Hey all,

I am currently located in orange county area in southern california.

I am deciding between doing ATP training out of the long beach location and could start in March. Following completion, I am HOPING to actually get the hell out of Southern california and become a CFI at one of their many other locations.

OR

I could just move near to a cool area and do my training out of an FBO(I really hate southern california. Too expensive and crowded/polluted). I grew up in Washington.

I am worried if I choose the latter It will take me much longer, plus I might not even get a job in the new city I just moved to.

I'm rambling, but its hard for me to decide what the best route would be.

Depends on your $$ situation. If you can afford to pay out of pocket, go the 61 route. You can still get it done just as quickly, you just need to find a school/CFI that knows you are wanting to complete in an accelerated time frame and then YOU need to commit to studying ground outside of flying. You will save yourself a bunch of money on the training.

I was in the same boat in regards to choosing the ATP route or going part 61 earlier this year. I chose to go part 61; I quit my full time job and devoted all my time to it. My first private pilot lesson was April 21 of this year and I should be receiving my CFI certificate this week (if all goes well )

Going the FBO route doesn't automatically mean it will take a lot longer. You can fly as much as you would at ATP (pending CFI, aircraft availability). It all depends on how much time you can devote to flying.

If you haven't already done so, I'd recommend going to an FBO or Flying Club for the PPL. If you like the self-paced style, stick with it. If you feel held back, then you can go to ATP for the Instrument and beyond.

Just an FYI if anyone didnt know this, If you get APPROVED for the ATP loan, you can go to their School and go up in a free flight. Im sure its only .5 or .6 time.

However, its free. I am going to do that in a few days. Then I will check out SNA airport.

I guess its between LGB for atp (long beach) or SNA on my own (Santa Ana).

It's not really "free" as it is already built into the program cost. That said, it is a great way to preview what you can expect from ATP Instructors.