Hello,
I’m 42, I work as an Interventional cardiologist. I am looking for a career change and want to pursue my dream of becoming an Airline pilot. All my pilot friends recommended ATP. I was exploring some possibilities of funding and job security through the big Airlines. I would appreciate any insights and thoughts you might have.
Thanks,
Ran.
Ran,
To train with ATP, and to be a US based airline pilot, you will need to be a US citizen or have a US Green Card.
If you meet those criteria, please check out this website and ATP’s main website as there is a ton of information on both. Please feel free to ask us any questions you may have.
As for insight, check out the “Student Experiences” section.
Chris
Yes I am a US citizen.
Thank you for your response.
Ran
Ran,
Here’s the thing, while there are some great programs (Tuition Reimbursement, bonuses, etc) AFTER you complete your training, no airlines are offering any before because frankly speaking, they don’t know if you can fly.
If finances are an issue most people take out loans to pay for their training.
Adam
I understand.
Thank you Adam.
Ran,
Many students take loans out for flight training, the nice perk of ATP is that they have a recommended loan provider, Sallie Mae that you have options with for repayment during program/after. Not all loans give you a ‘grace period’ unless it’s a student loan for college etc. I recently refinanced a loan since being hired at a regional airline months ago, got a lower interest rate.
Brady
Hi Brady,
Thank you so much for the information.
I am a bit worried of taking a loan as I won’t have any income during my training and I can’t know for certain if I will be hired or not after I complete my training.
Furthermore what are my options to work once I complete the course? (7 months).
Thanks.
Ran
Ran,
Your concerns are shared with almost every student that enrolls in the program. Unless you come from generational wealth, you’re taking a huge risk: quitting your job, taking out a loan to fund training, and not bringing in an income for 7 months. It’s not easy, but it’s a necessary investment in your future.
There are absolutely no guarantees, but I’ll tell you there has never been a better time to be a pilot than now. There are dozens of pathway programs with job offers and tuition reimbursement and signing bonuses plus record pay for regional airlines.
Save some money, or opt to have a little extra disbursement from the loan to help fund you through training. Do well in training making it your sole focus. Once you graduate there will be jobs. With a great resume and no major red flags you could have your choice of regional/LCC airlines.
Hannah
Thank you for your reply and great advice.
I’m ready to start my journey.
Ran,
Your journey starts here 
:
Brady