Is it really this bad....
06-01-2009, 10:17 AM
#1
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: May 2009
Posts: 4
Is it really this bad....
Was ready to take out 45 Grand loan (that after getting 27K from VA) to go to ATP in ATL. I am a firefighter for a major metro Atlanta department w/ wife and 2 kids. Im glad I stumbled upon this forum! Wow...ATP said now is the best time to train...in the downturn. Is it really this bad at the regionals?
06-01-2009, 10:24 AM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2008
Position: Hotel
Posts: 714
Yes.
ATP wants your money. That is their sole purpose. They couldn't care less what happens after you graduate. Flight schools sell a "dream", not reality. If you want to fly primarily for enjoyment, it IS worth it, I promise - just don't take a loan, pay as you go. But if you want to fly solely as an alternative career, it isn't worth it.
ATP wants your money. That is their sole purpose. They couldn't care less what happens after you graduate. Flight schools sell a "dream", not reality. If you want to fly primarily for enjoyment, it IS worth it, I promise - just don't take a loan, pay as you go. But if you want to fly solely as an alternative career, it isn't worth it.
06-01-2009, 10:26 AM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2008
Position: Stage Left
Posts: 366
Was ready to take out 45 Grand loan (that after getting 27K from VA) to go to ATP in ATL. I am a firefighter for a major metro Atlanta department w/ wife and 2 kids. Im glad I stumbled upon this forum! Wow...ATP said now is the best time to train...in the downturn. Is it really this bad at the regionals?
There is a very, very good chance that you will not come close to a return of investment for the better part of a decade and you will struggle to support your family without living paycheck to paycheck unless you have rich parents, your wife makes over $100k, get a second job that pays $60k, etc.
There is no movement, and nearly zero hiring, at all right now. If you do not have a degree, I would use that money to go to school and fly on the side to get you instructor ratings. After you finish, the industry might be better.
06-01-2009, 10:38 AM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: SkyWest Capt.
Posts: 2,963
06-01-2009, 11:05 AM
#7
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Position: 747 FO
Posts: 937
Was ready to take out 45 Grand loan (that after getting 27K from VA) to go to ATP in ATL. I am a firefighter for a major metro Atlanta department w/ wife and 2 kids. Im glad I stumbled upon this forum! Wow...ATP said now is the best time to train...in the downturn. Is it really this bad at the regionals?
06-01-2009, 11:22 AM
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2006
Position: 737 CA
Posts: 362
After ten years of flying (7 at the regionals, and three at a legacy airline) I have yet to break 70k in a calendar year.
I have no pension.
I'm still paying off my debt from expenses when I learned to fly and the miscellaneous debt we racked up while I was an FO at the regionals for 5 years.
Stay a firefighter. Your wife, kids, and pension will be better off.
If you're determined to fly, learn to, and go out for a 100 (now 250) dollar hamburger once in a while.
Just my humble opinion BTW.
I have no pension.
I'm still paying off my debt from expenses when I learned to fly and the miscellaneous debt we racked up while I was an FO at the regionals for 5 years.
Stay a firefighter. Your wife, kids, and pension will be better off.
If you're determined to fly, learn to, and go out for a 100 (now 250) dollar hamburger once in a while.
Just my humble opinion BTW.
06-01-2009, 11:29 AM
#9
The NeverEnding Story
Joined APC: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,611
Like others have said, the ROI for the cost of your training will take a while...even before you start accounting for lost wages/retirement/benefits.
With that said, a downturn is always a good time to learn; I was a freshman in college when 9/11 happened and the seniors graduating in 2002 were entering a job market that, while different than today, was still pretty bleak.
With that said, a downturn is always a good time to learn; I was a freshman in college when 9/11 happened and the seniors graduating in 2002 were entering a job market that, while different than today, was still pretty bleak.
06-01-2009, 11:32 AM
#10
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2005
Posts: 203
No change since the last time you asked...
Was ready to take out 45 Grand loan (that after getting 27K from VA) to go to ATP in ATL. I am a firefighter for a major metro Atlanta department w/ wife and 2 kids. Im glad I stumbled upon this forum! Wow...ATP said now is the best time to train...in the downturn. Is it really this bad at the regionals?
I think you got a lot of great advice and a pretty firm perspective on the current situation of the aviation industry in your original thread.
Yes, it really is that bad in the regionals.
Hog
Last edited by Groundhog; 06-01-2009 at 06:13 PM.
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