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Recommended route?

Old 05-08-2015, 04:04 PM
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Default Recommended route?

Seeking some advice!

I am looking to get going on my flight training and I would like to go through it as quick as possible, but, at the same time I am seeking the best training possible that will hopefully result in the career I am seeking. That being said, I am starting on my PPL at the local airport to see how things go but I keep reading about these career based academies, (ATP, AeroSim, etc.) I hear good and bad things about these schools but I also hear some benefits. My biggest concern comes with being able to focus on MY training.

Honestly, what I am looking for is advice on my personal situation. I am now 24 and flying is something that I have always been obsessed with, and for as long as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a pilot. When I graduated high school in 2008 I thought about going to Embry-Riddle but instead I jumped at a job offer in the automotive industry. Here we are almost 6 years later and I am realizing that aviation is my calling and that I would like to follow my dream of being a pilot. On the brighter side of things I am in a MUCH better position to fund my training.

Obviously there is no right or wrong way to do this but I am hoping to hear everyone's input on what's the suggested route to take in order to make an educated decision.

Known options:
1. Locally achieve all necessary licenses, get an instructor job and build time.

2. ATP, AeroSim, etc.

3. Go to Embry-Riddle, Purdue, UND, other aviation focused college.

As mentioned before, I am hoping to hear from guys that have been in a similar position that can reflect back on personal experience.

Thanks in advance!
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Old 05-08-2015, 04:18 PM
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Marz,
Not to try to blow you off but......It's deja vu all over again. I'll bet there is at least one of these types of threads every month if not weekly sometimes.

Spend some time using the search function and/or just scroll down a little on this section of the forum. There's some stuff on page 2 as well.

If you need more info after that, 'mon back.
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Old 05-08-2015, 05:15 PM
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Get your Private Pilot Certificate locally.
Doing so will allow you to continue working as you dip your toes into aviation. From there you can reevaluate as necessary.
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Old 05-08-2015, 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Adlerdriver View Post
Marz,
Not to try to blow you off but......It's deja vu all over again. I'll bet there is at least one of these types of threads every month if not weekly sometimes.

Spend some time using the search function and/or just scroll down a little on this section of the forum. There's some stuff on page 2 as well.

If you need more info after that, 'mon back.
Thanks for the response. Definitely expected something along those lines. Believe me, I've searched pretty far back in a lot of different spots. My initial thought was that ATP was a "pilot mill" but just recently it's been suggested more than a few times from guys within the industry which is why I'm seeking opinion from someone that has either gone through the program or is currently in it.

Originally Posted by Flyhayes View Post
Get your Private Pilot Certificate locally.
Doing so will allow you to continue working as you dip your toes into aviation. From there you can reevaluate as necessary.
Seems like the most logical route and one that I am starting on. Thanks a ton for your input.
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Old 05-08-2015, 06:13 PM
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The only thing to be wary of when getting your PPL at mom & pop's is aircraft and CFI availablity and training environment. It is a really good idea to fly 3x a week for the first 20 hrs or so. Of course, you have to be absolutley sure you are ahead in your academics. I've had a few students who were great at flying 2-3x a week, but not so good at studying. That is a huge waste of time and money, because no conscientious CFI will solo you before you've passed your pre-solo exam.

Personally, I think it's great to learn to fly in a low traffic class G or E airspace and then during x-country get exposure to towered airports and controlled airspace. A lot of the career pilot schools start you off at towered airports which will retard your progress at first, simply because it is info overload. Also, don't forget Sport Pilot where you can just plain learn to FLY and then add on all baggage. Some of the local FAA FSDO's run seminars on various interesting aviation topics--get on their email list. Start small and build up.
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Old 05-08-2015, 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by bedrock View Post
The only thing to be wary of when getting your PPL at mom & pop's is aircraft and CFI availablity and training environment. It is a really good idea to fly 3x a week for the first 20 hrs or so. Of course, you have to be absolutley sure you are ahead in your academics. I've had a few students who were great at flying 2-3x a week, but not so good at studying. That is a huge waste of time and money, because no conscientious CFI will solo you before you've passed your pre-solo exam.

Personally, I think it's great to learn to fly in a low traffic class G or E airspace and then during x-country get exposure to towered airports and controlled airspace. A lot of the career pilot schools start you off at towered airports which will retard your progress at first, simply because it is info overload. Also, don't forget Sport Pilot where you can just plain learn to FLY and then add on all baggage. Some of the local FAA FSDO's run seminars on various interesting aviation topics--get on their email list. Start small and build up.
Thanks a ton for your input. Greatly appreciate it.
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Old 05-08-2015, 08:24 PM
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#1 Figure out if you want to be a pilot, or whether you want to be a commercial airline pilot, which means going where people tell you, lots of time spent in airports, only being paid while actually flying, etc. This can be great for some people, or for others realizing how long they have to work at it at the lower levels earning little a huge awakening when they realize it's not commercial license and then on to 747. There is often a good 20-30 years in between there. There are many jobs and opportunities in aviation outside of commercial airline pilot, there are many jobs and opportunities in aviation outside of being a pilot that would keep you in the industry, and there are many jobs that can fund a healthy flying-hobby.

#2 Don't believe ANYONE who says you need to get licenses and certificates RIGHT NOW or REAL FAST. This is the same line that's been played for the last 30 years. It's a crap shoot either way and it in no way increases your chances, it just gets those people making the claims a more secure cash flow.

#3 Be honest with yourself and your instructor. There's no shame in "not getting" something and needing another instructor or to repeat things. At your age, you are a better judge of your instruction than a younger guy. Don't let them short you experience or learning. Also realize that much of it depends on you. Depends on your motivation and ability to do things on your own. You can cut costs hugely by studying on your own and learning what you need to know. Most of us get better with this with experience, but the best students stay on top of it from the beginning.
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Old 05-08-2015, 09:18 PM
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If you're considering ATP, check out American Flyers first.

I've done time at both, as well as at a local FBO and I think American Flyers is probably one of the best bets out there. Definitely the most professional flight school I have ever dealt with.
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Old 05-09-2015, 01:28 PM
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Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes View Post
#1 Figure out if you want to be a pilot, or whether you want to be a commercial airline pilot, which means going where people tell you, lots of time spent in airports, only being paid while actually flying, etc. This can be great for some people, or for others realizing how long they have to work at it at the lower levels earning little a huge awakening when they realize it's not commercial license and then on to 747. There is often a good 20-30 years in between there. There are many jobs and opportunities in aviation outside of commercial airline pilot, there are many jobs and opportunities in aviation outside of being a pilot that would keep you in the industry, and there are many jobs that can fund a healthy flying-hobby.

#2 Don't believe ANYONE who says you need to get licenses and certificates RIGHT NOW or REAL FAST. This is the same line that's been played for the last 30 years. It's a crap shoot either way and it in no way increases your chances, it just gets those people making the claims a more secure cash flow.

#3 Be honest with yourself and your instructor. There's no shame in "not getting" something and needing another instructor or to repeat things. At your age, you are a better judge of your instruction than a younger guy. Don't let them short you experience or learning. Also realize that much of it depends on you. Depends on your motivation and ability to do things on your own. You can cut costs hugely by studying on your own and learning what you need to know. Most of us get better with this with experience, but the best students stay on top of it from the beginning.
Thanks for the thorough response, very helpful. I am definitely in this for the long haul. It's a goal to be a pilot but I've always wanted to get into aircraft sales and leasing so I feel like regardless if I don't end up being a professional pilot this could help with that career path.

Originally Posted by threeighteen View Post
If you're considering ATP, check out American Flyers first.

I've done time at both, as well as at a local FBO and I think American Flyers is probably one of the best bets out there. Definitely the most professional flight school I have ever dealt with.
I've heard of these guys before! Do you have experience with them personally or at least a specific location?

Thanks again!
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Old 05-11-2015, 06:35 AM
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Originally Posted by marz7490 View Post
I've heard of these guys before! Do you have experience with them personally or at least a specific location?
Yes, I did about 10 hours or so at their Addison location in Dallas. I thought it was a great learning environment.

With any program at any flight school, make sure you have your written exam(s) done before starting the program.
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