150 Day Program with Gulfstream FO Program

[ChrisN-CA-609]

Hi Josie,

I was planning on doing the regular 150 day career pilot program but I only got approved for a loan for the 150 program in conjunction with the gulfstream FO program, which costs 25k more (for a total of 80k).

What do you think of the Gulfstream program? I know that most pilots build hours after training by being flight instructors. The website says that a person will log 500 hours, including 250 hours of turbine time building with the beech 1900 (what is turbine time?) during the course of the program. Do you think that a person who completes this program will have a good chance of landing a job as a first officer at a regional airline in 14 or 15 months? Is it a good idea or should I find a way to pay for the regular 150 day program? Thanks, -Chris

[PSA Josie]

Hey Chris,

I just caught you before I signed off! From what I have read, the Gulfstream deal sounds pretty good. The more turbine time you have in your logbook the better. Turbine time means you are flying in an aircraft driven by a turbine engine. It could be a turbine prop airplane and a turbine jet engine. Google the two to learn more about the specifics. Its just a more sophisticated engine usually requiring more training and thats why its better to have turbine time in your logbook vs. regular prop time. Hope that didn't just confuse you more.

One thing I really liked about ATP when I went through the program was the option to back out at any time and get a refund. One thing you might ask them is does that also apply to the Gulfstream part of the training? The last thing you want is to get stuck paying for something you are not pleased with. But then again, it might be great. I would say that having the turbine time will definitely help get you hired faster, no doubt. Whether that will be in 14-15 months, I just can't say. It ALL depends on the demand for pilots at the time. An airline could go from one month needing to hire 100 pilots, to the next month needing to get rid of 100 pilots. Supply and demand!

So what I would ask is this:
"Can I begin the 150 day program with intent on going to Gulfstream, and then have the option to forego the Gulfstream portion if I decide it is not for me?" This will help you decide I think. I like to know ALL my options.

Let me know what they say. They being ATP call center admission guys (1-800-255-2877).

Josie

[ChrisN-CA-609]

Thanks for the quick reply! Can't say enough about how helpful it is to have a pilot career coach on here. Especially when there's little else I can think about other than how and when I'm gonna begin my flight training.

Where exactly is the page on ATP's site about their refund policy? I know I saw it before but I'm having trouble finding it again.

The terms on my loan say that if during the 150 day program if for some reason I decide not to attend the Gulfstream portion of it, there is a $2500 fine for cancellation.

Did you take out a loan for your training? If not, do you know anyone who took out a big loan? I've never taken out such a big loan before, and the thought of having so much debt makes me a little nervous, especially when I'll be in such a cyclical industry like the airlines. I still really want to fly, but some tips on how to manage that debt would be great.

[PSA Josie]

Hey Chris,

Here's the link:

http://www.atpflightschool.com/airli.../policies.html

I did take out a loan. It was for $50,000 and it took me about 5 years to pay it off. I took out an extra 5K (so 45K for training) and invested it with a family member who double my money and lived off of that during my training and instructing. It is a lot of money and anything you can do to save up before will help you. Once you begin training, plan on not making much money for a good 2-3 years. You will be in training, then building time, then once you are a First Officer you will get a whopping 20-25K for the first year, then it starts to increase the second year. That's when you really start to pay your loan off. Before that it's hard to pay more than just the interest.

Looking back at it all, I would try to save up at least 10K to put towards my school loan. But that's just me learning how much I hate debt!

About the Gulfstream policy, if you do start the training and just can't stand it for some reason, $2500 might be worth giving up to save the grand total of the training. At least it's an option. I think I would make a trip to visit the facility and ask a bunch of questions before committing to anything. I would do that for any investment of this price. I think I still hold the record for calling the ATP call center and asking a jazillion questions!

You are thinking right, and asking great questions. Keep it up!

Josie