I have been seriously considering starting the process to become a pilot. I recently graduated college with my BS (In an unrelated field, I will admit - Information Technology)
I am currently unemployed as I just graduated, and I do not have much in terms of savings to speak of. I am able to get a co-signer for the cost of tuition ($80,000 I have read?)
I see the ATP school in Tampa advertises the “Fast Track” in 9 months, then its a 100% sure thing job offer as an instructor there? After the 9 month course, what will I have in terms of hours? Will I already be at the 250+ hours required for a commercial license, and then I work as an instructor there to get to the required 1500 for airlines?
Can anyone who has done this share your story with me? What is it like going to school full time with a family at home, How did you afford to keep food on the table? Should I prepare to have 9 months of bills saved ahead of time? What is your monthly loan amount you pay, and did you get any deferred until you reach your 1500 hours required? Also what is the pay like as an ATP Instructor, Will it be livable wages to support my family (wife + child) during the time from 250-1500 hours?
Welcome to the forums. To begin with, I think it is great that your degree is in an unrelated field. This actually gives you a solid backup plan should anything happen to your flying career. It is always good to have options. I myself have a degree in business administration.
The cost of tuition is $80,995, plus examiner fees. Many people use co-signers to be able to qualify, I did. Many people add an additional amount to their loan to be paid out as a monthly stipend to help cover expenses while in training. Call Kirk at ATP admin as he is the finance wizard and can best answer those questions.
The guaranteed CFI program is just that a guaranteed job. The job offer is with the company as a whole, not a specific location, although many people take a location initially and then transfer back to their desired location once it becomes available. The particulars on the uguarantrted position can be found on this page: https://atpflightschool.com/airline-career-pilot-program/guaranteed-cfi-job.html
When you finish ATP’s program, you will be a commercial pilot and a certified flight instructor. From there you will build the flight time to be eligible for the airlines at 1,500 hours.
When I went through the program I was young and did not yet have a family, so I am afraid that I cannot be much help to you in that area. I will let other, more recent graduates chime in on the loan payments as they can give you better information on that than I can. ATP instructor pay can be found on the same page as the guaranteed CFI position page, I would plan on flying about 80 hours per month.
A few points I’d like to clarify. First the guaranteed instructor position is for successful grads of the program without excessive checkride busts. You don’t merely have to complete the program, you need to do well. As Chris said ATP will offer you a position at AVAILABLE locations which may or may not be near your home. It is is great, but if it isn’t you have a choice to relocate for a time (and hope to get back) or find a position at another local flight school. As for Instructor pay I believe the average is in the low $30k range. Whether that’s enough to support your family only you know?
Going to school full time with a family can be tough. When I did there program I actually relocated myself because there was no location close by at the time. While being away was very challenging, I think being home would’ve been worse. The program is highly accelerated and requires a full time commitment. That means a VERY understanding spouse and the ability to sequester yourself when you need to study.
Not trying to dissuade you in any way, just some points to consider.
I would suggest sifting through the student experiences section and other parts of this forum to see if you can find posts from other students (like you) that went through the program and see what they had to say about it.
The most I made was $23k/yr before taxes. I also earned tuition reimbursement, which was in addition to the $23k, to help make my loan payments. That was an additional $5 for every flight hour. I averaged about 60 hours of flying per month.
For perspective, a former student of mine averaged 80 hours a month. He made $33k/yr before taxes, not including tuition reimbursement.
Loan payments are deferred for 6-9 months, but interest accrues.
Successfully completing the program with a family is possible, but from what I’ve seen most of the heavy lifting is put on the spouse. You have to remember, ATP condenses was normally takes 2 years into 6-9 months. In order to to that, you have to be fully committed. There’s no time to hold even a part-time job.
I hope the info I provided helps. Let me know if you have anymore questions.