Hey guys!
I was curious, I’m 23 (will be 24) but either next fall or January of 23. I was thinking about either going back to an associate’s college near me with a strong aviation program or potentially ATP. The college route would be 62,000 for 5 semesters vs 80,000 and some change at ATP.
Working on my PPL now.
I already have a bachelor’s with a 3.85
Let me know what you guys think.
Josh,
A couple of things here.
First, there is a big difference between nine months and 2.5 years. Those extra twenty months spent at the community college earning your ratings could have a hugely detrimental effect on your career. Getting hired at the airlines that much later could be the difference between upgrading, holding weekends off, getting the aircraft type you want, etc. furthermore, time is money. Major airlines can easily make $300k or more per year, so from a financial standpoint, it makes sense to get to the airlines as soon as possible.
Now I have no idea which specific community college you are talking about or what the quality of their program is. What I can tell you is that the vast majority of these schools do not have their own flight training department, but instead farm the actual flight training out to local flight schools that in reality are not usually very well equipped to handle students that actually want to be professional pilots. Furthermore, check out the prices they are quoting you. Are those based in FAA minimum flight times for each license? If so, I can guarantee you that you will go over, almost everybody does, this driving up the price.
Also, what licenses, particularly flight instructor licenses, are included for that price?
Chris
Josh,
I second everything Chris said. Further there’s no need for another degree nor dragging your training out. Also if you earn your PPL ATP is only $65k and that’s including ALL your CFI ratings.
You really need to sit down and compare the programs but the time difference is huge. A year in seniority can equate to a different career.
Adam
Thanks guys, I appreciate the guidance. I would need to live on campus (Cincinnati, Ohio ATP). Which I thought brought that price up to the 80k mark.
The price is just the big issue for me, I can work a a day job and go to school at the same time to cut down on the price.
There was a misdeameanor in my past at age 21 I discussed with aviation attorney’s and regionals and it’s a non issue with them as long as there’s no further issues. Getting to a major could be an issue though.
Nothing is a guarantee in any aspects but it seems the quicker the better from both of you.
With the ppl, I would need a minimum of 80 hours for that to be accepted at ATP correct?
Hey Josh,
78 total hours with at least 8 PIC cross country. ATP can help bridge any gaps, but it’s $225/hr on top of your tuition. IMO better to knock that out before you enroll for the credit private program.
https://atpflightschool.com/airline-career-pilot-program/admission-prerequisites.html
Good luck,
Ali
Josh,
Correct which is one of the many reasons I don’t recommend getting your PPL first (unless you’re not sure you’re ready to make the investment).
By the time you get those 78hrs the cost difference becomes negligible. I assume you decided to go to ATP for a reason (efficiency, reputation, quality of training, etc). Why then would that reason not apply to your PPL which sets the groundwork for all your flight training?
Adam
Makes sense to me, probably would set a better foundation training wise to get my PPL at ATP. Probably will be a lot more in depth since it’s designed by pilots such as yourself than the standard backyard FBO.
Actually it was designed by people MUCH smarter than me who have been doing this for almost 40yrs.
Adam
Keep in mind that the 78 hours are not just for ATP, they are to meet FAA requirements for your commercial license. You would also need to meet those requirements with a local flight school, one of the many hidden costs that local schools are frequently not up front with.
Ah okay, fair enough captain! What you recommend then? Just start saving the money now. Then when January, 23’ rolls around. Just put in a sizeable down payment? Take all the written test beforehand?
Ah okay, I appreciate the guidance. I’m a bundle of flying ignorance at this point lol. Thought I would ask the pros.
Josh,
That actually sounds like a good plan. Save the money you were going to spend on the PPL and the hours and yes def take as many writtens as you can.
Adam
Awesome, is there a way I can take a discovery flight there just to make sure I’m alright? I’m good weight wise but 6’5 so height may be an issue
Josh,
Absolutely. Contact ATP and they’ll get you going.
Adam
Josh,
I think the guys got you going in the right plan. I think you should take that intro flight and talk to admissions ASAP though. Just to let you know, they do have a height limitation of 6’3 but as long as they can see you safely get full range of the flight controls it shouldn’t be an issue for you.
-Hannah
Right, I get ya. Appreciate the guidance!
Josh,
I would recommend saving the money and starting your flight training when you are ready to go all in on it. Definitely call and schedule an introductory flight, make sure to all them you height.
Keep asking your questions, that is what we are here for.
Chris
Thanks Chris, I know I don’t have a clean record with one misdemeanor but a career at the regionals wouldn’t be so bad right? I doubt even being an eagle scout and doing well in college would make a captains review board at a major overlook someone with a clean record.
Can you message me privately? I want to get your opinion on my misdeameanor situation from my past.