da_flyn_hawyn

I was thinking about attending ATP for my instructor ratings, anyone got any advice, or has done it? I saw on their website which said "14 days certification" this really caught my eye because I want to finish these ratings off and stop paying for flights. Please let me know what you think, or if you have any insights, and I know about big schools and little FBOs I attend both of them (Avion Air Academy and DCA).

skycowboy

Right - well I talked with them this week - ANGER ANGER ANGER... if you are planning on working for them for a year, then go for it, more power to you... if that isn't your plan, then cut and run. They won't take you into their CFI/CFII/MEI program unless you are interested in working for them. I tried explaining that I was a college student finishing my degree blah blah blah - they still said no... I wonder if they are desperate enough to pay my last year of college?? Hmmmmmmm... theres a thought...

fly13

Why does ATP make you get the single engine CFI instead of just the MEI?

skycowboy

Actually I am under impression that CFI initial is done in the seminole as is the II...

iflyprops

I did my multi with them about a year and a half ago with them at ORL. Good instructors, sometimes a little misguided, but overall good. Example: after flying around with one shut down for a while with the cowl flap closed I restarted and left the power relatively low to get the CHT's back up, with the cowl flap closed. The instructor said I needed to open it so I didn't "shock heat" the engine. I just ignored him...

Overall good experience, you just need to know how to pick the bs from the real info.

-Adam

Slice

For that kind of $$$ should you really have to sort through BS?

www.prairieairservice.com

Herb is a career flight instructor who will train you correctly, sans BS.

iflyprops

Agreed. But I was just wanted to get my multi quick. It took three days so I can't really say I didn't reach my objective. That said I don't have any more experience with them then that. My 2 cents.

de727ups

"For that kind of $$$ should you really have to sort through BS?"

You gotta remember that with ATP, your CFI could have been no more than a private pilot 91 days ago. That's the way the system works there. Very low time instructors, paid very little, just looking to get a couple hundred more hours so they can get out and get a regional job....as the ATP marketing promises.

The "shock heating" statement cracks me up. You should have pointed out what the CHT gage is for to the poor guy.

I sometimes recommend ATP for the CFI ratings as they know how to get people through and do a lot of them. The FAR's demands CFI instructors have 200 hours of instruction given, so there is a better chance of getting a competent CFI.

In any case, I believe in the old saying that finding a good CFI can make a bad school into a good place to train. And a bad CFI at a good school can make it a bad place to train.