Life is an adventure. Why would ATP be any different?


Paying in cash is always the best option, but while it wouldn't work for me, I'm not exactly taking out a second mortgage. It's not a measly sum, of course, but I've had a lot of time to think this through.


I have and found a lot of basic "I went there and it was great," "I went there and it sucked," with a little "I didn't go there but I heard bad things" sprinkled in. That's why I'm posting my experiences in as much detail as possible so that others will get a clearer picture of the program. Good or bad.


Thank you. "Better choice," though, is highly subjective. Selecting a flight training program, I've learned, is a personal endeavor. Once you weed out the shady operators (anyone remember TAB Express?) it boils down to what you, the individual, need or want in a training program. ATP is neither the worst nor the best in the flight training game, but based on my personal needs, wants, and circumstances, it's the choice I'm going with.

WEEK 1


Things haven't gone well. At all. The short version is that I apparently have a panic/anxiety issue that needs to be resolved prior to regaining my place in the cockpit. Think "Cougar" in the first part of Top Gun. "Maverick" had a similar issue. Unlike "Cougar," I'm not turning in my wings. Unlike "Maverick" the solution isn't to "keep sending him up." My issue got progressively worse with each flight. I've chosen to withdraw from the ATP program since I don't know how long the recovery process will take. So, for those of you following this thread, I'll be able to brief you on the withdrawal/refund process.

To withdraw, one sends an email to student services. I was contacted by a gentleman in JAX within a couple of hours. He identified himself as a Training Manager (or perhaps THE Training Manager, can't remember) and we spoke about my issue. He was very polite, very understanding. He made sure that I was aware of and understood the pro-rated refund policy (I did, my IP also did this). "The whole refund process can take up to two weeks. Personally, I've never seen it take that long, but that would be the max time frame." Currently, my account is on "Flight Hold" and a refund is pending. Based on the hours that I've flown so far, I estimate that I'm out at least $2000 including the deposit. When the process in complete, I expect to see a full accounting of the costs that I've incurred.

The folks at ATP Denver couldn't have been more accommodating, considering the restraints placed on them by the program. My Instructor suggested that, when I'm ready, to go to Flights Inc and get a Flight Review. He said that while my skills are fairly good considering a 10-year break, the review would be a good way to re-acclimate to flying. My goal is to to that (or perhaps just a "Discovery Flight") soon after the first of the year.

When the refund process is complete, I'll provide an update.

So sorry to hear that Stormie. I was looking forward to your updates. I hope you get things straightened out and start flying again.

Thanks. I really believe it's a question of "when," not "if."

So, my time with ATP Flight School as officially ended. Although I had told ATP I was ready to return to flying after grounding myself, they required I obtain a BFR and Log 15hrs after the review before I could return to ATP. After talking with a local flying club just before Christmas, I decided just to get the remainder of my training at the place where I'll get my Flight Review.

The refund process was initiated just before the first of the year. I had been told this process can take up to two weeks to complete but that "[they'd] never seen it take that long." Today is slightly over the two week period but when you consider the New Year's holiday, it's close enough.

According to my outstanding balance at Sallie Mae, I'm only on the hook for $1445.00. ATP had only received the first of four disbursements ($17,500 each) from Sallie Mae before the refund process began. So, contrary to some statements on the web claiming that ATP would use some absurd accounting methods to keep all the money and refund nothing appear to be unfounded. The amount ATP kept is for flight time (aircraft + CFI) and ground time with the CFI (post flight debrief and the initial check-in). I believe the initial $995 deposit is included as well. Just before by start date, they refunded that amount to my credit card and added it to my account.

Flying Stormie,

Sorry that your journey at ATP ended so soon. I was looking forward to reading your updates. I am in the process of applying to Flight Safety Academy in Vero Florida.

All the best,
John

Sorry to hear about that Stormie, i just passed my Private checkride today and start my time build tomorrow before my private multi. Goodluck on your training!