Then why is it cheaper to train with an FBO all the way through.

There is a good thread on flightinfo.com about ERAU. One student left with 120K is the hole...His payments are $600+ a month on regional FO pay...Of course, there are a few ERAU grads that have 'no regrets...'

-LAFF

Its not cheaper compared to the ME time ATP program gives you.

-LAFF

FBO's don't provide cookie cutter training like the big schools. We adapt to each of our students. Marketing is as much of a part of our jobs as the flying and if we do a bad job or make a bad impression students don't come back. The bigger schools already have your money and you are forced into training good or bad. My point is if it were really as bad as you make it out to be there is no way we would be in business.

The infamous "safety pilot" routine.

Your in business because of the ignorant masses that don't know about the product ATP sells. I was one of those ignorant fools. I've since learned an very valuable lesson...


I'm very bitter about my FBO experiences...

-LAFF

Not at all...Thats AriBen you're thinking about.

-LAFF

My friend is a Standardization pilot at ATP. The cross country time building is safety pilot time.

Its legal under the FARs. I see no problem if thats what they do. I have to be honest - I didn't know thats what they did when two student pilots went x-c at ATP. It makes sense.

-LAFF

This is true it is legal but can be difficult to explain when on an interview(I have heard) I would rather spend more time instructing to gain PIC time and experience than sitting in the right seat as safety pilot.