Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray Blaszak
@669605... From what I understand ATP actually moves aircraft around to cater to student work load. If you decide to go to Chicago don't expect 50 aircraft waiting on the flight line. I know Pheonix has the most sims and I think the most aircraft in the system. I know at KCRG (Jacksonville) they never have a shortage of aircraft although it isn't the nicest of locations. You get what you pay for and I was SKEPTICAL of ATP and I've been talking to them for several months and haven't heard one horror story. I talked to the students, CFI's, and people who are much higher and they love everything about it. I know the Instructor's aren't flying as much as they use to and now they Instructor's who have been there several years which has improved the quality of instruction. @Chris are you the guy at Sterling currently doing the ATS program? I thought about Sterling but they are almost $10K more than ATP and will take a lot longer but Sterling flight is certainly a good outfit.
I'm not outright hating on ATP... they have produced a lot of good pilots. And the reasons I chose Sterling/ATS are:
A. Best maintenance crew and aircraft at KCRG (and I truly believe that)
B. Best instructors at KCRG (most have 1500 hour minimum and have other experience in aviation other than instructing... and some even work part 135 charter so the real-world experience I've received is par none in my opinion)
C. Part 141 Flexibility (I have a crazy schedule but still wanted to learn in as structured an environment as possible)
D. Right-seating King Air 200 and CJ flights
E. Free sim time in an AATD and free ground instruction
F. More multi time than you know what to do with for a great price in a great aircraft
I looked at ATP and decided it wasn't for me. And I can tell you from first-hand experience that most of the close calls I've had around the training area are from ATP students/instructors not making the appropriate radio calls and almost causing an accident etc...
I know a couple of instructors that came form ATP and they are awesome. Your flight training is what you make of it. Everyone has to pick the best route for themselves to meet their individual goals. Bottom line, some pilots are good, and some aren't. In my opinion, the quality of your training depends a lot on what you put into it.