Hello Ella,
Lots of questions but it’s never to early to start gathering info so let’s dive in:
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Yes you will without question be in the minority as a woman. Not just in training but throughout your aviation career (but so what?). We recently had a very long thread on the subject you might find interesting? (Females in Aviation). Many opinions but the bottomline is the biggest issues (if any) seem to come from ignorant passenger comments and nothing more. If my daughter wanted to fly I would encourage her wholeheartedly.
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No, No and btw NO! ATP is an accelerated program and as such requires your FULL-TIME and attention. Attempting to work while participating in the program is setting yourself up for disaster. Most people take out additional funds to cover living expenses during training.
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Regardless of whether you do the 40 or the 100hr Program you’ll complete both with the same amount of total time. The ONLY difference is the 100hr ME does more of training in the twin than in the single engine aircraft. The only reason to do the 100hr (and have the extra expense) is if you don’t plan to instruct for ATP. ME time is difficult to come by outside of ATP which is why they give you the option. If you instruct for ATP you’ll build more than enough ME time while instructing. Instructing is a great experience and while it’s the most common method most pilots use to build time I also believe it’s the best. There’s nothing better for improving your skills as a pilot than sitting next to someone who’s trying to kill you
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ATP works very hard (and does a great job) of ensuring ALL their locations have the same quality of instruction. Choose a location that’s convenient or just seems attractive to you for whatever reason. There is no “best location”.
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No you won’t. Yes the price difference is $13k BUT ATP’s PPL course not only includes the Private training and license but also gets you up to the required 80hrs you’d need to begin the rest of the training. While rates for aircraft and instructors vary the $13k for the PPL AND the additional time is actually very reasonable and competitive not to mention you’d be starting Day 1 receiving ATP level and standard of training and not have to “un-learn” any bad habits.
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The training at ATP as I mentioned is accelerated and as such is quite rigorous. It requires hard work and dedication. Listen, I have no way of knowing your level of intelligence or coordination (but you do seem very articulate and mature based on your post) so there’s no way of knowing exactly how well you’ll do or not. What I can say is someone with average intelligence AND a STRONG work ethic will have no problem with the program.
Hope this helps?
Adam