Hi, my name is Aiden, and I would like to know if it is possible to work and do flight training at the same time. Like what are the hours at ATP? And How many days of the week would I train? I am currently only 16 and a junior in high school. However, I am also getting my A&P mechanic license at the moment with Hallmark University and my high school, Like an accelerated program. So around when I am 19, I will have an A&P. But my biggest goal is to be a pilot. So could I have an airplane mechanic job and do ATP at the same time?
Aiden,
Yes it’s possible to do flight training and work at the same time but definitely not if you’re training with ATP. ATPs program is highly accelerated and requires a fulltime commitment at least 5 days a week. You could train part-time but that will cost you considerably more time and money.
While no one can prevent you from working those who have tried have failed miserably costing themselves money and potentially jeopardizing their flying careers.
Further you cannot attend ATP without a 2yr degree or comparable work experience. If you want to be a mechanic be a mechanic, if you want to be a pilot then fly.
Adam
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Thank you for the advice, Adam! So I have another question that has come to my head. So after high school, I would be halfway done with an associate’s degree with Hallmark University. So would ATP accept me after I graduate Hallmark since I would have an associate’s degree? And would it be cheaper to get my privates to license somewhere else and then come to ATP?
Aiden,
Yes if you complete your associate’s you can enroll in ATP.
As for your Private generally not. Many flight schools advertise low rates for Private training using FAA minimums which virtually nobody makes (the average is about 50% more). Further to get credit for your Private with ATP you also need at least 78hrs. When all’s said and done in most cases there are no savings. The other aspect is if you decided ATP is the school you want to train with to prepare you for your career why wouldn’t you use them for all your training?
Adam
Aiden,
ATP is full time training, it would be a really bad idea to attempt to work while in the program. If your goal is to be an airline pilot, being an A&P will do nothing to contribute towards that goal. I would focus on getting a four year degree, then going to flight training. Check out the FAQ section, there is a detailed post there that deals with your options.
Chris
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Quick of a question: assuming if a student’s not training with ATP and concurrently flight training, would a full-time job or a part-time job work better?
Edward,
I am not sure I understand your question, can you rephrase it?
Chris
I believe I meant that if a student is doing flight training and working (to pay for flight training) at a same time, would that student work at a full-time job or a part-time job?
Edward,
There’s a reason why the military, the airlines and yes ATP all train fulltime. Success in flight training is based on consistency. One skill builds on the next and too much time between lessons often causes a student to fall back instead of progress which takes time and money. The more time you can devote and commit to training the more effective your training will be.
Short answer working full time and training is challenging, working part time is better, training full time is best.
Adam
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Edward,
That depends on the student and their situation. I can tell you that those who are able to dedicate themselves to full time training, and thus not full time work, do much better in training. Full time work is well, full-time work, and does not leave much time for anything else. Part time of course leaves more time, but still has its own distractions. Full time training, and not working at all, is obviously the best course. ATP does offer the Flex Track program for those that need to work while in training: https://atpflightschool.com/airline-career-pilot-program/flex-track-airline-career-pilot-program.html
Chris
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