Hello there!
Before I ask any questions, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Ella, and I am not personally enrolled at ATP and I am nowhere near close to being able to do so. Flying has always captivated me and growing up, my father was an experimental airplane pilot- I practically grew up in the hangar. My first flight ever was in his Kitfox and I’ve been enamored ever since, I’ve just never done anything about it. Currently I’m 16 and in my freshman year (plus some change) of college. I’d like to earn my degree early so I can get on with my training. I know about the age requirements, I’ve been reading these forums for a little while now, but here are my questions for you:
How can I expect to be treated as a female flight student? Will I be amongst the minority in my training?
Can I expect to be able to carry a job at all whilst going through the program? Perhaps 20-25 hours? I have management experience and I’d like to not be completely broke.
I’ve seen in many places where you have all recommended the 40 hour program rather than the 100 hour program. Between doing the 100 hour and the CFI position, which of the two will give you more hours in the end? How would you describe your experience as an instructor, if applicable?
Of the locations available for me, I’ll likely end up going to the one at PDK or KLZU. I know there are many locations across the country and you may not have experience with either of these two, but would you happen to know anything about which could be the better location?
I know on paper I’d save about $13k, but how much can I actually expect to save if I were to get my private license before I started the program at ATP? (What can I expect to pay for such a thing?)
and finally,
How could you describe the rigor at ATP in terms of learning and expectations? How easy is it to fail checkrides and examinations? I know that it will only give you what you put into it, but I mean in terms of weeding people out… How much of that attitude is to be expected?
I’m purely in the research phase of everything and I know I am fairly young, but I am very much a planner and I like to know what I’m getting in to. I will be able to begin at ATP as early as 20 years old, which in the grand scheme of things, is not far away for me.
Thanks for all you do, guys, and sorry if this is a billion questions.