Congratulations on the offer from Frontier! It’s a great company. I really enjoyed my time flying for them.
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Thanks Arthur! Super excited, just time building now. How has American been treating you thus far?
American has been great. I did my two week company indoc back in April and then got a month at home for home study. It’s been nice to have the long break at home. I start ground next week and can’t wait to get back to flying.
Glad to hear things are going well! What aircraft and base did you get?
Hannah
Kyle, I literally just posted asking about the F9 program. I plan on applying very soon. Can I ask you what your experience was like applying/interviewing? What all did they look for? Any idea on what bases you could be offered? Thanks and congrats!
Hey Paul,
The process was rather straight forward. First send in the application with all required documents. After about a month, I received an email stating to complete a pre recorded video interview of pretty standard questions asking you about yourself. After that they will send you a pre compass test which lasts about an hour. It’s basically a bunch of SAT ACT like questions with shapes, cubes etc. Then after that you will get another email asking you to send photos of your logbook times, endorsements, passport, all pilots licenses, medical certs etc. After that is reviewed you should receive an email regarding a Microsoft Teams interview with someone from HR and a Captain. The interview was somewhere in the neighborhood of an hour. HR asked basic questions about yourself and the Tell me about a time when questions. Then the Captain begins asking technical questions which I believe are based on where you are currently in your flight training. I had just finished my MEI checkride so most of the questions were about briefing an approach plate, some questions about multi engine operations etc. They then told me that the interview was completed and that I would hear back within the week… about an hour later I received a phone call from an odd area code and answered it. It was someone from HR congratulating me and welcoming me to the Frontier family. You’ll then receive a welcome packet regarding all the requirements of the cadet program etc. From what I’ve heard the junior bases are Las Vegas, Miami and Philadelphia. But I’m assuming that is all subject to change.
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That’s good to know. Thanks again, Kyle!
Can I ask if you opted for the stipend?
I did and plan on putting it in a high yield savings account, considering it’s a 3 year contract.
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Kyle,
I stumbled across your journey while I was looking into the airlines. I am to a current LEO in Houston and have lost the passion after being injured. That being said, I always remembered a childhood dream of mine to become a pilot. I did a discovery flight at a local flight school and ended up enrolling. Journey so far has been amazing. My question is, did you ever consider a local flight school instead of ATP?
I was going to look into ATP Houston to fast track to the airlines but honestly, I’m lost. People have said to do it at a small flight school but after reading your journey, I’m leaning towards ATP. Any guidance/advice is greatly appreciated.
-Vinh
Vinh,
I’m sure Kyle will chime in but I thought I’d share some thoughts.
I was actually discussing this subject with a friend of mine who actually operates a flying club in Ohio. He confirmed the data in the attached article which is 80% of new students never complete their training. This is interesting because the stat is actually flipped for ATP students where approx 80% are successful.
While I’m glad your journey so far has been “amazing”, I am curious how long you’ve been training and how you’ve been progressing? The fact is that most local flight schools simply don’t have the resources (airplanes, instructor, sims) to effectively and efficiently take someone through the entire process and most (80%) get frustrated and quit. Just some good for thought.
Don't Quit After Your First Solo - FLYING Magazine.
Adam
Vinh,
I got my private at a small, local school. It was a disaster. The school had too few airplanes. an instructor that constantly seemed to have either a full schedule or days off blocked and zero flexibility. I would have a lesson on the schedule, then weather would happen and I would be down for a week or so until I could get another one scheduled, it just made the whole process take much longer, and cost much more, than it should have. I am not saying all locals schools are like this, but it does seem to be a common theme.
Chris
Adam,
I’m about one month into training right now. Been grasping the information very well but there’s still issues that needs to be fixed. CFI has established that I’m ahead of most people in my stage. Scheduling hasn’t been too bad but there are times that I can’t find a time slot.
Now with ATP, I’ve heard horror stories about it especially the one in Houston. So right now I am trying to decide if I should stick with a local flight school or enroll at ATP and resign from my job.
-Vinh
Vihn,
Your call but know the internet is a funny thing. Those who are successful are generally busier working on their career/training vs those who failed. Human nature says its easier to blame others than to except it might be your own fault.
Fun fact, ATP has had over 1,100 grads hired at the airlines in the last 12mos alone. The results speak for themselves.
Adam
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Vinh,
I did my first discovery flight at a local flight school and to be honest with you, I didn’t know any better. During my research, I remembered I had a friend that was flying for a regional airline, so I picked his brain. He went to the ATP where I also did my training and he started from zero time to 1500hrs. I looked into the ATP near me and scheduled an Intro flight. After that, I immediately called financing and got a loan secured and start date. Probably the best decision I made getting all my licenses in just under a year.
In my opinion, they delivered on their promise. I had awesome instructors throughout my time there and would not have done anything different. It’s what you make of it, go in there with the right mindset and let all the other stuff just brush off your shoulder since it’s out of your control.
Best of luck! Reach out if you have any other questions!
-Kyle
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Vinh,
I would encourage you to check out the “Student Experiences” section of this forum. There are plenty of posts there from students who have gone through the program and had very positive experiences.
Chris
Vinh,
Just a basic google review of your favorite restaurant is enlightening. You’ve been there and know the food is amazing yet there will always be a handful of very angry negative reviews right? Thats because people with negative things to say take the time to blast it. While those that love it use keep coming back for more.
We all are alumni of the program plus this site is full of students and instructors in every phase of their career progression. Ask questions, read their experiences and make up your own mind. Don’t let the keyboard warriors of the internet sway your mind.
Hannah
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Update
Today is a very bittersweet day. I completed my CFII Checkride with a Pass! And completed the Airline Career Pilot Program and somehow managed to go 7 for 7 on checkrides. Also kind of strange, a year ago today was my first day at ATP and today I completed my last checkride. What a feeling to be done and to look back on this journey. Just want to thank the mentors here that have helped me along the way and to all the instructors that have taught me and guided me, I’m humbled and appreciative of everything!
The road to 1500hrs begins!
-Kyle
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Kyle,
Great update and congratulations on another ticket, finishing 7 for 7! 
Excited to hear about your CFI’ing journey as you progress through!
Brady
Great job Kyle and congrats!
Honestly it sounds alot more sweet than bitter but I think I know what you mean.
What’s next?
Adam