Puppyz

thank you FlyingGuide. LAFF, FlyingGuide and Bassslayer have both said the instructor course is lacking. These are their opinions based on their experiences with the actual ATP program. Yet as soon as flyinguide points this out you try and defend ATP (even though you have no experience with the cfi program). You can't even accept anything but good feedback for ATP. LAFF, with the attitude you have, it's no surprise you were taken for a ride at an FBO.

I am not bashing ATPs program LAFF. I simply think people need to know what they are getting into. Both sides of the story, not just 1. You can't be so blind as to not even accept any criticism, especially from someone who has been there done that.

LAfrequentflyer

Where have I said ATP is perfect? I've never said they take you to anything but FAA standards to pass the appropriate checkrides.

-LAFF

LAfrequentflyer

BTW - the attitude I have is...IT CAN BE DONE...I don't see that as a problem.

-LAFF

FlywithStyle

thanks for all the imput I will take it all into consideration

samc

I went through the ATP Career Program. PPL to CFII ME and SE in 93 days. The CFI program is a punch in the gut but they give you the tools to pass. I passed all 8 checkrides first time. Some people make the odd mistake and have a slip-up, no biggie. The only people that have a problem in the program are people that think they walk by or go to the bar with the book and learn everything they need to know. My CFI initial was with the FSDO not a DPE and went from 0600to 1600hrs. I passed, and so did the other 4 people that took FSDO checkrides that day. Anecdotal evidence, but evidence, nevertheless.

swimbody

I didn't go to ATP so I have no insight, but I do know about the time it took me. I got my CFI/CFII in 28 days. It was a handful but I could have gotten it done a little sooner. I graduated with honors from a very good university so I study. I studied all the time for those CFI/CFIIs. I was never told what I was to be asked on a checkride. I was never given gouge. i went on to be a very sought after instructor and instructed for 1.5 years. i got my multi by networking and being a good natured, punctual, mature person. If you are interested in shopping at Hollister, texting your boyfriend in class, coming to the cockpit drenched in Axe, and wear your hair so that it leaves cornrows on the headliner, then a 2-week CFI program probably isn't for you. In fact, I implore you to take your time because you'll need it.

Sometimes, faster ain't always better. And that's true for running as fast as possible to the regionals to fly an ERJ.

razorseal

do you give that 40K something dollars straight up?

NE_Pilot

Personally, I think you miss out on alot of learning when you are tought how to pass a checkride, and not taught how to fly.

My instructor at my FBO was retired from a career of flying and was instructing because he enjoyed it, I think I was able to learn much more from him, than I could from a 190 hour instructor at ATP.

LAfrequentflyer

Rationalize your success how you like. I'm glad it worked for you. Whats wrong with passing a checkride? Thats all the FAA requires for you to be qualified to be awarded your tickets. The airlines require - what? Good judgement, clean background, no DUIs, ability to learn...All of those and more can't be paid for at ATP or an FBO. Do yourselves a favor and get your tickets as fast as possible then start working as a CFI to get the mins.

Good luck...

-LAFF

FlyingChipmunk

If all you learn from your flight training is how to fly the airplane to PTS standards and memorize answers you have missed out on the most important things you should have learned from flying.