Hello!
I am currently 18 and hope to start training with ATP soon in the Tampa Bay area. I was planning on doing the Airline Career Pilot Program so that I can hopefully land a job with one of the majors once I am 23. My goal is to stay in Florida, but relocate from the bay area to South Florida. Are the bases there (MIA, FLL, etc.) very senior bases? Is it feasible to land a job there as a new pilot, or are there other much less senior bases that would be easier for me to start at (anywhere in the country)?
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Thomas
Thomas,
It really depends on the airline but my understanding is both MIA and FLL are generally pretty senior. That said with all the movement you should be able to get to the base you desire in not too long. As you’ve got years to go and have no idea what airline you’ll be flying for I wouldn’t worry too much about it now.
Btw, ATP requires either your PPL, 2 yrs college or equivalent work experience for enrollment.
Adam
Thomas,
I understand Miami to be relatively senior, but that does not mean that you could not get it within a few years of entering the industry. Even if you do not get your desired base right away, it is simply a matter of going to wherever you are assigned first, then putting in a bid for your desired base. When your number comes up, you will hold it. Simple as that.
Check with the admissions department to see if you will qualify for entry into ATP straight out of high school.
Chris
Adam and Chris,
Thank you for your helpful responses. After high school I will be attending USF Tampa, so would I need to wait until my junior year there to enroll at ATP? Do you think it would even be possible to pay for USF and ATP at the same time?
Thanks again,
Thomas
Thomas,
I have no idea as to your finances so what you can pay or not is really something only you abs your family can decide.
I do want to mention it would not be wise to attempt ATP and college at the same time. ATP requires a fulltime commitment and if you tried to balance both one or both would suffer. Neither scenario would be good for your some career.
We generally recommend people finish college before attending ATP but of you’re anxious many will get the 2yr degree, go to to ATP and then finish their 4yr online while at a Regional. That route is very efficient but it does require a fair amount of discipline.
Adam