It's official heading to Atlanta July 7th!!!

[vladi34]

Well it's official now, my loan paperwork is signed, my deposit paid, got my materials today (can't wait to get home and open them!), and will be in Atlanta in beginning of July for my 07/07/08 PP start date! Before any of the ever watchful "Yoda" types jump me for heading the ATP route I have to say that I have extensively read and re-read all of your posts about the pros and cons of this decision, and have done extensive research, in the end my family and I have decided that this was simply the best approach for me (and them) period.
I will post a more extensive explanation of my decision at a later date to hopefully help someone else make their decision like all of you have helped me. Thank you to everyone on this site by the way, and a big THANK YOU to Doug for starting it, as this has been and will continue to be an immeasurable research (and sometimes venting) tool for people like me!
Now that we have that out of the way I have yet another question for my fellow JCers and any ATP students/instructors. I was just recently told that ATP no longer does their fast track program out of the FTY location which I toured back in March (only their self paced program will be operating out of there), instead I will be flying out of their new location, LZU, in Lawrenceville GA, which is some 34 miles outside of Atlanta (instead of the 10 miles that Fulton County Airport was at). Does anyone know the reasoning for this change? Also I looked up the LZU location and it only has a single vector approach/takeoff runway, as opposed to the two directional that FTY has (not sure if my lingo is correct, but you get the point). According to the guy giving me the tour of the FTY location, this was supposed to be a big plus for that place, that and the fact that FTY sees a lot of large corporate air traffic. Has anyone here been at the new LZU location? Anyone know what the apartments there are like and how close they are to the field? Any info would be helpful.
Thanks and see you there!

[SatelliteBeachPilot]

You couldn't start before July 1st? Could have saved some serious coin if you could've.

[meyers9163]

Best of luck..... We all have our own reasons for going certain routes. Hopefully in the end it'll be worth it for you.

As far as the airport change we can all speculate as to why. Who knows. Fact is FTY you needed to get about 20 miles out before you could really start in the pratice area. Think about that as wasted fuel and money. Getting out of the class bravo. I'm not sure where the new places is but I bet that has some reason. In addition price for them to operate out of FTY and who knows there are many reasons why such changes happen. None of us would know why (even those who think they do would be speculating, only ones who know are the main guys there).

Regardless having approaches into it or not isnt a huge deal. You are in the ATL area there are enough airports to shoot approaches into. Not a huge deal. Doesnt really matter to be quite honest. Not when you are in an area saturated with airports.

[vladi34]

Originally Posted by SatelliteBeachPilot

You couldn't start before July 1st? Could have saved some serious coin if you could've.

I tried to start June 2nd, but apparently their class was filled up What's $5K extra

[BillH]

Originally Posted by vladi34

I tried to start June 2nd, but apparently their class was filled up What's $5K extra

What is 5k worth? How about a vacation to South America where you could have approximately 30+ of the hottest Colombian woman you ever saw in your life, many of them all night long. Yeh man, THATS what 5,000$ is worth, so go call up ATP, tell them you want to go to SUA, and start earlier so you can learn to appreciate your green backs a bit more! I am serious.

[SIUav8er]

Originally Posted by vladi34

Also I looked up the LZU location and it only has a single vector approach/takeoff runway, as opposed to the two directional that FTY has (not sure if my lingo is correct, but you get the point). According to the guy giving me the tour of the FTY location, this was supposed to be a big plus for that place, that and the fact that FTY sees a lot of large corporate air traffic. Has anyone here been at the new LZU location? Anyone know what the apartments there are like and how close they are to the field? Any info would be helpful.
Thanks and see you there!

Dont worry about it. Youre gonna learn the same stuff. Youll probably (definitely) be flying in and out of FTY all the time anyway moving airplanes around.

Its actually for the better. Smaller airports = less IFR traffic. Its nice not having to sit on the ground #5 for an IFR release. Enjoy the program, its a blast!

Originally Posted by BillH

What is 5k worth? How about a vacation to South America where you could have approximately 30+ of the hottest Colombian woman you ever saw in your life, many of them all night long. Yeh man, THATS what 5,000$ is worth, so go call up ATP, tell them you want to go to SUA, and start earlier so you can learn to appreciate your green backs a bit more! I am serious.

Did ya miss his ?

[BillH]

Originally Posted by SIUav8er

Did ya miss his ?

Just some food for thought, not too late to get an earlier date.

[ALLATPS]

Originally Posted by vladi34

I have yet another question for my fellow JCers and any ATP students/instructors. I was just recently told that ATP no longer does their fast track program out of the FTY location which I toured back in March (only their self paced program will be operating out of there), instead I will be flying out of their new location, LZU, in Lawrenceville GA, which is some 34 miles outside of Atlanta (instead of the 10 miles that Fulton County Airport was at).

ATP Website Reference: ATP Opens Second Metro Atlanta Flight Training Center at Gwinnett County Airport

[meyers9163]

Originally Posted by ALLATPS

ATP Website Reference: ATP Opens Second Metro Atlanta Flight Training Center at Gwinnett County Airport

OH no..... ALLATPS? Interesting.... Jim/Phil/Eric Prester? hmmm

[SIUav8er]

Originally Posted by ALLATPS

ATP Website Reference: ATP Opens Second Metro Atlanta Flight Training Center at Gwinnett County Airport

LOL!!!!!!

[NJT916]

"pilot sleep/shower quarters"

Thats crazy!

And to think, we had a "If you're not a woman, don't use this bathroom" sign at KRAL.

[SatelliteBeachPilot]

Originally Posted by BillH

What is 5k worth? How about a vacation to South America where you could have approximately 30+ of the hottest Colombian woman you ever saw in your life, many of them all night long. Yeh man, THATS what 5,000$ is worth, so go call up ATP, tell them you want to go to SUA, and start earlier so you can learn to appreciate your green backs a bit more! I am serious.

I wanted to go to SUA but they didn't have any openings before June 30th so I'm heading to DAB.

[joliet]

Training at ALL ATPS is to be considered a serious investment in ones future. That said, ALL ATPS knows this, and will take advantage of you, given the opportunity.

I guess they are reading this, and I know they are laughing.

All the way to the bank.

[Sled14]

Originally Posted by SatelliteBeachPilot

I wanted to go to SUA but they didn't have any openings before June 30th so I'm heading to DAB.

Haha, I wanted to go to DAB but they didn't have any openings when I called before June 30th so I chose SUA

[jn.av8r]

I'm in the process of narrowing down my choices to either the ATP 90-day.. or Jet U - I'm leaning toward ATP! Best of luck with everthing and I hope it turns out to be all you hope (and I hope) and more!

Keep us posting - I know I'd enjoy hearing about your experience!

John

[SIUav8er]

Originally Posted by jn.av8r

I'm in the process of narrowing down my choices to either the ATP 90-day.. or Jet U - I'm leaning toward ATP! Best of luck with everthing and I hope it turns out to be all you hope (and I hope) and more!

Keep us posting - I know I'd enjoy hearing about your experience!

John

Do a search on here for "Jet U"

Its gets even more bashing than ATP!

[SatelliteBeachPilot]

Originally Posted by Sled14

Haha, I wanted to go to DAB but they didn't have any openings when I called before June 30th so I chose SUA

Want to switch?

[BillH]

Originally Posted by SatelliteBeachPilot

Want to switch?

Whoa be careful here. Don't label yourself as some one who is a pain this early on in your training.

[Sled14]

Originally Posted by SatelliteBeachPilot

Want to switch?

Nah I'm good, looking forward to Stuart now and start in little over a week. Couldn't really find much info on the DAB location here, maybe cause its sort of new?

[jn.av8r]

Originally Posted by SIUav8er

Do a search on here for "Jet U"

Its gets even more bashing than ATP!

Have NO fear - I'm not considering Jet U!!! Not to sound like a beyotch (ok, yes, to sound like a big beyotch!!!), I'll paste a back-n'-forth email exchange I just had with Jet U, so I'm bashing them already. No need to take MY word for it, just read the email exchange from BOTTOM to TOP and see for yourself(s)!

**********************

From: John
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:21 PM
To: Mike Howard
Subject: RE: Jet University
Importance:

Dear Michael Howard,

Ok - lets see if I understand this correctly....

According your calculation (offer) below, I would be getting the Comm, ME, Instrument rating plus the CRJ program for $58,985. The CRJ program alone is $29,985, so I would be paying you $29,000 for a Multi-engine / Commercial / Instrument rating with approximately 10 - 20 hours ME time? So, even if I attained with you the higher average of 20 hours of ME time... say at $300.00 per hour (with instruction) which would add up to only $6,000.00, considering that living expenses are EXTRA, on what is the other $23,000 being spent? A single-engine, instrument, commercial rating?? (that would be 115 hours @ $200/hr)

Considering, as I mentioned, ATP which has the same basic program (granted, a much less intensive CRJ program) but with approximately 140 hours of logged multi-engine PIC time, I'm more than eager to hear a better clarification and rationale why I should spend $29,000 on your offer of a slightly modified program!

Rightly or wrongly, I am under the impression that I do not need to accumulate more single engine hours, so very specifically, on what would the other $23,000 or more be spent!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Sincerely potentially speechless,

John
****************************
Hi John…….Please see answers below.
Michael Howard
Director of Pilot Recruiting

5302 NW 21st Terrace
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Ph: 866.787.5388 ext 757
Cell: 954.599.2621
Fax: 954.928.1552
Email: mikeh@jetuniversity.com
Website: www.jetuniversity.com

*********************

From: John
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2008 6:45 PM
To: Mike Howard
Subject: Re: Jet University
Importance:


Dear Michael Howard,

Thank you for the below email and attachments. Briefly, I am interested in an accelerated-type of career pilot program. I have considered FlightSafety's and ATP's programs thus far; I think I am leaning more towards ATP's 90-day program versus FlightSafety's 10-month program. I do, however, have a few questions for you regarding Jet University.

Regarding your training programs, I basically fit in between the two of them as I will explain... Currently, I have 281 +/- SEL hours, with NO commercial, instrument nor ME time. I have been flying a Piper Arrow (PA-28R-200) exclusively for the past 3+ years.

I would be very interested in hearing from you as to specifically:
• Where I would "fit in" in terms of training / credit for experience and how much time / cost I could expect to incur towards the completion of your Express Commercial Flight Training program; We can give you a credit of approximately $10,000 for your total time and a $1,000 for your PPL rating. To complete your instrument, multi-commercial and the CRJ200 program you are looking at approximately $58,985.
• How many ME / ME-Instrument/Commercial hours could I expect to accumulate while completing your Express Commercial Flight Training program (how many of the above type hours are needed to enter your CRJ 200 program); Our multi-commercial pilots have between 10 and 20 hours of multi time.Currently, the airlines are not as concerned with multi time. The majority of our pilots are hired with as little as 5 hours of multi (although this could change). They are really looking for 250TT and multi commercial ratings with glass cockpit training such as our CRJ200 FO Program.
• What length of delay can normally be expected between the completion of your Express program and the start of your CRJ 200 program; Normally, our pilots are hired with in a 10 day period following graduation from our CRJ FO Program.
• How many / who are your 'partnership' airlines? Do you have any type of 'letters of understanding' similar to those that ATP uses in their advertising; Currently, we are an approved bridge program for both Pinnacle Airlines dba Northwest Airlink and ASA Airlines. Checkout the link below.
http://www.flypinnacle.com/site/our_company/career_center/careers_bridge_programs.php
• This would be my dream career change... translation: I am 45 years old (11/27/62). Are there any additional challenges presented being this age versus, say, 21 - 25? No, Pinnacle has hired several of our graduates in their 40’s.

Thank you again for your time. I am looking forward to hearing from you!
Please give me call if you any further questions.

Sincerely,

John
***************************
Hello John,
Thank you for inquiring about Jet University’s Express Commercial Flight Training and or our Fast Track CRJ 200 First Officer programs.
The Express program allows zero time pilots the opportunity to acquire all needed flight ratings (private, instrument, multi-commercial) in order to qualify for enrollment into our Fast Track CRJ FO Program. Our flight school utilizes a fleet of new Diamond Aircraft (DA20, DA40, DA42), featuring the Garmin G1000 all glass instrument panels as well as Diamonds latest DA42 Elite Flight Training Simulator. By introducing our students to an all glass cockpit early in their training, we help bridge the gap between analog gauge, piston-driven, reciprocating engine aircraft to a CRJ200 and Part 121 Operations.
Entrance requirements for the Fast Track CRJ airline program are private, commercial-multi and instrument ratings (no minimum time requirements), 19 years of age and U.S. citizenship (or work authorization in the U.S.). We are very excited about our Fast Track CRJ200 First Officer Training Program; we are proud to say that our Professional Pilot Program currently has a 97% hire rate for the graduates of our CRJ 200 First Officer Program. This program was developed jointly with our partner airlines to ensure the quality of First Officers they are hiring. By the time you interview with our airline affiliate, you will already have experienced all of their flight training three times to include check rides!
Normally an airline will give you 16 -20 simulator hours to learn Electronic Flight Information Systems (EFIS) integration and Flight Management Systems (FMS) navigation, not to mention having a whole slew of new profiles, procedures and emergencies to master! All this adds up to a very stressful training environment…always wondering if you will be able to do it or if they are going to let you go. Jet University and our airline affiliate have resolved this problem with a custom tailored curriculum that teaches students to comfortably fly the CRJ200 using the profiles, procedures and call outs of the specific partner airline, in order to ensure your success.
We currently have the latest state of the art CRJ 200 Flight Training Simulators with graphics that are comparable to any Level D Simulator. The Jet University facility is located at FXE airport, where you will receive up to 80 hours of simulator flight training as well as all of the jet transition, high altitude aerodynamics, FMS, EFIS, CRJ200 systems, Airline Transport Pilot Written Exam Prep, and the airline specific Interview Prep courses. The management of Jet University has successfully placed nearly 700 pilots in permanent jet jobs. This system of training has been used safely and successfully in Europe for many years. Now Jet University is making it available to you.
The cost of our 9 to 11 month Express Commercial Pilot Program which includes the CRJ FO Program and comes with a job placement guarantee is $69,985 plus room and board. Dorm rooms are $450 per month for a single and $700 for a single and include all utilities. The CRJ First Officer Program alone is $29,985 (multi-commercial required).
Please call (or email me) with any questions you may have or if you would like to schedule a tour of Jet University.
Michael Howard
Director of Pilot Recruiting
5302 NW 21st Terrace
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Ph: 866.787.5388 ext 757
Cell: 954.599.2621
Fax: 954.928.1552
Email: mikeh@jetuniversity.com
Website: www.jetuniversity.com

[SatelliteBeachPilot]

Originally Posted by BillH

Whoa be careful here. Don't label yourself as some one who is a pain this early on in your training.

A pain? They are getting close to 60K from me, I think I should have some kind of say in where I go. I don't mind Daytona, I love the airport (especially how busy it stays) but I have family in and live near Stuart. Eric said if anything opened up it wouldn't be a big deal to switch.

[popaviator]

Originally Posted by jn.av8r

I'm in the process of narrowing down my choices to either the ATP 90-day.. or Jet U - I'm leaning toward ATP! Best of luck with everthing and I hope it turns out to be all you hope (and I hope) and more!

Keep us posting - I know I'd enjoy hearing about your experience!

John

Hey did you talk to Vanessa... where theres a will ($) theres a way to Jet U. I'm so glad I chose ATP and you will be too. Did you tour the facility? I was shocked to see so many student pilots with striped
epaulettes.....at least they have nice planes

[vladi34]

Hey guys, been gone for a little while, thanks for all the response. I would have loved to go to SUA and save $5K, but unfortunately I had to fly out of Atlanta, LZU. The reason for that is my folks live there and in that case my wife and two kids will be able to come down for a couple of visits and stay with them (save some $ on hotels and see the grandparents at the same time), that way maybe I'll get to see my family at least a couple of times over the 5 months...

The new fascilities at LZU sound awesome, thanks to ALLATPS for posting the link. I tried asking one of the guys from ATP that called me about a week back about it, but he had no idea, and no offense but a couple of the guys out at ATP's call center absolutely suck at what they do... Greg, the guy I dealt with the most is pretty good, but a couple of others sound like they would rather hold a 9mm to their temple then be there, know nothing about anything I ask them, and don't seem too concerned with finding out. Come on guys I just put close to $70K on the line to go to the school you are working for, sound at least a little excited to have me, that's all I ask... OK enough with the bitching.

Got my package from ATP a little while back, been reading the text and trying to prep for the Private written exam. So far so good, a lot of info to absorb but definetly doable! Does anyone know anything more about the LZU location as far as housing goes (like how far from the airport it is and things like that). Can't wait to start!!

[dmink]

This is my first post on jc but have been reading for quite a while now. I'm actually starting my Time Building in Atlanta on June 17, then the ACCP on the 23rd. I too have talked to Greg and he said the new apts were about 5 minutes from the new location. I had taken my tour of the Fulton County facility back a couple of months ago and liked it and decided to go to Atlanta due to the fact it was only a couple of hours from my home in Birmingham. The new location adds about 30 minutes or so (in no traffic) for me to get back. I look forward to meeting you once you get there. You can send me a message after I get over there and I'll try to let you know what I can about the new location.

[vladi34]

Originally Posted by dmink

This is my first post on jc but have been reading for quite a while now. I'm actually starting my Time Building in Atlanta on June 17, then the ACCP on the 23rd. I too have talked to Greg and he said the new apts were about 5 minutes from the new location. I had taken my tour of the Fulton County facility back a couple of months ago and liked it and decided to go to Atlanta due to the fact it was only a couple of hours from my home in Birmingham. The new location adds about 30 minutes or so (in no traffic) for me to get back. I look forward to meeting you once you get there. You can send me a message after I get over there and I'll try to let you know what I can about the new location.

Thanks man, I appreciate that! And I will definetly pick you for some info. Best of luck and I'll see you in a little over a month!