10 Month Self Paced - Nationwide

[LogThis]

Hey guys,

I've been finding the information on this forum to be great and I'm hoping that collectively you can help me with my decision.

Currently I'm working for a Wall Street firm, making some decent change. It require fairly long hours though, which make flight training during weekdays next to impossible (though i could possible study for 1-2 hours). I'm currently taking lessons at a local FBO using the Cessna CPC kit, and I'm close to the Solo (2-3 more CPC lessons). Training is fairly expensive and the FBO is a pay as you go deal. No block time purchases etc.

ATP offers the 85 hrs Private Pilot for $6,995 which is great, afterwhich you'll need to do the ACPP. I'd love to jump on this deal, but is it possible to do the ACPP 10 month self paced with weekend only training (I could definately put in some good hours during the weekend)? What happens if you can't do the ACPP in 10 months?

I'm really serious about going through with a career change, but I definately would like to continue working earning good money while obtaining all the ratings. Unfortunately, I do not have a trust account and scraping through eating ramen (though I do like ramen) isn't exactly appealing, especiallly since I do have a great paying job currently.

Also, another option I'm waiting on is hearing back from Cathay Pacific's cadet pilot program (I only recently sent in my app, so fingers crossed). Not sure if it really matters, but I'm currently 25, with a FAA Class I med, about 10 hrs of SE and 2hrs of ME (joyride in hawaii). Planning on picking up several Gliem books for the written test (I hear you can memorize the answers and pass? - I'll be studying the theory behind it when I'm actually learning, but just to get the actual exam out the way would be nice and leave more time in my busy schedule).

What are your suggestions? Will ATP allow me to do weekends only (and days I'm not working?) Anybody know much about the Trenton location?

Thanks thanks thanks!

[Cactus_Cutter]

Hi LogThis

If you sign up with ATP for the private course they will now send you the King video tapes & test book to help you for the written. I was sick the day I took my written and was able to score a 97 so I guess they work.

I don't know about the 10 month ACPP just being offered on the weekends but there are instructors who might give you a better answer than I could.

I too left a good paying job but I wanted a change in life other than being locked up in some office. If I need something else during my journey such as Top Ramen or CRJ training I just shake the NASDAQ or the FOREX tree a couple times.

Good Luck!

[rhs]

[ QUOTE ]
What are your suggestions? Will ATP allow me to do weekends only (and days I'm not working?) Anybody know much about the Trenton location?

[/ QUOTE ]

I am in the same boat. I have a good paying job that I'm not prepared to leave yet. I am doing the 10-month program and paying as I go rather than taking out a loan. Yes, it's going to take longer, but I'll be more secure financially once I am finished and finally quit my job. I personally think that's worth something.

I am currently doing the training 2.5 days a week (Fri afternoon/Sat/Sun) because my schedule through the week is so packed. It hasn't been a problem so far. I think I'm making good progress. I plan to take some time off work during the XC phase so that I can get more done quickly. I also plan to (as required) take off time to go to CFI training in JAX.

To sum it up, yes it's possible! But remember that you'll have to be a little more flexible later in the program.