Intro

[ColbyS-OR-509]

Hey I'm Colby. I am 22 and currently a student at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon and going through their Flight Technology program.

I am originally from Vancouver, Washington and decided after one year of community college that I wanted to do something that interested me, instead of just getting a degree to have one. So I found out about Lane's aviation program and moved down there the next school year. After spending some time here and having issues with the school giving me enough money to fly with, I met someone who had gone through ATP and since that moment I set my focus here!

I am in the midst of wrapping up my private right now and will have it completed before I begin with ATP. I have just arranged to finish up the rest of the training with ATP in San Diego and on with the Gulfstream program in Florida!

[PSA John]

Colby! Welcome to the forum and thanks for posting! I must start by saying I just love it up in your neck of the woods. I just worked a flight to Salem, Oregon last week and it was gorgeous! Washington state also holds several of my all time favorite airports!

So, I'm really glad you found ATP. You'll LOVE the program ATP offers. It is, hands down, the very best program you'll find for being a professional pilot.

So, as I understand it.....you're going to ATP to complete your private pilot certificate, right? Or are you going to the Airline Career Pilot program? Also, you mentioned the 'Gulfstream Program' in Florida....tell me more about that.

Thanks again for saying hello. I look forward to hearing more about you and your flying experience.

John

[ColbyS-OR-509]

I am finishing up my private here in Oregon. Once I get down to ATP I will wrap everything else up with the airline career program. The Gulfstream program I guess is something new ATP is offering as a joint venture with Gulfstream. It costs more but I mainly chose this path because the rates on the loans were outstanding.

The program looks like this, from the ATP site.

Airline Career Pilot Program with Gulfstream First Officer Program
(From Private & 85 Hours)

ATP Airline Career Pilot Program 3 Months

Gulfstream First Officer Program 3 Months
Beech 1900 SIC Type Rating

Gulfstream International Airlines 6 Months
250 Hours Turbine Time Building
First Officer Airline Internship

ATP RJ Program 1 Week

Essentially after I am finished with the Airline career program I go to Florida and get my SIC type in the Beech. Once I get that I was told I will be on call with a regional there for my internship.

After I set all this up I had spoke with quite a few people and heard mixed feelings on these internships because some people frown upon it, as it is almost buying your way into your first job. To be honest I am not really sure though if that is their point of view or the industry really does look down on these type of things. I figured 250 extra turbine time and an SIC type rating would put me ahead of the game career wise. Hope it pans out that way!

Sorry for the long post, hah!

[PSA John]

Hey Colby!
Thanks for the message back, my friend! The fact that ATP has already built their new Gulfstream First Officer program just goes to show you how quickly they move to innovate in ANY economic environment. The organization never ceases to amaze me!

Anyway, thank you for filling me in! Oh yes....and never worry about your long posts....it was great to hear some of your thoughts.

You know, you mentioned that some people may frown on these types of internship programs. Let me tell you, Colby, there are people out there who will frown on EVERYTHING you do! Luckily, there are also people out there who will appreciate that extra time in the airplane and the extra training you received! I have to say I understand the philosophical arguments people have against the suggestion that we as a pilot would 'pay for a job'. My grandfather (not by blood, but by the fact that he has served in the role since I was born) is a retired Delta Captain. He started at Western and literally had EVERY BIT of his flight training paid for by the airline (including private pilot!) Incredible, isnt it? That was a different era. In that era, pilots were treated like royalty. We can either whine about yesteryear or strive to be competitive today. I too have my opinions about how we become competitive. There may be those out there who criticize the ATP program and may criticize this new program in particular. I can tell you as an ATP alumnus that it sure has worked out well for me!

In the end, you have to make your own choice based on what you think is best. Let the naysayers do what they need to do and smile and nod when the negative attitudes come out.....that's my suggestion.

Hope it helps.....
John

[ColbyS-OR-509]

Hey John just wanted to give a little update.

Passed my private check ride beginning of September and took a nice victory breather until it was time to start in San Diego with ATP. However, my old school ended up making a mess and due to my ACR papers being signed by our guy who had voluntarily removed him self from the FAA database, my old check ride was null and void. So the day before I had to drive from Vancouver, WA to San Diego, I had to drive to Eugene, OR 2 hours away and do ANOTHER check ride and oral exam. I was pretty bitter! I got all that finished though and have been living here in San Diego for about a week now.

I actually am in the middle my first time building cross country and have some more to do before I start the career program on the 5th. I am currently writing this from the Lake Havasu FBO. Oh man if you have never been to this FBO it is definitely worth the stop.

Anyways just wanted to give a quick little update!

-Colby

[PSA John]

Hey Colby
Thanks for the continued updates, my friend! I really enjoyed your 'checkin' from the Lake Havasu FBO. That is definitely one of my favorites! I also have fond memories of visiting Lake Havasu as a kid (talk about one big party).

I'm glad to hear you're doing so well and progressing through the program! Keep me posted on what you're up to!

JB

[ColbyS-OR-509]

Knocked out private multi add-on a few days ago. WHEW things go fast. On to instrument.

[PSA John]

NICE!!!! Great job mister new private multi pilot! Now you're on to some of the most important part of your training....instrument is some EXCELLENT training. Keep me posted in how you're doing.

JB

[ColbyS-OR-509]

Instrument check ride is comin up real quick. Very excited to get this one over with. Instrument world is definitely a whole new beast. I am loving it though. Minus the sim, we have a very rough love hate relationship haha

Knocked out both writtens and sprung for the 3rd instrument written, for the IGI I think it is? Either way passed all 3 in a row.

Back to the books!

Oh yeah apparently one of the instructors here knows ya, Ryan Tobin?

[PSA John]

Colby!
Great to hear from you. Haha....I got a kick out of your comment about the sim....the love/hate relationship! I definitely had a love/hate relationship with
what we called 'the white dragon' I'm glad to hear all is going so well though.

Ryan Tobin.....definitely a familiar name! Where in the ATP program did I meet Ryan? Hows he doing?

Keep me posted....always fun to hear whats up

John