Quote:
Originally Posted by meyers9163  Lastly I know you said ATP is cheaper? Perhaps in New York it is. However the average FBO is about 40k for IRA-MEI. Just had a fellow JCer who was going to go to ATP check out my place I gave him. All his stuff from IRA-MEI for only 40k if not less. |
Just an FYI, I'm the guy Paul is talking about here...
I was (still am, technically) scheduled to start at Stuart ATP June 30th, but looks like they'll be getting the cancellation notice shortly (barring something bizarre happening). I had checked out a few FBO's locally, but nothing really appealed to me, nor did they have the fleet or instructor base required for a career program. So, I figured I'd have to settle for ATP... it sounded fun, looked good, and let's face it, you probably get a decent program when all is said and done. BUT, you pay out the wazoo for it (wazoo is a word). So, to some, ATP could be a viable option (Heck, I don't regret looking at it or putting a deposit down for it). But Paul informed me of a great FBO that was fairly local. I checked it out, and he's right - they appear to have a quality program, great fleet, and a solid base of instructors. And, he's not lying, they can do pretty much the same thing for around $40K (quite possibly less). It may take a bit longer than 90 days, but personally, I felt that taking a bit longer on such training may be (I know, this is a crazy thought) a better idea - I don't want to be taught how to pass a test, I want to be taught how to be a better pilot, and as such, have the confidence I can pass any test any time without a 90 day gouge. So, taking a few extra weeks or months out, really, may not be a bad idea.
Of course, I'll have to update this once I've completed the program. But I really do have confidence in the FBO route, because really, it just comes down to the dedication you as a pilot have to learn and how much time you can put in.
That's my two cents for the day.
MD
Post Script: Thanks again, Paul. Your advice has been greatly appreciated.