What would YOU do?

[list2002]

Putting in a plug here for the company i now work for... look up www.allatps.com and request information on their career pilot program, it is a great deal and the quickest way to become a paid pilot. I am very glad I found the program.

 

[Earl Williams]

All ATP...

coincidentally, All ATP is at the airport I train at...I see their Seminoles cutting in front of me at the run-up area all the time

Actually, I've heard nothing but good things about the program, and of course it's nice to get all that multi-time. However, for me personally, getting all those ratings in 95 days sounds super-human! But, since people are able to do it, I guess it's possible.

What were your thoughts on the program? (and it's fast-pace?)

- Earl

 

[skydiverdriver]

Oh, one other thing, I did the slow way on my ratings, by working a regular job and paying them off one by one. It took over ten years. I gave up several times, and would not recommend this track. I think doing it all at once like ATP's or an aviation college makes a lot more sense. I also worked at ATP and think it's an excellent program. The time frame sounds superhuman, but it's not that bad. I had a problem forgetting things with my ratings, and the regs changed a lot during that time. No such difficulty with the quicker programs. Hope this helps, and good luck.

 

[Earl Williams]

Another ATP question...

I'll definitely check out the ATP program...but had one question for those who had any experience there. I've heard that it's somewhat common to bust (at least) one checkride there (probably due to the fast-paced nature of the program). I know that's it's possible to bust a checkride WHEREVER you train, but that it's just a little more common at ATP. Again, this is just what I've heard...maybe I'm totally wrong!

I know based on my PPL training, there are some days you fly well, and others not so well. I fortunately flew quite possibly the best I've ever flown on my checkride, yet the day prior in prep probably flew my worst! So, I know one can have just "one of those days" on a ride, and it by no means reflects improper training.

Obviously, I'm trying as hard as possible to never bust a ride, yet have heard the old saying "there are those that have busted checkrides, and those that will". I would assume that potential employers would question whether or not one has busted a ride, and may understand if you busted one (as long as there's a reasonable explanation for doing so, and most importantly you learned from the experience, etc). Then again, since I've never interviewed for a pilot job, busting any ride may be a big black eye?

Anyhow, just curious if you found this to be somewhat common at ATP?

Thanks again for your time!
-Earl

 

[Socal]

BUSTED RIDES

Don't sweat the busted ride thing. A Delta Captian once told me that busted checkrides are like poor SAT scores after getting your college degree. Of course it helps your confidence to get um all done well. But like you said you have bad days and good days. We once had an ATP applicant bust 2 rides in a row because he forgot to gear up, and this was a guy with tons of time in light twins. I will admit that ATP is accelerated and relies on the student to be a fairly self-motivated and disciplined person. When I went through it was hectic at times, but at the same time you fly so often that you really start to feel like a pro. After you get your instrument and multi-engine rating you go through a cross-country phase where you talk to dispatch every day, fly all over the country, stay at hotels near airports... it was very fun. I didn't bust any checkrides and neither did my flight partner, and of the people who did, they just did a little more flight training and took the ride the next day. But I must emphasize that they will help you out, answer any questions , and cover everything you need to know, but it is up to you to go home and comit it to memory. ATP emphasizes hands on experiential training. So it really depends on what pace you are most comfortable with. But ATP is the only school I know that has a guaranteed fixed price as well. Oh yeah, you get to fly a CE-501 too.

 

[bobbysamd]

Hey, Skydiver . . .

Glad to see that I'm not the only one in the world to take years to finish ratings on the pay-as-you-go method. It is NOT effective.

Definitely, Earl, consider leaving full-time work for full-time training. You'll learn more and learn it better, and save money and time in the long run.

 

[Earl Williams]

Thanks Socal

Given the fast-paced nature of the ATP program, what happens if you have trouble on a specific maneuver? Heck, it probably took me 20-30 times during my PPL training to get comfortable with short and soft-field landings, so I know there are going to be times where I need additional time to increase my proficiency. Does the ATP curriculum allow for this?

 

[Earl Williams]

one other ATP question...

(sorry, my previous response was accidentally added before I could finish the post! )

I'm not sure if you're at the liberty to answer this, but typically what is the "graduation rate" of the ATP program? Of the pilots that entered the same time you did, how many made it through?

And in regards to my question from the previous post, if indeed you are allowed additional time to practice a maneuver you're having trouble with, is that additional time charged in excess of the total cost of the program (which I believe is somewhere around $31K?)

Thanks again for taking the time to answer these questions...very helpful

 

[list2002]

HI Earl. The last post was accidentally under a co-worker's login. Ummmm... everyone I knew graduated. As far as getting things down like short field and such, what your instructor will probably do is take you up for your last bit of time and do only the things that you need work on. The Seminole is a great plane to fly. MY first couple, probably 4-5 landings actually were a bit rough, but once you get that plane wired it's easier to land than most single engine airplanes. In fact the hardest checkride was the single engine commercial and instructor at the end of the course, because you get used to flying the seminole. But I did in fact know a student who had a hard time with some check rides and needed extra time, it will be more usually 170/hr... but that is in an immergency. The people at ATP would rather refund the remainder of your tuition and let you finish up at another school than push you into another bust. You will be challenged, but you get so immersed in aviation by living with other students like yourself, that you are constantly learning. It also motivates you to realize that you are not alone in your "chance" to do what you always wanted to do. The ages of the students at my location was from 20-37, with three of eight being 37. You will find that with this high intesity flying, you will be more comfortable with checkrides and such because you have spent so much time recently in a plane. Rather than 2-3 days a week.