gdpballin

Sorry it didn't work out. The program isn't for everyone and i'm the first person to tell you that. Shop around and find whats right for you.

About charging 'double' sim time -- i'm fairly surprised about this. I'm assuming you didn't make it during the instrument phase. The sim is open to practice on without being charged to do so, did you take advantage of this?

To add, I have seen plenty of students struggle (not making the timeline ATP has) and the instructor and management worked with these students to get them through the program. Plenty of success stories on the flip side too.

texavia

ATP - someone said "90 day wonder, teaching 90 day wonder" I'd say blind leading the blind. That's what I saw at Grand Prairie some years back, when I went poking around there years ago to help an acquaintance out that had gotten mixed up with them; I couldn't believe the place and with some difficulty he got his money back and went to another school where there was a fair amount of "unlearning" to be done.

Back then they didn't offer PPL, because I figure, they weren't up to it. I'd really have to dislike someone to send them to ATP.

On top of all that, being an airline pilot, sure as hell ain't what it used to be, find another career path.

criticalaoa

Hey everyone I was wondering how is the CFI academy compared to american flyers I have mixed reviews and so far I might pull the trigger and do it. ATP offers financing were American flyers does not.

texavia

Don't know CFI Academy but spouse did commercial/multi (no PMEL) at American Flyers, FTW, (now located ADS) and gives very high marks for customer service and thinks most of their instructors to be good. Can't really say about all the instructors, only had one that was retired Air Force pilot, flew B-52's and was T-37 (and IIRC T-38) instructor at Vance AFB, Enid, OK, needless to say was real good.

This was quite a while back, but they had high standards then and I have no reason to think they've lowered them now.

CFI Guy

No, you are a customer. ATP is a for profit business. It isn't Harvard and not the military. The only prerequisite is cash.

I just got a new type last month at CAE. They treat you well because you (or your company) handed them a lot of money. If they **** you off then maybe you'll go to the competition next time.

ATP is nice to you until your funds clear their bank account. Make any waves and you can kiss that "guaranteed" CFI job goodbye.

Dan64456

My latest opinion is nope not worth it. Find an FBO with good planes/CFIs and a Twin.. Knock out your time build hours with a safety pilot splitting the cost.. Joining a flying club is a great option too and you can make the rental worth it (keep the plane for a weekend getaway etc. They are more flexible than schools). Get the Jepp books and study on your down time.. No need to make this more expensive than it already is. Also fly at night and make every flight a Cross Country.. Then you can have most of the ATP R requirements met before you even start working as a CFI (then you can fly for the needs of your students and not yourself). Practice stalls all the way to an airport 50 NM away, land there, then fly back.. Do a few steep turns etc on the way (avoid doing this near VORs etc.) Log the XC time. (Do this stuff during the day of course but straight and level on the nights)

You can probably nail this for under 35 grand.
Work a day job and ENJOY your training.. Don't make it stressful.. Come out debt free and only accept flying jobs that pay at least an OK amount.

Now you also have the benefit of a backup career..

Dan64456

You shouldn't dissuade the career.. Just the path some people take to get there.. If you come out without debt you can make it work and not take abuse from crap jobs. I think it's still a good opportunity and in 5 years it should be even better.

Pilotqwert7

ATP looks great on paper. They're marketing and advertising are excellent. However, once you start, you will quickly see their incompetence and greed! My loans were poorly mismanaged by ATP, which cost me hundreds, thousands? They were unapologetic and and would not reimburse me. Dispersement payments (from my loans, held by ATP) were never sent to me on time and I was angrily told that I would not be reimbursed for cost of living expenses incurred due to delays on the part of ATP. Sure, you can fight this, but it take A LOT of energy and time that needs to be put toward flying/studying. They understand this.

THERE ARE HIDDEN COSTS: Extra time needed for profiency. Extra time can be pulled from other parts of the program is you need, but that could hurt you in the long run. Otherwise you have to pay out of pocket. Examiner fees are out of pocket...$5000. Training bundle is out of pocket...$450. An iPad (with data plan) and software is out of pocket...$800. Also, don't expect to finish in prescribed time frame b/c no instructor or planes available at times, no examiner available at times, and weather...especially weather. ATP does NOT build in any time for these setbacks. ATP will say they build time in. They absolutely do not. They will unapologetically tell you it is your responsibility to make up the time (i.e. fly twice a day). If you get too far off schedule, they will discontinue you. At the end of the day I would not at all recommend ATP. They really just want your money and are not good people. The instructors are miserably overworked and underpayed but do care. The admin and those above just care about their bottom line.

I left ATP after getting commercial b/c I did not want to spend one more day or dollar with them. I got a job with a small airline in six weeks after leaving and without my CFI! The market is good and rapidly getting better! In my job search employers asked my about ATP. When I vaguely spoke of my experience with ATP, every employer, almost on cue, shook their heads and smirked saying that they were all too familiar with ATP's insufficiencies.

Hope this helps and GOOD LUCK!

yeksene

ATP is a great school, currently at the Tampa location. The program does require a lot of self study and determination. For someone with a driven track in mind to the airlines, it will be very attainable... Not for a lazy student. Instructors all show they care and want students to succeed, many instructors work 7 days a week to ensure this. ATP has a top notch "student extranet" with so many resources to aid in learning.

Any questions feel free to ask or DM me.

AKcharger

I did my ATP with them in Mesa a while ago, I thought they were OK