Self-paced Locations

[TechFlyer]

Does anybody know which self-paced locations have the most career pilot program students? Is preferential treatment given to the 30 day guys when it comes to instructing for ATP? I'll be going through the program in a few months at a self-paced location because I'll be finishing my degree at the same time. It would be nice to be at a location that has several career pilot students. Thanks!

[casey]

honestly, finish your degree and then do the 90 day program. Better to concentrate on one thing at a time, and the ACPP works best when taken all at once. Self paced, unless you are very motivated and have a lot of free time, tends to drag on for a while from what i saw when i was there.

Any location can do self paced students. If you want to be around career pilots you'll want to go to a 90 day location. At the non 90-day locations you'll mostly be seeing ATP's, Multi engine ratings and that sort of thing.

[GaTechKid]

Does anybody know which self-paced locations have the most career pilot program students?

You have the option to do the self-paced program at all ATP locations. Only the dispatch office knows exactly how many career students are at each location, but I'd say JAX and DFW have the most career program activity.

Is preferential treatment given to the 30 day guys when it comes to instructing for ATP?

No - HQ considers all career program graduates equally for employment. Attitude, personality, and ability are the most important components that go into who gets hired. And it's 90 days, not 30. Fastest guy to complete the program took 56 days.

I'll be going through the program in a few months at a self-paced location because I'll be finishing my degree at the same time. It would be nice to be at a location that has several career pilot students. Thanks!

When I first started instructing in Chicago there was one career pilot. During the summer we had 7 career pilots start. Honestly it would probably be to your benefit if your instructor only had you to worry about instead of 2-3 other self-paced students. That's just my perspective as a former instructor.

honestly, finish your degree and then do the 90 day program. Better to concentrate on one thing at a time, and the ACPP works best when taken all at once. Self paced, unless you are very motivated and have a lot of free time, tends to drag on for a while from what i saw when i was there.

A self-paced student who works full-time tends to go at a slower pace than a self-paced student who goes to school full-time. I had no problems going through the program while in my last year in college. Honestly, if you've made it to your 4th/5th year in college, you should be able to manage your time/studying properly enough to breeze through the program.

[TechFlyer]

Thanks for your replies. A 30 program...now that would be something worth talking about, haha. I must've been thinking 3 months. Anyways, I completely agree that it's best to concentrate on one thing at a time. That's why I've waited over three years to begin my training. I'm going to graduate two terms early and the only thing I'll need to do while at flight school is like 3 or 4 online elective classes to fulfill my general ed requirements. It sounds like this isn't going to be too much of a distraction. I would do the 90 day but with the classes I think it would be too much. I'm planning on working at a 5-6 month pace.

GaTechKid, you said that it would be beneficial to have an instructor who is dedicated to one student. That makes perfect sense to me and I like that aspect of the smaller self-paced locations. I think I keep forgetting that the ATP instructors are more easily accessible than my college professors. They don't always appreciate having questions "bounced" off of them in their office. At least I hope they're more accessible.

[Eagle737]

They're much much much more accessible... I still have the cell numbers from four of my instructors when I went through the program back April-July of 04... that being said, I'm having lunch tomorrow with the guy who did my CFII, Com SE, and CFI-SE training... one thing I loved about ATP.. hardcore training, Instructors who worked together/instead of competeing against each other, and you make some dang (censorship) good friends for life.

granted, I was offered a job yesterday, so I'm excited I get to leave my FBO and return to ATP and instruct for them =)

[Airdale]

I did the self paced program, and agree with Chris. Its awesome! I had a blast with my instructors and I still keep in touch with Matt, my instructor through most of my program, who is now flying for XJT. Reguardless of the location, ATP and the instructors always make sure you are treated well and that your program is progessing at a pace that is good for you and good for them.

Doing a degree on the side might be tough, although if you're very motivated and can multi task very well, you can do it. The career program does have a lot of studying along with it. Of course all the written tests, but like I said, if you can manage time very well and have the dedication, you could easily do it. I held a part time job working on hardwood floors while I was in the 10-month program. And I did the 10 month program in 4 months. Oh wait...thats pretty close to the 90 day huh?

[musicmixer]

Originally Posted by Airdale

I did the self paced program, and agree with Chris. Its awesome! I had a blast with my instructors and I still keep in touch with Matt, my instructor through most of my program, who is now flying for XJT. Reguardless of the location, ATP and the instructors always make sure you are treated well and that your program is progessing at a pace that is good for you and good for them.

Doing a degree on the side might be tough, although if you're very motivated and can multi task very well, you can do it. The career program does have a lot of studying along with it. Of course all the written tests, but like I said, if you can manage time very well and have the dedication, you could easily do it. I held a part time job working on hardwood floors while I was in the 10-month program. And I did the 10 month program in 4 months. Oh wait...thats pretty close to the 90 day huh?

Good job on the 4 months! From what I have seen you are far and few between. Most folks take allot more time than that. To the original poster, I say go for the 90 day when the degree is complete.