Have you trained at ATP
 

I am looking for a few people to talk with that has been to ATP. Both good and bad opinions are very appreciated. I am thinking of changeing schools to get my Multi and CFII. I am nearly done with instrument and will definatly finish out my commercial here as well. I would love to find someone that went to the LA based schools especially becuase that is where I am from but I am training in Florida right now. hope you can help me out write me at
[email protected] only becuase I have lots of questions, to many to post here. thanks again

I flew in Trenton, NJ for my Multi-Engine Commercial add-on. My instructor was Matt --- he isn't there anymore because he is at XJT.

My overall experience was fantastic! The staff was very friendly, and very helpful. My DPE was also a great guy, and we are friends to this day.

My only beef with it, is that I was trained to pass the checkride...and that's it. You have to do all of your "book learning" on your own. (now if you are going through the whole "pro pilot" course, it may be different?) Fortunately I had a Multi-Engine ground school in college, as well as preveous ground training with my instructor back home.

Over any of the other academys, I would definately endorse ATP. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Lax

I trained with them and worked for them for a little while. Hands down, an excellent company and top-notch training. I was In Jacksonville FL, But I spent some time at the Riverside location as well. Not a fan of Cali, but the training is all the same wherever you go, except manassas because of the ADIZ......

I'm more than happy to answer any questions you have.

Where are you right now??

how is the CFI and such done in 14 days? do most people finish in the time frame and finacial schedule that they give you at the begining. Do you pay more than what they advertise if your learning curve is not what they expect. How do they get so much more multi time for thier students than any other school? Does the Riverside branch have a good ammount of planes and a what is the safety record. If I wanted to work for them can I pick a location or do they just place you where they want you. for instance I would want to get my CFII in vegas and teach in southern cal. is that possible? I have heard the ground school is done sort of as study on your own and take your test with them? I will think of more questions I am sure so if we could email each other that would so great
thanks for the response.

ATP is the place to be for your pilot training needs...I wish I had my promotional package from them - they explain everything in detail. They also compare their program to the other academy programs out there to show you how good you have it at ATP...

I suggest you get on-line get their package sent to you and go visit their locations.


Plenty of people at the regionals, majors , fractionals that got their training at ATP.

You get what you pay for at ATP in the time frame they say.

-LAFF

do you ever get tired of that LAFF?? You jump at the chance to post about how great ATP is, but you never actually trained there.

The first 7 days of the CFI school is all classroom, and its intense. After that, its all flying and check rides. They give you a certain amount of flight time and sim time with a +/- built in. The only extra cost that you may incur is if there is weather etc. you might have to rent your hotel room a little longer. They only do the CFI class at certain locations. I think its is JAX, ATL, LAS, and maybe riverside. The info is on the website. I had a little delay in scheduling the MEI Initial check ride with the feds because they were so busy. For the ACPP, you pick the location and they put you in the nearest location for the CFI school depending on where you pick to go. Pretty much you can have your choice, you might just have to wait for it.

They get you so much flight time because they have so many planes and so many locations that they need to move the planes around. They use your X-C training and time building to move the A/C around the country. Dispatch and MX is fantastic and run very much like an airline.

I believe that he is going to.

Honestly, what do you care? I'm not using your computer, your time, or your fingers to type my diatribes...I suggest you find the ignore list and add me to it...I'm not going to stop posting about ATP, military, or anything else I wish to post about.

-LAFF
www.allatps.com

well LAFF my only problem is that you post about it as if you know all about ATP. The truth is you never trained there, the thread asked for someone who has actually been to ATP to comment. You have no direct experience with them with regards to flight training.

"I am looking for a few people to talk with that has been to ATP. Both good and bad opinions are very appreciated."

He's obviously looking for both sides of the story, at best you are providing a one sided fantasy. Let the people who have actually been to ATP provide this guy with information. There are some who liked ATP ,and some who didn't. It's important to hear both good and bad points when it comes to making a smart decision. The points you make are your own opinions which although you are entitled to, hold very little value against someone with REAL experience at ATP. There's no need to glorify ATP and hype it up, let the guy get the real deal from someone who has been there.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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."

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

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?

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

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.

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

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

-LAFF

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

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.

My .02 cents
 

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.

do you give that 40K something dollars straight up?

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.

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

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.

What is that? Watching some FBO / CFI take my money and pad his logbook with hours on my dime.

-LAFF

LAFF, there are some older more experienced CFI's out there who are really good at what they do. The skills and knowledge they bring to the table cannot be matched by a guy who started flying 90 days ago. Some of the best CFI's i've had included a former bush pilot, and a former airline pilot. I learned a lot more then just PTS standard from these guys, and that makes you a better pilot for sure.

Unless your going to be going to a alaska bush flying job after your checkride or going straight to a 121 job its all fluff to milk you out of money. You need the FAA tickets and then you need to build hours as a CFI. You don't need Alaska bush flying or 121 techniques in a C-172 as a student. Expecially when you're paying for someone else to review or relive their glory days.

Keep it simple...Get your ratings as quickly / safely as possible (ATP does this), then CFI to get your hours so you can apply to the regionals / 135 job you want. You don't need to waste time / money on Alaskan bush flying techniques in Omaha, NE at a mom/pop FBO.

-LAFF

Part of having those hours is experience and airmanship. You don't just get that on your own always. Some of that stuff comes from other guys who have been there and done that. And there is more to flying that just what your book says, and an guy who has been there can impart that to that a brand new CFI cannot. Speeding along isnt always a good thing and I know that you want to get to the regionals as fast as you can. But sometimes you need to slow down and learn something. Not all CFIs are trying to bilk you out of money, I would say that those older guys are actually trying to impart something to you. Alot of the guys that I know that got into teaching again after airline/corporate/bush flying did it because they love to teach and feel that they can impart some of there experience to you the student.

I know that you have this grand plan to get where you want. But there are other ways out there. There are alot of good people in aviation at those mom/pop FBOs. There is alot of things that can be learned from guys with experience that your CFI who has done nothing but fly around the flag pole at ATP cant give you.

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yeah... do everything quickly and everything is solved

I hate where aviation is going :(

hell, I wouldn't let some newbie kid that got all his ratings in 90 days fly anything in my fleet...

You have the worst attitude towards flying I think I have ever seen. It is almost disrespectful. It's so bad I have a hard time believing your real.

And why should some one waste their time with a 19 year old cfi with frosted spikey hair who was a private pilot less the three months before tell me how to fly. Bet you'll learn alot from him. When the ATP cfi's are instructing the ATP students do you share a bottle of kool-aid or do they provide you each with one?:rolleyes:

Getting your ratings quickly then CFI to build time is not doing things quickly. Its doing things to avoid the years that can be wasted trying to get out of the CFI gig and into 121 regionals or 135 freight.

-LAFF

You're right - no one should waste their time with a 19 year old CFI that has frosted spikey hair. I wouldn't and I certainly hope no one else does either. I expect the people that work for me to dress and act like professionals. Thats not to say we don't joke around and have fun but we also don't pretend like we are still in junior high. If ATP or your mom/pop FBO allows people with frosted spikey hair to work there - trust me...They will lose business or it will be something customers will address. I certainly would. I expect you would do the same.

-LAFF

Your gonna be very disappointed, there are frosty spiked CFIs at every flight school in America. You'll see when you actually step foot in the business. They are everywhere, in fact they will also be students who will eventually be instructing. So does that mean that they are not professional because they once had frosty spiked hair? Hardly.

I dont get it, you have never been in an ATP establishment, yet you present yourself as someone who knows everything already. I would like to know where you get your expertise from? I am not trying to start a ****ing contest with you, I am just curious.