Hello everyone,


Been on this forum for some time now and have posted some threads back when I was fresh out of high school. Fast forward to today and I have taken advice from local pilots and many of you on this site. I recently just graduated college with a B.S in Business Administration with a focus in Logistics. I have about 3 years of management experience under my belt and have learned a lot throughout my experiences through college and the business world. I am now 23 years old and ready to take this leap, going full throttle into flight training. I'm not happy with what I am doing currently. Aviation as always been my passion of mine and its about time I just go for it.


Currently I live in Fort Walton Beach FL, I have visited VPS and KPNS and looked into their flight programs. So far I'm not all too enthused with my choices. I have nothing here holding me back from traveling out of state for other options...I have looked at ATP, US Aviation Academy, Aerosim, and Epic Flight Academy. My main goal is to get all my ratings quickly as possible without spending $100,000's. So my question for all of you is, where should I spend my time flight training? Thanks for all your help!


- Tony

Wherever you decide to go, make sure you ask about dpe availabltily. That can really slow down your mojo

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Do you have your private now? If not, how about starting it locally? Like yesterday.

I do not, I’ve seen some flight schools that offer 0 time all the way through commercial and CFI. Doing my ppl locally would save me a few grand I’m sure.


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US Aviation is Self-Examining for Private, Instrument, and Commercial, so DPEs are a huge challenge for us.

I think ATP is a great option, however a little expensive... especially since I believe they want everything up front. The professional pilot program they advertise in that amount of time is really the biggest reason why I considered it. The sooner you get done the better. I am out in Utah and it took me 1.5 years to go from private to my CFI, and I spent under 45k. Go talk with ATP and see if you like it. If not check out your local part 61 "ma' and pop" flight schools. they are usually-pay-as-you-go/"affordable" and at your own pace, fast or slow.

International Aero Academy, Lakeland Florida. You can interview with United Express (Trans States Airlines) before ever starting your training. If accepted get a conditional letter of employment. Go from zero to CFI in 8 months, then work there as a flight instructor, once you get your hours you go straight to Trans States. During all of this you get free travel on United, they will increase your CFI pay by $5 per hour and when you start at Trans States you will do so with 3 months seniority.

0-CFI for less than $55,000

1.5 years ppl to cfi all under $45k? Was that at ATP?


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This sounds like a great option to look into. Did you attend this Academy yourself?


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[QUOTE=TKOwnedU5;2707587]1.5 years ppl to cfi all under $45k? Was that at ATP?
I did not go to ATP. Just a small part 61 school at U42. ATP offers a much faster program than 1.5 years.