Duke990

I did my training with ATP at the Atlanta location. I did the 90 day program too. If you decide to do this one, don't expect to do anything else for those 90 days. You'll eat, sleep, and breathe flying. You won't be able to have a job because you'll be so busy. Luckily I had saved a bunch of money over time and was able to live off that while I trained. There is also the option of doing the 10 month program. I found the Atlanta location to be pretty well run with good instructors. There is a lot of self study so don't expect to be spoon fed.

The program will only give you about 150 hours of time; However, 140 of that will be in the Seminole. (The private pilot course is about 85 hours on top of that.) Luckily I had my private rating for some years before I did the course and already had some time under my belt. After you graduate, ATP will hire 90% of their graduates to instruct. They get a lot of time too. Usually about 100 hours a month. That may have changed due to the changing airline industry, but that's how it was when I was there.

Also, be prepared to get some people (very few really) turning their nose up at you if you complete the course and get a job at the regionals. I don't know why there is this sentiment, but it's there. You had to pass the same check-rides they did.

ATP is one of the fastest ways to get all your ratings and your costs are fixed. If you fail a checkride you may have to pay a little extra for re-training, but there are no hidden fees.

Check out their web site. atpflightschool.com

Stereo2030

de727ups; Why would you not recommend the 90 day program at ATP? I'm on the brink of going with ATP this Nov/Dec.

de727ups

Going through all the ratings in such a short time doesn't allow any "seasoning experience" between the ratings. An FAA certificate is a "license to learn". Much learning comes from "using" the training you get out there in the real world, outside the academy enviornment.

I don't believe it's ideal to go from PPL to CFIME in 90 days, and then start teaching the next guy. ATP has been doing it for years but I just don't agree with the practice.

That said, sometimes ATP is the best option for certain folks. To each his own. Just don't be sold on the program based on the marketing or talking to a recruiter. Slice will suggest Prarie Air Service. White Air, CPS, and Skymates are other options to look in to. If you've really done your homework and think ATP the way to go, then more power to you. But don't discount the downsides and don't discount the lack of experience you'll have to be a competent CFI going from PPL to CFI in 90 days.

There is an ATP forum at www.jetcareers.com Check it out. Much more info there.

Pilotpip

The PTS standards only outline the bare minimum needed to recieve your ratings. The factories are using their own DPEs and you'll usually see pretty much the same checkride every time (before you get your panties in a wad, most examiners use the same basic checkride every time). The only thing you will accomplish in 90 days is learning the bare minimum required. It's the only thing you really have time to do.

In the mean time, you're missing out on valuable lessons on weather and other important topics that you shouldn't be trying to learn while sitting in the right seat teaching somebody else, or while doing .78 with 50 people behind you.

There are so many valuable things you can learn by taking your time and looking around a little. Dive in a little deeper and you'll be a better pilot for the rest of your career as a result. Rated and proficient are two different ballgames friends.