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reefteaser · October 7th, 2007, 09:21

Sounds similar to my story. I fly as a hobby for a while, then decided I had enough of salary, benefits, retirement, schedule, and all that crap and became an instuctor at 39. I did that for two years, then got into charter, flying piston twins, then King Airs, and now Lear Jets. I'm now 45. I may have taken a slower route, but I've made money along the way, had some great experiences, and learned a lot. I've also worked my a$$ off. It's still a job. When people meet me and find out what I do, they think it's some glarmorus lifestyle. I just tell them it's the hardest work I've ever enjoyed.
I've worked with a couple of people that went to ATP. All of them sound very similar, in that they got their certificates, but most of the learning was on the job. Sounds like the place is a good value for the money, but VERY fast paced, and not for everyone.
Going the FBO route got my networking started early and definately helped me, but all the multi time at ATP is a great resume builder. Think carefully about the next step after ATP, because recouping your investment will take a long time if you go to the airlines.

October 7th, 2007, 09:21	#3
reefteaser Newbie Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: West Palm Beach Posts: 23	Re: Another career changer Sounds similar to my story. I fly as a hobby for a while, then decided I had enough of salary, benefits, retirement, schedule, and all that crap and became an instuctor at 39. I did that for two years, then got into charter, flying piston twins, then King Airs, and now Lear Jets. I'm now 45. I may have taken a slower route, but I've made money along the way, had some great experiences, and learned a lot. I've also worked my a$$ off. It's still a job. When people meet me and find out what I do, they think it's some glarmorus lifestyle. I just tell them it's the hardest work I've ever enjoyed. I've worked with a couple of people that went to ATP. All of them sound very similar, in that they got their certificates, but most of the learning was on the job. Sounds like the place is a good value for the money, but VERY fast paced, and not for everyone. Going the FBO route got my networking started early and definately helped me, but all the multi time at ATP is a great resume builder. Think carefully about the next step after ATP, because recouping your investment will take a long time if you go to the airlines.