Hi all, I could really use some help on advice for getting started. I know this is the career I want to do, I just graduated from ASU, and I am 23 years old. I know I want to go with ATP, but I have no aviation knowledge. I also know that I need to pass my FAA 28 days prior to starting flight school, but I have heard multiple things about sportys, or sheppards air, etc. and I don’t want to spend extra money I do not have to. What should I do first to start studying for the first exam (PAR) so I can actually start flight school. Also, I do not have an iPad yet, and it seems that I can only get sheppards if I have an ipad? I am hoping to start in February, so any and all advice is welcome, thanks! (:
Andrea,
Honestly completing the PAR should be towards the bottom of your to do list.
First off chances are you’re not starting in February (unless you mean Feb 25?). There’s a whole bunch of boxes to check long before you start studying. First off ATP has to accept you as a student (or did you think you can just show up and jump in a plane?). You need to either be approved for financing or verify you have ALL the money to complete the training. You need to go for an Admission Flight (to verify you won’t cry or throw up your first time in a small training aircraft). Finally, after all that’s done, you need to choose a location and start date (provided you’re successful in the application process). The ATP program is very competitive as are open slots.
If I were you I’d stop worrying about FAA exams and ipads and even this forum. You need to get the ball rolling and that means spending quality time on the ATP website.
Adam
Andrea,
First and foremost, you say this is the career for you, but have you taken an introductory or admissions flight anywhere? Everyone wants to say that this is the career for them until they’re $20,000 deep and realize that it really isn’t. Training is not easy and if it was, we wouldn’t see the rewards of being an airline pilot (like salaries) today.
As Adam mentioned, there are enrollment steps that must be taken, have you completed them?
Brady
Andrea, It is completely understandable to feel slightly overwhelmed. It looks like you have a lot of great questions that would be best answered over the phone with an admissions coordinator. We will be more than happy to provide you with full details, feel free to give us a call at your convenience so that we may better assist you.
ATP Admissions is available M-F 8am-7pm EST and our phone number is 904-595-7950.
Andrea,
Brady posted the enrollment process link above. Get started there and call the admissions line to discuss in further detail. Once you make it through and get the green light for training, we can discuss the best routes to get an iPad covered with your loan as well as starting to study for the PAR. I wouldn’t quite get your sights set on a February start date. Admission is at an all time high and class dates fill up quickly.
Hannah