What would you do?

[ChadCRJ]

I just went an toured the big flight academies down in FL. After touring them I have a pretty good idea of what each is like an what they have to offer (Dellta Conn., Panam, FSI, ATP). Personally I liked Panam but its a toss up between them and ATP.

I will be coming right out of high school an plan on getting my BS degree through Embry Riddle's distance learning program once I start to instruct. So I will get the degree just after I complete the flight training.

Anyways, so heres the situation. ATP (incase any of you are wondering I called them an the two year college experience requirement isn't really required like they say. They just want to make sure your someone that is dedicated an able to get through their program.) The whole career pilot program costs $35,000 now. You have to come in with all your writtens down or atleast you should to make it easier on yourself. So no ground schools. You basically fly everyday for 90 days but the plus of it is all your training is done in the seminoles. Just not sure if you would go info overload or have a life for those three months...

Panam quoted me $51,000 coming in with a PPL which I already have. Its about a 8 month program which includes all your ground schools an such. It seems here you will have more of a life but its also a bit more pricy. Obviously your not guranteed a CFI posistion at either place but I hear they both have good placement rates. Meaning if you do what you have to do an basically make it through you have a good chance of getting on with them.

So what do you guys think? Do a more structured course such as Panam an attend actual ground schools but pay a little more. Or do a more self study course such as ATP an pay less? Any advice on what you guys would do is appreciated. Or if anyone has attended any of these schools any info would be great.

Thanks for your time!
Chad

 

[BamBamJet]

I have heard great things about both schools and have worked and flown with pilots from both schools. I havealso visited both and would recommend Pan Am. Give yourself a chance to soak up the material and ask questions to a knowledged teacher. Even though the multi time is awesome through ATPm, I feel that knowledge and true experience is that much better.

 

[Buda6868]

I chose ATP and am currently getting my PPL through them in 3 weeks and then transfer to the career program out of Dallas.
Staying close to home was a magor factor, but I have a wife and kids (not like you out of H.S.). Florida sounds great and from what I here , I will be there quite a bit.

The tests come out of a test bank and are word for word and are provided so memorization is the key, but actual study would give you a better knowledge and base to work from.

I think your decision is based on time and money. Save 15,000 and get out 5 months earlier or stretch it out and get a more through learning curve. It depends on the individual and what you need to achieve. My case faster is better and savings is better than that.

Good Luck!

Buda6868

 

[Cardinal]

Perhaps this is typical of many large Part 141 programs, but a friend that went to ATP had 900ish total time, with another 300 or so that was dual given in simulators. That amounts to alot of time spent at the airport but not flying. Something to consider if you're getting hired afterward. Personally, I'd come unhinged after 300 hours dual given on a Frasca, but that's just me.

 

[C601]

Chad,

Curious to know what these schools recommended you do after you spend 51K and 31K + expenses, sounds like they where not promising you anything and not giving you the best case outlook.

ATP is good but without any kind of ground school not a big fan of that, although you can't beat all multi-time. 31K and finshed around 90days if your up to the pace, and you like self-study, be the best way to go.

As for Pan Am, BamBamJet is on the right track.


Whatever you decide these courses are not getting any cheaper. I remember when Pam Am's PPC was around the mid 30s about 3 years ago.

What about FSI and Delta ?

 

[bobbysamd]

FSI

Why not FSI? I instructed there years ago. I know three of the managers, and they're top-quality people. The program is self-contained and well organized. You would not have to take any writtens before you go. You would get enough ground school from the program to pass your writtens.

One thing that FSI has that many other programs don't have is real unusual attitudes training. You will receive some acro in Zlins. It would be great for your confidence.

Cost would be comparable to Pan Am, which has received a lot of negative comments. I can't comment for sure on Pan Am because I don't know it personally.

Frankly, if you must choose between a 90-day program and a longer program, I would choose the longer program. Going from Private to MEI in 90 days is a lot of learning to absorb in such a short period. You would be rushed through and may not learn everything with enough depth and/or you may not retain all of it. Moreover, what's the rush? Hiring is slow. I could see going faster if there was hiring.

Finally, whatever you do, do not neglect college. Despite what others might say, you need the degree for life, if not for flying.

Hope that helps. Best of luck with your choice.

 

[ChadCRJ]

FSI

Bobby,

I did tour FSI and no doubts about it I was very impressed. They have good program going on down there by the looks of it.

You are correct when it comes to the cost of the two programs. They are both close in price. I don't have anything bad or negative to say about FSI. It basically just came down to what I was looking for. And Panam just seemed to be the place that fit me.

Curious to know what these schools recommended you do after you spend 51K and 31K + expenses, sounds like they where not promising you anything and not giving you the best case outlook.

Well I'm sure as you know their are really no gurantees in aviation. Panam was actually straight forward an out front about a lot of things. They know the industry isn't all shinny like it was prior to 9/11 an they tell you that. Basically if you can get through their program do what you have to do you will have a good chance of being able to come back an instruct for them. I'm sure this applies at a lot of the large academies. Its just what you make out of your oppurtunity

Thanks for all the insight guys. Appreciate it.
Chad

 

[Lucky]

here's another place to look at regarding schools:

http://jetcareers.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB22

Take these messege boards with a grain of salt. Many times all you see is a flame war. Pick out the information that is important to you.

 

[JimNtexas]

All the multi engine time in the ATP program trumps all the others.

My newphew did the Comair program and came out with only a little ME time, and now wishes he'd gone with ATP.

The ground school is a non-issue. Either work with a CFI one-on-one or take a fomal course from any of the million places that offer them.

Your ER distance learning will provide you with the core knowlege you need.

 

[FR8dognit]

Save your money...get a BA or BS in basket weaving...go to the local FBO and fly cheap...instruct a year or two and do it that way...it takes about the same time...its also about half the cost.
Just my .02 cents
Good luck!