Hello Bobby

[ChristianM-HI-1208]

Bobby,
Hello! I have been assigned to you from ATP. I would like to introduce myself to you; I am a 16 year Active Duty Airman. I am currently being medically discharged due to a combat injury. My Air Force career consisted of Aircraft MX along with about 8 years as a Flight Engineer on many different C-130's. I have around 1600 hrs with about 300 of them as instructor time. I have a little idea of what is in store for me but I know your wealth of knowledge will help along the way. Thank you for your time and your service to our great nation.
Christian

[Pinnacle Bobby]

It's nice to meet you Christian and welcome to the Forum!

Thank you for your service also, you've paid quite the price if a medical discharge is the result. 1600 flying hours is quite an accomplishment, with that being C-130 time I'm sure you have stories to tell! Your military experience will prove very helpful as you pursue the next endeavor.

Do you have a future in goal in mind regarding aviation? Are you looking towards the airlines, professional instructor..etc?

I'm here to answer any questions you have about the entire process, so ask away!


Bobby

[ChristianM-HI-1208]

Bobby,
I have tons of great stories to tell! I do have a few questions for you. I am looking at perusing a regional type job with hopes of the majors someday. My first question is about ATP. I have read a lot of negative feedbacks about the flight school and I was just wondering if you have any “Heads Up Type INFO”. I am sure that all places have some sort of negative information, just looking for the insider scoop. Also any and all advice you have I would love to be privy too.
I know that I am looking a bit down the road, but how was the hiring process for the airlines? I know the pay sucks (that’s not why I am doing this) and the hours are not user friendly. Any information on that experience would be great too.
On a personal note, yes all the time is in a C130. I have some Slick E time along with gunship and talon 2 time. There is nothing like flying 100ft AGL on NOGS. Going to miss that fun.
One random thought, what type of headset do you recommend for the school?

Thank you again,
Christian

[Pinnacle Bobby]

Christian—

As far as ‘head’s up’ type of information you’ll have to give me a little more insight as to what you’re looking for. You are correct in stating that there are positive and negative sides to every situation; but these can be based on personal opinion most of the time. If you give me some examples I’ll be glad to elaborate.

Getting hired by an airline is something that definitely doesn’t happen overnight. With the current state of the industry and the slowing of pilot hiring it will take a decent amount of flight time to be competitive when the hiring starts again. A few years ago 1500-2000 hours total flight time was the norm, and those may be similar requirements in the future. Airline interviews are different depending on the airline. Most require you to send in your resume and they select who they will invite for an interview. During the on-site portion you will go through a human resources and technical interview, and possibly a simulator evaluation or scenario based discussion.

The first headset I used for several years was a cheap Peltor model. I eventually upgraded to a David Clark. David Clark has a wide selection in different price ranges, I wouldn’t go overboard on your first headset. Once you begin flying you’ll figure out if you want a noise cancelling on or not…and what options you most desire.

100 AGL in a C-130 must have been amazing! Those memories will surely stick with you forever!

Let me know what other questions you have.


Bobby

[ChristianM-HI-1208]

Bobby,
What I have been reading has been along the lines of hiden cost and time duration to complete the course. I am well aware of people not being able to pass their checks and the weather sometimes not working out. All the negative post have been along the lines that the 90 day students seem to have a priorty when it comes to flying. I am planning on enrolling into the 150 day just to become proficient again, and I am not looking to run into to many speed bumps. I just dont want to show up and be disappointed.
Thank you for the little insight into the airlines! If there is anything I can do to return the favor for all your help let me know.

[Pinnacle Bobby]

Valid concerns Christian--

Regarding hidden costs: There are none.

Logged Flight Time & Flight Experience
200 Hours Logged Time
165 Hours Multi-Engine Time
65 Hours Multi-Engine Instruction
& Flight Checks
50 Hours Multi-Engine Cross-Country
50 Hours Multi-Engine FTD
35 Hours Single-Engine Time
10 Hours Single-Engine Instruction
& Flight Checks
25 Hours Single-Engine Cross-Country

Logged times vary slightly due to flight check times and other considerations. Prices and flight times are subject to change, but not during your training program.

Apartments (90 Day Fast Track Only) Included
Cross-Country Hotels Included
5 FAA Written Exams
(IRA, CAX, FIA, FII & FOI) Included
Manuals, Training Syllabus & Checklists Included
Jeppesen Airway Manual with Charts for Cross-Country Phase Included
Airline Career Pilot Program $54,995

Examiners’ fees of approximately $3,500 are not included in the Airline Career Pilot Program price.


The above information is from the website and I can say from my experience there were 0 fees that I wasn't aware of.


As for the 90 day students having priority it may appear that way because they're in the system 24/7 and always available. Something we've seen in the past is that the self-paced students lose focus as they're not fully involved each day. But if you remain engaged and in communication with your instructor there shouldn't be any problems.

Hope this information helps, let me know what other questions you have.


Bobby

[ChristianM-HI-1208]

Bobby,
Sounds good. Thank you again for your time and help. I am looking forward to getting started. Happy Holidays. I will be back on after then. Stay safe!

[ChristianM-HI-1208]

Bobby,
The journey looks like it is about to begin. I will be receiving my walking papers from the AF this week. I spoke with the VA and they stated that it is going to take approximately six weeks to receive the funding to attend school. I wound up being lucky and it appears that they are going to cover 100% of the cost of school due to the fact that I am combat wounded. My local flight surgeon had some concerns with the Class 1, but all is good so I have my seal of approval. (Not bad for an old guy!) It looks like I will be able to start school March or April time frame.
Do you know anyone at the Panama City location? I am trying to find housing in the area and really need to talk to someone about the area. It has been years since I lived there so any help/direction would be great. If not I will contact the school directly and ask for their help.
How has the flying been? Hope you had some time off from work to spend with your loved ones. Stay safe and keep the wheel side down!

[Pinnacle Bobby]

Christian—

That’s good news about the 100% VA financing, definitely a small benefit for the price you’ve paid.

I do not know any of the current instructors at Panama City, and I’m not very familiar with the area. Some internet searches could be helpful, and the instructors or someone else from the local area should be able to point you to a good part of town. The only thing I know about Panama City is that the hotel we use at Pinnacle has red bathrooms!!

Been flying a lot lately here, with all of this crazy weather and the holidays it sure is interesting sometimes.

Let me know how the search for housing is coming along, hopefully you’ll be able to find something not too far from the beach!


Bobby