Hey there everyone, I really do want to basically just drop and everything and start ATP. However I just want to clear some things up before I go. So for myself I’ve never done anything flight related or know anything to be honest. So my biggest questions are if you are falling behind do they really just drop you like that or is there opportunities to get back on track? Also is it worth it in the fact that it’s a fast track program where in about two years you can be a pilot?
Brayden,
Many people are attracted to ATPs program for the short training footprint but the accelerated timeline comes with a price. It’s hard, REALLY hard. It requires a 100% commitment to be successful. Further, the reality is despite a person’s desire, not everyone can (or should) be a pilot. If you’re of average intelligence and coordination AND are willing to put in the effort you should be fine. In fact the majority of people who do wash out do so because they’re not willing to put in the work. Many people these days feel that just “good enough” is “good enough”. That doesn’t work with aviation and particularly the Airline Career Pilot Program. That was a long answer to your short question, yes, if you can’t keep up you will be released from the program.
As for of its worth it, I believe so as it worked for me. I honestly don’t think Id be where I am (which is a Capt/Check Airman for a Major airline) had it not been for ATP. It’s not because of the short timeline. It’s because the accelerated training prepared me for and allowed me to be successful in airline newhire training. You see getting hired is easy, completing training is not and ATP has had tens of thousands of grads go on to successful airline careers.
Adam
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Brayden,
Of course ATP works with students to help them be successful, it would not be in anybody’s best interests to not help students. If I remember correctly, I needed a little more time on some aspect of my commercial training, ATP re-allocated some of my flight time from another area of the program, I caught up and everything went well. They also offer students that are behind the option to purchase more flight time, on a case by case basis.
As for if it is worth it, only you can determine that. What I can tell you is that I would not be where I am today without ATP. I received exactly what they told me I would, in the time they quoted. I have known several other pilots to go to ATP and have had very similar experiences.
As you have not had any flight training and seem to be a bit on the fence, I would recommend going out to your local flight school and taking a few lessons to see if this is something you really want to do.
Chris
Brayden,
First thing first, you need to get out to a local flight school and complete an introductory/discovery flight. While we all can say “I want to be a pilot,” until you’ve experienced firsthand sensation of controlling a trainer aircraft, you can’t make that decision until you’ve accomplished that at least.
I’m also a little confused on the “basically just drop and everything and start ATP.” Are you attending college? Have you attended college? ATP and learning to fly is a big commitment and while you seem determined to become a pilot, what are you dropping. Everything has consequences in life, the risk can become either more risk or reward. If you’re attending college, I’d recommend finishing that and then attending a program like ATP.
For the dropping out discussion, ATP’s program is derived around a specific training footprint that is minded keeping you on-pace or ahead. While the out of your hand’s factors like weather, DPE availability, and plane maintenance might make a slight delay, unless you are the root cause, ATP is not going to just drop a student. There are multiple evaluation checks throughout the program to ensure you are showing consistency, proficiency and in a spot that you could continue the program - showcasing integrity of not just ATP’s investment in you, but your investment with the program. It goes hand in hand, treat your time at ATP as a full-time commitment, dedicate to studying hard and working just as hard when it comes to flight events, and you will succeed.
Brady
Do you need a degree for the airlines? Because I currently do not have one nor am I in college I have just been working and working and want to chase this dream I just want to be a little less curious before going into it. I have done an introduction flight not with ATP but I enjoyed it very very much.
Brayden,
While none of the airlines actually require a degree, ALL the Majors list one as a preferred or competitive minimum. Not having one could severly limit your career.
Adam
What could or would it limit?
Well, as I said, the Majors want a degree. If you don’t have one that means others that do will get hired before you. If they still need pilots they may get to those without but that’s rare. Long short you could find yourself at a Regional, flying domestically, earning $90k while your peers move on to fly widebodies around the globe making 5 times that.
Adam
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To put this in perspective, in the last seven years as a Captain at a major airline, I have flown with two pilots that I know of that were hired without degrees. The countless others all had four year degrees.
Brayden,
It could limit your job opportunities and how far you get in this career. You could get hired by a regional and never get on with a major airline, if you’re okay with that risk then so be it. However, most pilots enter this career wanting to reach the pinnacle as Captain at a major airline.
Hiring is starting to slow which means the available jobs are getting more competitive. Without a degree, you’ll be moved to the bottom of the stack every time.
Hannah
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