I did the CFI program at ATP not long ago, and thought there might be some interest in an evaluation.
Bottom line: I walked out with all three ratings, paying nothing more than the base fee (and examiner's fees of $1400) - in less than two weeks.
I would hesistate to recommend their program to the low time pilot who did not go through their professional pilot program. I think it's too much to digest in a short period of time. You might get the ratings - but you will not have a clue as to how to really instruct. You will struggle unless you really know your stuff.
I DO recommend the program for more experienced pilots, especially those who have some time in a Seminole or its Piper cousin the Seneca. They know what you need to know, have good gouge on the examiners, and can get you ready for the checkride.
If you decide to go, understand there is alot of prep work to do before you get there. You'll need lesson plans for all PTS requirements for the MEI (which you will do first). Don't think you can get them all put together while you are there. It was alot of work - but done in such a short period of time that it doesn't seem so bad looking back.
I had made three attempts at getting the CFI from local FBO's before, and never got close to the quality of instruction I got at ATP. They do know how to get these ratings done!
I'm glad to answer any specific questions.
Bottom line: I walked out with all three ratings, paying nothing more than the base fee (and examiner's fees of $1400) - in less than two weeks.
I would hesistate to recommend their program to the low time pilot who did not go through their professional pilot program. I think it's too much to digest in a short period of time. You might get the ratings - but you will not have a clue as to how to really instruct. You will struggle unless you really know your stuff.
I DO recommend the program for more experienced pilots, especially those who have some time in a Seminole or its Piper cousin the Seneca. They know what you need to know, have good gouge on the examiners, and can get you ready for the checkride.
If you decide to go, understand there is alot of prep work to do before you get there. You'll need lesson plans for all PTS requirements for the MEI (which you will do first). Don't think you can get them all put together while you are there. It was alot of work - but done in such a short period of time that it doesn't seem so bad looking back.
I had made three attempts at getting the CFI from local FBO's before, and never got close to the quality of instruction I got at ATP. They do know how to get these ratings done!
I'm glad to answer any specific questions.