Hi am a veteran who’s worked in different fields of aviation while active. I’ve always wanted to fly but I am just now in a place to go after this dream. Problem is. I have used most of my G.I bill
On safer trades. Any recommendations on financing the ATP program? I have sportys app but I need the hands on experience and am looking to be part of a community again. All feed back is welcomed.
SB,
Most individuals use Sallie Mae’s Smart Loan Option that ATP has partnered with for financing, but you may choose whoever you would like to. I used Sallie Mae and then refinanced after being hired at a regional airline and making consistent pay to show a W-2 if need.
As per the title “Best ATP to attend,” the BEST location to attend is the one that is most convenient for YOU. Someone may be lucky and have family that lives near 3 locations while someone may need to relocate to somewhere that ATP provides housing… everyone’s situation is different. We cannot (I stress), cannot tell you which location is the best for you. In fact, I like Adam’s analogy when it comes to “the best” because he brings up food as an example, and I love food too.
Sporty’s Study Buddy App is a good test prep software for the Private Pilot - Airplane (PAR) written. After you complete your PAR, you will want to use Sheppard Air (yes - it’s very trusted and worth the money) for every written thereafter. I wrote up a quite FAQ on the writtens, ATP does not require any to be completed prior to entry, but every little head start counts! Writtens are good for 24 calendar months, so you can start too early and they will expire, use the time wisely. Once you score 3 consecutive 90%+ scores on the test prep, get an endorsement and take the actual exam. I think Sporty’s you can pay a few extra dollars and get the endorsement, I personally do not know how to do that with them - I would find an instructor and build a relationship with them to see if they would sign you off.
Brady
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SB,
First things first, are you completely free from duty? ATP is a full time accelerated airline career pilot program and must be the sole priority.
It’s not a big deal that you don’t have much of your GI bill left. The only thing it can be used for at ATP is the examiner fees that comes out to approximately $7,000. The rest will need to be financed.
The vast majority of student pilots have to get a loan to cover the cost of training. It’s a risk but the career that comes afterward will be so rewarding not to mention all the programs in place now to help pay off your loan quickly (ie signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, higher pay, etc.)
Hannah
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Hannah,
Thank you for your response. I was able to get more information and it helped with which course of action to take. Are you familiar with the airline direct program that offers training cost ? One of the ATP reps informed me there are a few offering training but didn’t really elaborate. Would you know anything about it ?
SB,
There aren’t any pathway programs that actually cover the cost of training. The Frontier program allows you to apply as soon as you start ATP’s program. You could have a future CJO with Frontier before even completing your private pilots license. Then you’ll start receiving monthly stipends of $500. There’s also a few bonuses. travel benefits and mentorship. It’s nice, but will not cover the cost of training. That’s on you.
Hannah
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SB,
What you need to understand is the fact that not everyone can or should be a pilot and therefore no one is going to pay for your training upfront. It’s only after you’ve demonstrated some ability that the airlines will help.
Adam
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SB,
I don’t even think United Aviate covers all of your training, I believe you have to pay for at least one if not more of your certificates. But as Adam said, flight training is not easy nor cheap. If it was, everyone in the world would become a pilot and the pay, perks and rewards of being a pilot would not be as good as they are to present day.
I went to Aviate’s website and did some digging on the costs and scholarships etc.:
Brady
To my knowledge, United Aviate only covers the cost of a private license and even then only for select candidates. I am not aware of any airline that covers the cost of flight training.
Chris
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