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-   -   Feedback on FTI and K and S (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/southwest/113583-feedback-fti-k-s.html)

Tankerhead 08-14-2020 05:33 AM

I really enjoyed HPA, not sure if they’re still around. Great folks, though.

A type-rating is a fantastic way to get an ATP knocked out.

Just double-check with your future self about not transferring GI to your kids. It’s a ton of money, EVEN if they get a full ride somewhere.

IA Moose 08-14-2020 07:35 AM

For what you’re asking, it’s been about 5 years for me too, but I can’t imagine it’s changed much aside from the NG sim and higher price tag. I went to Denver and as a mil guy too I thought it was cool floating around the United training center and seeing a 121 training world.
The toughest part was having the ability to study at home beforehand to show up prepared (systems, call outs, memory items, checked limitations, etc.). I took a couple weeks of leave beforehand so I could focus. Day 1 is the academic day, which is really kind of a check to make sure you understood things correctly and to fill in any blanks, not to teach things for the first time. Then it’s a sim per day just about, with lengthy briefs and debriefs. For those they give you what to study each day to show up prepared. I was more than satisfied with the level of instruction...all the guys were former United captains/sim instructors and were easy to talk to. I think the last 2-3 sims were all the checkride profile, so by the time you get to the checkride it feels very rote.
With all that being said I was partnered with a guy who may have been the most ill-prepared person to learn to fly a jet in the history of jets. I was sure there was no way he’d pass a checkride. He ended up getting un-paired about halfway through, got I think 3 extra sims and a ton of extra brief/debrief time, and he texted a few days after to say he passed. So they definitely went the extra mile for him.
Hope that helps answer the question you came here for, good luck.

cantankerous 08-14-2020 08:33 AM


Originally Posted by IA Moose (Post 3109898)
For what you’re asking, it’s been about 5 years for me too, but I can’t imagine it’s changed much aside from the NG sim and higher price tag. I went to Denver and as a mil guy too I thought it was cool floating around the United training center and seeing a 121 training world.
The toughest part was having the ability to study at home beforehand to show up prepared (systems, call outs, memory items, checked limitations, etc.). I took a couple weeks of leave beforehand so I could focus. Day 1 is the academic day, which is really kind of a check to make sure you understood things correctly and to fill in any blanks, not to teach things for the first time. Then it’s a sim per day just about, with lengthy briefs and debriefs. For those they give you what to study each day to show up prepared. I was more than satisfied with the level of instruction...all the guys were former United captains/sim instructors and were easy to talk to. I think the last 2-3 sims were all the checkride profile, so by the time you get to the checkride it feels very rote.
With all that being said I was partnered with a guy who may have been the most ill-prepared person to learn to fly a jet in the history of jets. I was sure there was no way he’d pass a checkride. He ended up getting un-paired about halfway through, got I think 3 extra sims and a ton of extra brief/debrief time, and he texted a few days after to say he passed. So they definitely went the extra mile for him.
Hope that helps answer the question you came here for, good luck.

Exactly what I was looking for. I hope things have not changed too much. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

at6d 08-14-2020 11:25 AM

Pretty much same response. They send you a lot of info beforehand.

chase 08-14-2020 08:34 PM

Higher Power Aviation is no more. Not an option. FYI

cantankerous 08-15-2020 08:46 AM


Originally Posted by Tankerhead (Post 3109851)
I really enjoyed HPA, not sure if they’re still around. Great folks, though.

A type-rating is a fantastic way to get an ATP knocked out.

Just double-check with your future self about not transferring GI to your kids. It’s a ton of money, EVEN if they get a full ride somewhere.


Originally Posted by chase (Post 3110176)
Higher Power Aviation is no more. Not an option. FYI

Yea in my quest to find out about HPA that everyone speaks to highly of, I found that All ATP Jets bought out HPA several years ago.

waflyboy 08-16-2020 09:49 PM

For what it's worth, I did my type at K&S about a year and a half ago. Phoenix and Seattle were both options, so I did it in Seattle, at the Alaska Airlines training center. Our instructor, a current Alaska pilot, was excellent. Sounds like the over experience was pretty similar to what has been described for FTI. I had a 121 background; my partner did not. We both got through with little difficulty . Home study beforehand was key. My experience was very good and I'd highly recommend them. Sounds like you're leaning toward FTI on account of the location, but if you have any specific questions about K&S I'd be happy to answer them.

cantankerous 08-17-2020 06:17 AM


Originally Posted by waflyboy (Post 3111088)
For what it's worth, I did my type at K&S about a year and a half ago. Phoenix and Seattle were both options, so I did it in Seattle, at the Alaska Airlines training center. Our instructor, a current Alaska pilot, was excellent. Sounds like the over experience was pretty similar to what has been described for FTI. I had a 121 background; my partner did not. We both got through with little difficulty . Home study beforehand was key. My experience was very good and I'd highly recommend them. Sounds like you're leaning toward FTI on account of the location, but if you have any specific questions about K&S I'd be happy to answer them.

I appreciate it man, I've heard good things about K&S. Both the K&S and FTI VA coordinators have been awesome. I'm on the east coast so I'll likely go with FTI in Miami.

Tenacvols 08-17-2020 02:32 PM


Originally Posted by cantankerous (Post 3109839)

I'm currently a military pilot with some time to go yet, masters degree and I'm not transferring my GI Bill. I'm not looking a SWA specifically I need to get and ATP practical done eventually anyway so I want to do it this way. I found this thread via search and it was the most recent. I figured I reply here than start a new one.

No worries. I was lucky enough to get my ATP using a Navy C-12. Cost me $500 plus the ATP written costs. This was before you had to get it from an Aviation School...

at6d 08-17-2020 02:59 PM

Not to sound less than obvious, but bust your a$$ with the studies so you don’t pink a type and an ATP ride.


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