Stephen,
I am 41 years old with 25 years in hospitality and today I took off and landed a plan for the first time. I started with ATP flight school just 13 days ago. I can only describe the feeling as surreal. 41 cant be old because I feel like a kid again!!! I look forward to seeing you in the skies.
George,
Thank you for reaching out. Congratulations on taking off and landing by yourself. Your dreams did come true.
I would obviously be making a career change and is really a big decision. So far everyone on this site has been encouraging and the various stories I’ve heard has helped steer me toward a career as a airline pilot.
Thanks again and good luck!
Stephen
I am 47 and just did the ATP CTP at ATP Jet in Dallas in March… hope to put in my airline app later this year!
Hello,
In my research of flight schools I have come across so many here in the South Florida area. I understand part 141 schools are the schools that obviously have a more structured curriculum. In narrowing my search and decision has anyone heard of Sky Eagle Aviation out of Fort Lauderdale Executive? They offer part 141 and have the option of flex and full time.
It seems to me in my research ATP has the best placement for pilots in the end? Has anyone heard of or have any feedback in Sky Eagle?
Thank you
Stephen
Stephen,
Ive never heard of Sky Eagle but there are literally dozens of flight schools all over FL. Some good, some not so good. What I do know is ATP and frankly unless someone was going to train me for free, I really wouldn’t go anywhere else (nor do I understand why anyone else would?). Flight training is expensive no matter where you go. Why risk your time, your money and possibly your career going with an unknown entity when you can train with ATP? A school that’s been training pilots for the airlines for over 35yrs, pioneered the Career Pilot Program (that no one had and now everyone mimics), and has had over 1200 grads hired at the airlines in the last 12mos alone.
I’m sorry and in the past Id tell people do your homework, look around and weigh your options. But the landscape has changed. We’re in the worst pilot shortage we’ve ever seen and EVERYONE with the licenses and flight time is getting hired. Its unprecedented. ATP set the bar and in 7mos you can be not only done with your training, but also been through a program that will prepare you for the rigors of airline training. Everyone talks about getting hired, that’s easy, successfully getting through training is not.
The choice is yours but for my money there really isn’t one.
Adam
Adam,
Thank you for the reply. I’m glad ATP has this forum to show the credibility of the program at ATP. Just trying to do my due diligence in finding what will be best for me.
Of course, I understand there are so many options. Have to think about if I continue to work in my job, then obviously can’t do ATP. Lots of decisions and thinking to make.
Thank you again.
Stephen
Stephen,
As you know, this is ATP’s forum and all of the mentors on here are ATP grads, so our experience tilts that way. That being said, ATP absolutely does have the best placement record in the industry, period. I have flown with many other ATP pilots in my career.
I have never heard of Sky Eagle Aviation or flown with any pilots from there. Now this of course does not make them a bad school, they might be just fun, but they certainly are not a known quantity in the aviation community. What I typically see with smaller schools is that they have a difficulty getting the job done for somebody who wants to be a professional pilot. They might be great at turning out Private Pilots, but usually start to have issues when you get to the more advanced ratings.
Take some time and really do your research, set up tours of both schools and talk to current students while you are there.
Chris
Chris,
Thank you for your reply. It makes sense, given the reputation ATP has. I definitely am trying to do my research and not jumping into anything yet. Although I know that time is not on my side, I’d rather know where to allocate my time to a program that fits my end goal.
Again, thanks for your input.
Stephen
I too worry about this everyday still, Im 42 and 2 months into training in Phoenix. Moved here from SD left the wife and kids home so I could focus and get it done quick. I feel I will still have enough time to make some good moolah and make some great friends all why flying. Retirement situation will be tight but its too late to recover from that at this age anyway… Go get flying!!!
Hi Michael,
Browsing comments. I’m 42, thinking of looking at getting trained. How’s your path continuing from this post, about a year and half ago? What was the Flex program like? Daily? Night time?
Would be interesed in your experience.
Thanks
Brian
Brian,
It’s been 2yrs since Michaels post so he’s probably moved on. That said, as you can see from the thread there are plenty of people your age and greater who’ve taken the plunge (I personally started at 39 and I’m a Capt at a Major airline). You’re definitely not too old but you’re not young either and you’d be far better off starting sooner than later.
Btw, ATP no longer offers the Flex option. I recommend your visit the website and spend some time browsing. Feel free to come back and ask any questions you might have.
Adam
Started at 45 years old. Not to late, but better start soon! Start with a Discovery flight and read the forum on what to do next!
Angel, that’s great to hear. Well done.
What were classes like? The day to day ground school? Is it an 8/hr a day class?
I’ll be touching base with the local school and see what I can do to get more info.
Adam, thank you for the response. After browsing the forum do I have the following correct?
Brian,
Regardless of whether you take the FAA exams or not you’ll be starting from scratch. The program is highly accelerated so if you can complete some (or all) of the required FAA Knowledge exams it will simply lighten the load.
Btw, I saw you mentioned touching base with the local flight school. It’s highly recommended you contact ATP directly and setup a visit or tour. There are no receptionists and more times than not the instructors are out flying out busy doing ground school. They’re seldom there just hanging.
Adam
Brian,
Here is the steps to enrollment. Please follow these to get in touch with the right people and potentially schedule a tour through the admissions department. That way they are expecting you and can give you a proper tour of the facilities and ramp where you need an escort.
I answered your question about which written exam is required prior to starting zero time on the other thread!
Hannah
Classes can vary on your instructor. Sometimes you will have a large group with a common themes, other times your CFI will want to go over specific items. If you are looking for a set schedule, there is not any. Any free time will be spent studying, chair-flying, or in the sims. When they say “accelerated” its exactly what they practice. If you are ready to put in the work and study, you will be fine. One thing I will stress, is to listen to the advice from the mentors, they will not sugar coat anything. Good luck
Angel,
Nice to hear you from! Hope all is well with your journey of flying. 
Brady
Everything moving along. Building hours with an aerial survey company, not the best but in this industry you have to adapt and move forward
Do they pay you to fly an airplane?
Adam