Introduction

[AleksanderJ-CA-609]

Hello Adam,
My name is Aleksander, and I am 17 years old. I am from Los Angeles, California. I am currently looking for flight schools that will help me start on my path of becoming a pilot. I have been interested in aviation since I was a little child. I am wondering if you could tell me all you know on ATP and if you know of any good flight schools here in Southern Califorina.

[ExpressJet Adam]

Hey Aleksander,

If I tell you everything I know about ATP it'll take about a week and be the equivalent of a small novel. Sooooo, how about I just give you some highlights?

If you read my intro you know I shopped around quite a bit before settling on ATP. There were several factors that helped me in my decision. The most important fact for me now is after all this time, I'm still glad I chose ATP and know it was the right decision for me.

First off price. Flying's expensive and I don't think you can call any school "cheap", but ATP was very reasonable by comparison. Now I hesitate to tell anyone that something as important as flight training should be based on cost. That being said, most of us live in the real world and unfortunately that means money's a consideration.

Quality and duration of training. You obviously want the best training you can get. I spoke to many students at the various schools and "most" of the ATP students were very happy with their training. They (and I) also liked the accelerated pace. Remember, the sooner you finish, the sooner you can teach, the sooner you get hired, the sooner you upgrade. Seniority is everything.

Finally reputation. I was actually sent to ATP by a manager at another flight school. He said "the airlines like ATP grads" and he was right. They know if you got through ATP you know how to bust your butt and get the job done.

As far as good flight schools in SoCal, I'm a native New Yorker so I don't too much info other than ATP does have 3 locations there, lol.

Adam

[AleksanderJ-CA-609]

Adam, I have another question. Did you by any chance hear from some of your co-workers or from someone about Mazzei Flying Service?

[ExpressJet Adam]

Sorry Aleksander,

Not familiar with them at all? Just visited their website, looks interesting?

The biggest thing that immediately jumped out at me (vs ATP) is the multi-time (or lack there of). One of the biggest obstacles pilots encounter when looking for a airline job is every airline has multi-engine mins (usually 100hrs, but the more the better). When you complete ATP's program you'll leave with over 100 hrs multi (usually around 140). You wouldn't believe how many guys are out there with literally thousands of hours total time who can't even get an interview because they can't get the multi-time. Twins are expensive and there are very few places that rent them. Something to consider.

Adam

[AleksanderJ-CA-609]

Ok, so the more multi-time I can rack up, the better off I will be in the piloting industry. Adam, is it possible to do the ground school training and get my PPL at a diffrent place but do the rest of the ratings at ATP?

[ExpressJet Adam]

Absolutely,

ATP has 2 Airline Career Pilot Programs, one takes you from "0" time through all your ratings, the other starts AFTER your PPL. For details visit the website. Cool?

Adam

[AleksanderJ-CA-609]

Thanks Adam that answers an important question of mine? Another quick question for you Adam, if I can. What is better to look for in a Flight instructor, one who has +1000 hours, someone who just came out flight school (found a instructor that graduated from ATP but just recently), or an instructor that a family friend recomended?

[ExpressJet Adam]

Hey Aleksander,

Great question! I've found that time has very little to do with what kind of a pilot someone is, and to a greater extent, what kind of an instructor. Some people are simply better suited at instructing than others. Personality, enthusiasm and goals all factor into it. I know some great pilots who are lousy instructors (and visa versa). Someone who has alot of time obviously has more experience BUT they may have become jaded or complacient. A new guy may have the enthusiasm but not the chops (generally not the case). Go out, meet them, talk to them and see how you get along. You'll know pretty quick who you want to train with.

Adam

[AleksanderJ-CA-609]

Ok, thanks Adam. That helps me narrow down the choice a bit since I met a couple of the instructors.

[ExpressJet Adam]

Great, let me know how you make out.

Happy July 4th!

Adam