at the regionals within a few months of instructing because almost all of their time is multi time. I found the instructors know ATP procedures and aircraft very well, (as I did when I graduated) but very little else. If I had to do it all over again, I would still chose to go to ATP. There really is no better school out there if your goal is to get to a regional fast. Of all the different phases of the program, I felt the CFI training was severly lacking.

FL600

I started at ATP yesterday. So far so good. I'll give updates.

LAfrequentflyer

I've done the same thing the posted has...I've done all the research myself into the different schools. I have come to the same conclusion many have. ATP is not perfect but it is the best deal out there for flight training. You'll get what you pay for and be on your way to a aviation career.

I know 6 year CFIs that had less than 10 hours ME and a little over 1,000 hrs SE that gave up. I don't want to see someone else in that boat. I've been taken at local FBOs - I definately don't want others to go thru that experience. It sucks big time....

I'll continue to promote ATP. I suggest you add me to your ignore list if its something you want to avoid reading...

BTW - ask about ATP on flightinfo.com or expressjetpilots.com and see what type of replies you get...Well over 90% will be in favor of ATP. Even people that had issues with certain aspects of the program will tell you they would return because the package is too good to pass up...

-LAFF

Puppyz

LAFF you are missing my point. I am not saying ATP is a bad program. I am not saying ATP is not a good deal. Go back and read what I posted earlier, or read the first post in this thread. He wants the opinion of someone who has actually been there.

BTW dont just bash the FBO route just because it did not work for you. I know a CFI who worked at a busy FBO and was able to build over 100 hours of multi time just by networking. A FBO can also be a great place to network and make connections. I know of another CFI who got himself a great corporate job through networking at the FBO he worked at.

FlyingGuide

I did my MEI at ATP. I have a very small picture of ATP. It was a positive one. I did notice from the second that I walked in, I was taught to pass the Checkride. No real world application. You mean that you might teach in something else besides a seminole!?!?. I teach in a Turbo Seneca now. I am comfortable with my multi training from UND prior to getting to ATP, but if I didn't have a very solid base, I would not have done very well. You must do everything beyond the checkride on your own.

LAfrequentflyer

Whats wrong with doing everything beyond the checkride on your own? Ever been in college? Teacher BSs and you are responsible for learning from the book / lecture (if they desire to give one...)...I learned more on my own at the library then asked for clearification in class on problems / topics.

The FAA requires you to be trained to a certain level of knowledge / practical application. ATP does exactly that. ATP does exactly what they promise for the price quoted.

Why should aviation be any different? In the rest of the world , you are responsible for your education to the level you feel comfortable.

If the FAA had issue with ATP they wouldn't be in business.

-LAFF

FlyingGuide

ATP Gave me 2 gouges when I walked in the door. Here is what the DPE is going to ask you. I would say Rote knowledge. You spit out what the DPE wants to hear. This was for my MEI, not a commercial ride. I never taught anything during my training. Instructor Knowledge not Rote knowledge.
I guess I am spolied when I went to college and learned things from my instructors.
LAFF, do you work @ ATP or something because you have to defend every bad thing that is said about ATP.
My statements were going along with Bassslayer. The instructor courses could spend a little more time "instructing."

FlyingGuide

He wanted info on ATP. I gave my opinions and observations.

Engineer Pilot

Hi everyone... My first post! I am really glad I recently found this forum and I am privledged to be a member with the rest of you.

I am currently working on my PPL. I have asked several CFIs and regional F.O.s about the best route to take to the airlines and they all support ATP as a flight school from either 1) experience or 2) word of mouth.

I am planning to attend a 90 day Fast track Airline Career Pilot Program at ATP this summer. With so much training in so little time, how can I prepare in advance for my training and study? If it is a lot of self-study then I believe it would make sense to study before-hand, right?

LAfrequentflyer

ATP will send you a package with everything you need in it.

Search for ATP on this forum - on another thread a gentleman posted a breakdown of costs / things send to him for 90 day program at ATP.

-LAFF