Aspiring Airline Pilot with Big Dreams and Questions

Airline Pilot Questions & Answers
1

Hey everyone!

I’m writing to you all from Argentina, full of dreams and about to turn a big corner in my life. Since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated by the skies and the idea of becoming an airline pilot. Now, at 16, I’m on the verge of becoming a U.S. citizen and seriously considering making those dreams a reality.

I’ve been doing some homework on flight schools and ATP has caught my eye, especially its Airline Career Pilot Program. The promise of going from zero to hero (in terms of licenses and flight hours) in a relatively short time frame sounds almost too good to be true. From what I’ve gathered, it’s about a 9-month journey to get all necessary licenses, followed by an opportunity to work as an instructor to rack up the 1500 flight hours needed. But, how set in stone is this path? If I dedicate myself 100% to this, what are the real timelines I’m looking at?

Another piece of the puzzle for me is job security post-graduation. ATP seems confident in their ability to place graduates in instructor roles, but I’m curious about how guaranteed that really is. And if Plan A doesn’t pan out, what’s Plan B?

On another note, I’m weighing ATP against traditional university flight programs like the one at Embry-Riddle. The speed and airline partnerships of ATP are very appealing, but the academic and career fallbacks offered by a university degree are also tempting. In the long run, what do airlines value more? The focused and expedited training of ATP grads or the broad education of university alumni?

Lastly, I’m intrigued by the concept of airline sponsorships for flight training. How does that work exactly? Also, despite my age, I’ve not been idle. I’ve been deep in flight simulators, studying aeronautical physics, and phraseology on my own, aiming for realism over gaming. As I look toward potentially joining ATP, what should I be focusing on to prepare myself as much as possible?

I’m eager to hear from current students, alumni, or anyone with insight. Your advice could be the wind beneath my wings (pun intended :smile:).

Thanks in advance for helping a fellow aviation enthusiast chart his course!

Best,
Alon Kanter

2

Alon,

Nice post and you’ve clearly done some homework so let’s get to your questions:

  1. The ATP program is actually 7mos but occasionally there are delays (weather, examiner availability, etc) so it could take longer. 9mos is the upper limit and it’s accurate. Unlike many of the new programs popping up everywhere ATP created the 0 to CFI program almost 40yrs ago so they’ve got it down.

  2. ATP does not guarantee an instructor position. With 80+ locations nationwide there’s always a need. Thing is, would you really want an instructor who was guaranteed a job vs one who earned it? Frankly you might not be a very good pilot (and no flight sims are no indication) and even if you are that doesn’t mean you’ll be a good instructor. Bust a few checkrides, fail to follow the rules, have an incident or accident and you won’t be offered a position. Do well and you will. It’s that simple. As for Plan B you’ll have to find work elsewhere.

C) I agree a degree is important and everyone should have a backup. Problem is what kind of backup is an Aviation degree? You’d be far better served getting a degree in another field of study should aviation not work out.

D) ATP and the airlines don’t have sponsorships, they have partnerships. That means do well and you’ll have the opportunity for early conditional employment and possibly a flow to the Majors. If you accept a position there may be Tuition Reimbursement available to help offset the cost of training but that’s AFTER you’ve proven you can fly.

Hope this helps,

Adam

3

Adam,

Thanks for the detailed response; it clears up a lot of things. I completely understand the part about the instructor position not being guaranteed; it’s all about performance, which makes perfect sense. However, I still have some concerns, particularly regarding the logistical and financial aspects of potentially working at the ATP location where I completed my training, specifically at KFXE, FL. The convenience of living 20 minutes away would significantly ease financial burdens, as I wouldn’t need to worry about rent or food costs. If there are no instructor positions available there, I’d be faced with the challenging decision of either finding a different job or paying for flight hours elsewhere, which is daunting. Moving to another ATP location isn’t something I’m very comfortable with. This uncertainty is a bit unsettling for me.

Additionally, regarding my consideration of ERAU for obtaining flight licenses and pursuing a university degree, I want to clarify that I’d choose a field not directly related to aviation, such as applied biology or biotechnology. I’ve researched and found these programs available at ERAU and other institutions like Lynn. I’m curious about the airlines’ preference in this regard and which path might expedite my entry into an airline career. Would having a university degree in a field like biotechnology, coupled with all necessary flight licenses and hours, be more attractive to airlines compared to an ATP graduate with partnerships with airlines?

Considering that studying at ERAU would take longer but also provide me with a degree that could be appealing to airlines, the most crucial aspect for me is the security it offers if I ever find myself without a job in aviation. I could pursue a career in my field of study, such as biotechnology. Given all these factors, I’m interested in your opinion on what might be the better path for me and my future.

Moreover, I realized I’m not fully versed in how the licensing process works in the United States. Could you explain if the pilot licenses obtained through ATP and a university program like ERAU or Lynn are the same? What licenses does an airline require, how many flight hours are needed, and I came across something called CTP but don’t understand what it is. Could you shed some light on the process of obtaining licenses, checkrides, type ratings, and all that entails? This area is where I feel I lack the most knowledge.

Looking forward to your insights,
Alon

4

Alon,

The airlines care little what college you attend or your field of study. They hire qualified well trained pilots. While no one can question the Riddle is a fine school, it’s literally called Embry Riddle School of Aeronautics. While they might offer other degrees, why would you spend the exorbitant amount they charge if you’re not going for aviation? As for your other questions:

  1. You are correct, there is no guarantee IF you get an instructor position you’ll get the location you want. The same goes for the airline you end up with. Pilots travel, it’s what we do. Further you could always seek employment at other flight schools in your area. My understanding also is ER has a 2yr backlog for instructor positions.

  2. ALL licenses are issued by the FAA. Doesn’t matter of you go to ATP, ER or you have an uncle who’s an instructor. You need to pass the same checkride and you’ll obtain the same licenses.

As for the rest I suggest you spend some QT on the ATP website where they’ll answer many if not all your basic questions. To fly airplanes you’re required to know a ton of information and only the minimum will be handed to you. The rest will require YOU to do the research.

Adam

5

Hey Alon, Admissions Coordinator here!

ATP has a the Zero time program as well as a secondary entry point, coming in credit private. Since you are still young and aviation is your passion, you can start ground school and eventually obtain a Private Pilot’s License (PPL) from a local flight school. It can significantly enhance your chances of acceptance upon application and this strategic approach not only increases your success, but also better prepares you for our full time immersion program (6 Months).

Acquiring a Private Pilot’s License (PPL) is a pivotal achievement that establishes a solid foundation for success in advanced flight training. The skills, knowledge, and confidence gained through PPL training not only enhance safety but also contribute to a more efficient and successful aviation experience. It can also help you determine if an airline career is truly what you seek.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to give us a call at your convenience so that we may better assist you. ATP Admissions is available M-F 8am-7pm EST and our phone number is 904-595-7950.

6

Thank you everyone for your responses, but I still have many doubts and would greatly appreciate your guidance. If there are any experienced airline pilots here, your advice would be especially valuable. Here’s what I’ve gathered so far:

Primary Goals:

  • Become a pilot on airplanes.
  • Achieve high seniority.
  • Work for a major American airline.
  • Obtain a university degree.

Objective: To work for a major airline in the shortest possible time with a four-year degree, starting to gain seniority as early as possible.

  • Should I go to college first or directly to a flight school? What are the pros and cons of each path?

Accelerated Pilot Training Programs:

  • I’ve come across various accelerated training programs. How effective are they in getting into major airlines quickly?
  • I am also considering airline-sponsored training like the American Airlines Cadet Program or Delta’s Propel Program (partnered with ERAU). How do these programs compare to traditional routes?

I would love to hear about your experiences, any advice you have on the steps I should take, and suggestions for programs or routes I might not have considered. Thank you in advance for your help!

7

Alon,

First I need to point out that EVERY pilot want high seniority as every aspect of your career is based on your seniority. Thing is seniority is SOLELY based on your date of hire in relation to ALL the other pilots at the airline. The clock starts the day you get hired at that airline and it’s not something you have any control over so it’s really not something to think about other than choosing your airline right the first time and don’t jump ship.

As for your questions, we always recommend college first. A) its simply easier to continue your education than to stop and then restart it. B) many recent HS grads don’t have the maturity to successfully complete ATPs highly accelerated program. In fact without a degree, ATP may not accept you as a zero time student.

Accelerated programs by definition ACCELERATE the pace of your training thus shorting your time in training and accelerating your path to the airlines. ATP has more relationships with more airlines than any other flight school, so it’s very effective at helping you reach your goals.

As for the airline programs, they’re simply a way for the airlines to recruit early and really give the airline the advantage of locking you in, but not much for you. You’re far too early in the process and since things can and do change, Id be very reluctant to limit my options until you’re closer to getting there.

Adam

8

Hey Alon, ATP Admissions here!

It looks like you have some solid questions. We would be more than happy to assist and further inform you on our program. Feel free to give us a call at your convenience so that we may better assist you. ATP Admissions is available M-F 8am-7pm EST and our phone number is 904-595-7950.