Instructor Standardization?

[GaTechKid]

Just curious how standardization has changed since I went through. In mid 2005 we got zero prep in the aircraft, some sim time on our own, and had to go through both an Ernie and a Rich ride. Is there an ATP instructor assigned to the new hires now?

[v1valarob]

Read my blog. However its going to change again.

You either get a Rich ride or a John ride. But rich is a DE now, so I hear he is trying to distance himself from ATP.

-Rob

[sate]

Originally Posted by v1valarob

Read my blog. However its going to change again.

You either get a Rich ride or a John ride. But rich is a DE now, so I hear he is trying to distance himself from ATP.

-Rob

Rob,

Are students treated the way you are saying in your blog ? People giving out nicknames based on what you like to do in life...ie cooking ? I'm really not in the mood to spend 60,000+ to be treated like crap or have my stuff taken during a break in of the housing they put you in. Of course if I am reading right in your blog this treatment started after you finished the program is this how I am reading it ?

After all I am willing to put a lot of money out to learn to fly, not to be put down or have some stupid nickname put on my back.

[Gizmo]

Sate

I would not worry to much about some of the BS Rob had to endure. I found during my X-C, most locations are pretty laid back with really down to earth CFI's.

As far as the theft's, that's anywhere. Just take your laptop with you and leave it in the car. I took mine with me on all flights.

[sate]

Originally Posted by Gizmo

Sate

I would not worry to much about some of the BS Rob had to endure. I found during my X-C, most locations are pretty laid back with really down to earth CFI's.

As far as the theft's, that's anywhere. Just take your laptop with you and leave it in the car. I took mine with me on all flights.

I'm not so worried about break-ins as that is a fact of life.

[v1valarob]

Originally Posted by sate

Rob,

Are students treated the way you are saying in your blog ? People giving out nicknames based on what you like to do in life...ie cooking ? I'm really not in the mood to spend 60,000+ to be treated like crap or have my stuff taken during a break in of the housing they put you in. Of course if I am reading right in your blog this treatment started after you finished the program is this how I am reading it ?

After all I am willing to put a lot of money out to learn to fly, not to be put down or have some stupid nickname put on my back.

It was afterwards, when I started standardization. But it was just the 2 CFIs who ran it, who I have heard have now "left" the company, or will be leaving. Management in Jacksonville,... Derrick, Phil and Jim are all really cool guys and easily approachable.

I just want to make it clear to peoples, my experience during the 90 day program was AWESOME. I got everything I wanted out of it. Everyone was great, and I had loads of fun.

-Rob

[sate]

Originally Posted by v1valarob

It was afterwards, when I started standardization. But it was just the 2 CFIs who ran it, who I have heard have now "left" the company, or will be leaving. Management in Jacksonville,... Derrick, Phil and Jim are all really cool guys and easily approachable.

I just want to make it clear to peoples, my experience during the 90 day program was AWESOME. I got everything I wanted out of it. Everyone was great, and I had loads of fun.

-Rob

That is what I wanted to hear ! Can you understand my concern, as one is spending alot of money, and some are getting loans. You don't want to spend it with that company if your going to be treated like crap. Thanks for clearing things up for me.

My advice to people is to look into renters insurance which would replace stuff taken or if there were a fire or something like that.

sate

[meyers9163]

Originally Posted by sate

That is what I wanted to hear ! Can you understand my concern, as one is spending alot of money, and some are getting loans. You don't want to spend it with that company if your going to be treated like crap. Thanks for clearing things up for me.

My advice to people is to look into renters insurance which would replace stuff taken or if there were a fire or something like that.

sate

I would just add look into all your options..... There are issues here like any other flight school.... the fact that mx is only is JAX and a guy is telling your planes are ok to fly even though 4 other CFI's flew the same darn plane and that left engine cough and or dropped on mag checks by some 500-800 but didnt die completely...... The fact of the matter is its a business.... Give us your money we'll get you done but we could give two craps about you after you invest is the ADMIN thought..... You will meet great people, lots of good CFI's but just very questionable else where in the company.... they get you done adn get ya done fast..... you cant beat it... but its like ANY other flight school.....

[BillH]

Club Stuart, our 50,000$ vacation. Hell, Jacksonville is nice too, the apartments, just a bit longer drive to the airport.
So your thinking about not going to ATP because of a fear of getting robbed, and some one giving you a nick name??
Those things have never crossed my mind at ATP.
Stuart, everyone is close, gets along, it's like family. Jacksonville, I was there for three weeks for CFI school, I got along great with my room mates, and had no problems at the flight school. Talked to Rich a couple of times, he can be a funny guy.
Listen, you go to ATP to get done quickly at a fixed price. When you have have all your ratings, you'll be glad you did it.
I highly suggest Stuart as a location to go to.

[ATOflyer]

Originally Posted by meyers9163

I would just add look into all your options..... There are issues here like any other flight school.... the fact that mx is only is JAX and a guy is telling your planes are ok to fly even though 4 other CFI's flew the same darn plane and that left engine cough and or dropped on mag checks by some 500-800 but didnt die completely...... The fact of the matter is its a business.... Give us your money we'll get you done but we could give two craps about you after you invest is the ADMIN thought..... You will meet great people, lots of good CFI's but just very questionable else where in the company.... they get you done adn get ya done fast..... you cant beat it... but its like ANY other flight school.....

You'll get all your ratings no doubt. Getting treated like a customer though...not so much.

[SIUav8er]

Originally Posted by ATOflyer

You'll get all your ratings no doubt. Getting treated like a customer though...not so much.

Thats right, you dont get treated like a customer while doing flight training with ATP. You are treated like a student. Everything ATP does is geared for making a private pilot with 85 hours into an MEII. ATP gives you all the tools needed to succeed, its up to you to make it happen. Thats what makes it a great flight school for serious pilots that want to get their training done fast and efficiently.

Theres no ass kissing... especially once you get hired to instruct for the company. If you cant hack it they let you know so you dont waste yours or anyone else's time. (V1valaRobs situation during standardization was a little different though, its not normally that bad)

Btw, what are you up to now Rob? Out in RIC or what?

[v1valarob]

Originally Posted by SIUav8er

Btw, what are you up to now Rob? Out in RIC or what?

I have an interview at an FBO in about an hour. Hopefully all goes well!

-Rob

[Direct-enter-enter]

Originally Posted by BillH

I highly suggest Stuart as a location to go to.

Stuart is a nice place, but be cautious in your choice of a location, some of the outstation locations have distinctly lower quality of instruction. I only say this because as you go on x-country you will see a variety of pilots with diffrent skill sets. Also, in the CFI portion some folks from smaller locations were not happy with the knowledge they came into the program with.