So what happens after one is done with the CFI/CFII/MEI tickets with ATP? I hear that they "gaurantee" a CFI position for up to 6 months? But then I've heard that you don't really get to fly for a few months because you're put into a calling center to prospect new students? What? Really?

I will appreciate any input from those who have gone through ATP's CFI Program.

I have not been through the CFI program there. I know of people who have. Do you want this info? I think it is reliable.

Based on the information from their site, it looks like you will be forced to work at a call center until a position opens up at the training center you want to work at.

"Corporate accounts payable Nina speaking, just a moment!"

I start at ATP June 11th and can give you the inside scoop from what I have gotten from EVERYBODY I've talked to.

1.) The CFI job is not a guarantee as you still have to meet certain requirements prior to be hired. Multiple checkride failures, can't pass a background check, etc. can all disqualify you.

2.) One of the CFI's I had to do an admissions flight with said he makes 1,800-2,500 a month.

3.) You don't hang around the call center for a few months. You will work there to answer questions while you are going through their CFI standardization program. Upon completion they will offer you a location which you can either accept or decline. If you decline and say you want Vegas you can work at the call center or another center until your seniority number comes up.

3.) If you do get stuck in the call center they will let you fly with time building students to maintain proficiency in the Seminole and also put those instructor certs to use. Most importantly they understand you didn't join their school for the call center job.

4.) There is potential to stay longer if you want although it isn't a guarantee for everyone.

Any other questions and I will find it out for you. Those were most of the questions I had before I even considered going there. All this info has come from either the Chief Pilot, Director of Admissions, or from the Assistant Chief of the Craig location where I am going.

Was June 11th the earliest start date they offered or was that by choice?

They stopped the 6 month guaranteed as of 2/24. The only people who get it now are those who booked their class date before then and students in the career program. I lucked out and booked my CFI date on 2/20 so ATP is honoring it for me.

yea I talked to someone over there a while ago... seems like no more guaranteed jobs from ATP unless you go through the full program or are lucky enough to be considered just by going through the CFI/CFII/MEI program.

I can't start before June 11th because I am still in the military. I will actually be on terminal leave during my entire 90 day program. I know at the CRG location (where I'm going) they aren't over loaded with students. I know most of the instructors are only flying 60 hours a month as oppose to 100 plus like they normally do. The Assistant Chief said you make most of the money doing add on programs so if you were at a location that didn't have a lot of ACPP students you'd actually be ok. Plus starting that late gives me that much more time to get ahead of the game. I will have bother instrument writtens done this week and than I am moving on to my commercial and CFI writtens.

I went to ATP at KGKY. Had a great experience. I felt prepared to enter the world of flight instruction once I left there (although nothing compares to the on-the-job training we all know about). Anyway, I welcome PMs requesting more info.