I live in Southeast Alaska and it’s my dream to become a bush pilot up here. I am wondering what the time difference in terms of length of school it would be between Arizona (where every pilot in the state has told me to go) and somewhere closer like Washington or Oregon?
Mike,
I really wouldn’t over think this too much. While AZ generally has more consistent weather, training in the NW is very doable. ATP has locations there and quotes the same 9mos timeline as AZ. Further if your goal is to fly in Alaska, you’d benefit from some actually weather exposure as well.
Adam
Mike,
It wouldn’t be that different or ATP wouldn’t have locations in the Pacific Northwest. We advise you go to the location that is most convenient for you! If you have family or friends in a city or just wanted to live in one place more than another… you will get the same experience in training no matter which location you go to. You will get better experience taking wx in to account there than in Arizona.
-Hannah
Mike,
Sometimes the locations in the Pacific Northwest can take a month or so longer because of the inclement weather. However, if your goal is to fly as a bush pilot, I would train there as you will really need the bad weather experience. Furthermore, after completing the program, please spend some time with a CFI in Alaska being trained specifically on flying up there as it is a whole different animal than flying in the continental US.
Chris
Sorry for the lack of response, life happened. Would the training have to take place in the summer months, or could I start in August and go through the winter? Adam, you said it takes 9 months, and Chris you said a few months more for weather, Hannah as well. How likely is it that I would be able to start, put it on hold, and then pick it back up in the spring?
Mike,
I would strongly recommend against starting and stopping your training. Flight training builds on consistency, repetition, and cementing new concepts learned. Taking a significant break our of that time will have a large, negative effect on your training. Once you start flight training, you really need to be able to be consistent and finish it.
Chris
Yeah I would much rather just do it all at the same time preferably. Just wasn’t sure if the school itself would stop in the winter time.
If you attend ATP, it will be a year round affair. Training can occur even on the worst weather days, there is always the classroom, one on one time with your instructor, or simulator work.
Mike,
Training is almost an everyday thing, like Chris mentioned even during the worst of weather, you will have things like Simulator Training or Group Grounds that can/will be conducted. Every phase of program you will have modules to complete in order to prepare not only for a knowledge written test, but also the checkride. You don’t want to take a break during your training as it can risk any progress you’ve made, ATP is founded upon consistency and standardization so you want to continue working hard everyday.
Brady
I’m glad to hear this! Thank you so much.
Michael
Good! That makes me feel better about maybe starting in a fall month of the year!
Michael
Mike,
As soon as you’re ready, ATP is ready for you. Its a 365 day a year school, the weather is simply an obstacle that the training support staff there will do their best to mitigate and get you through as quick as possible. If you’d prefer to start when there is the longest streak of good weather, by all means that’s your choice. But if you’re ready, I wouldn’t delay due to future seasonal weather.
-Hannah
Sound advice, thank you Hannah!
Michael