Well, I had to put my training on pause due to constant delays. I ended up going to Blue Line Aviation in Smithfield NC over ATP (big mistake, lesson learned,) and wanted to advise anybody who was considering doing the same to not. I realize I’ve opened myself up to being told “I told you so,” and I accept that responsibility and own it.
As far as where I am in training, I just passed my Commercial check ride so that’s good! I’m 2 for 3 on check rides so far (busted instrument on the ground on a fuel recalculation scenario.) Learned a lesson there on the importance of understanding nav logs and actually using them even if digitally generated on Foreflight during the actual flight itself.
It was supposed to be a 5.5 month program, and it took 8 months to get to where I am now despite having all 6 written completed prior to starting. I ended up having to return to work to straighten up my finances, as I had a limited amount of money saved for living on to attend this program. With the state of the inflation and being several months behind, it’s no surprise I ran out of money.
Since the funding is secured, I plan on returning and finishing the multi add on in about 6 months since it’s so short. From there though, I’ll probably look at other time building opportunities as I can’t see myself taking another 3 instructor check rides with Blue Line.
The worst part, is that it will end up costing me $92,000 for Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Commercial Multi because of Blue Line’s atrocious refund policy.
I’m grateful for what I’ve achieved and where I am so far. However, there’s a few lessons to take away from my mistakes that I thought were worth sharing. Firstly, I fell for Blue Line’s marketing of them being a more efficient and better organized accelerated program than ATP. Just go with the guys that have been doing this for decades.
Second, the contract that you sign wherever you go is binding. I expected Blue Line to do the right thing since the delays were their fault. This was very naive of me and despite advertising themselves as a company of high moral character, they seem to have no problem screwing over the customers that chose to do their training with them. The delays are a big deal when you’re an out of state student like me. Once they have your money, you aren’t getting it back. On that basis alone, ATP’s refund policy is much better if you have to end training for one reason or another.
Thank you mentors and everybody else who contributes to this forum on a daily basis. We have an incredible community here and this has been a valuable resource for me personally. I plan to continue to stick around and update/reply and help out where I can. If you have any questions or want more specifics on my story, I’d be more than happy to elaborate. Hope everybody had a fantastic Easter weekend.
Best wishes to all of you,
Robin Graham