So I started my PPL at my local airport here in New England. I currently just did my first Solo XC flight (Took a month of waiting for good weather). Even when I can dedicate my whole week to training and flying it still took me that long due to crazy New England Weather. My goal was to finish my PPL and join in for my Instrument rating and beyond at ATP. Now that winter is nearing and weather is worse on most days. I find myself inpatient and not wanting to wait till next spring for decent weather. Money is very limited so if I go to a different school to finish my PPL in AZ where I have family. I’d be wasting money proving to that new CFI what I know. I recently saw that you can join ATP and they will help finish your PPL as long as you have all your Solos done. In which case I only have two more. Throughout all my training I seem to have been the one student that’s always getting canceled due to weather and even other instructors said that. For those of you who had similar struggles what would you recommend? Thanks
It’s unfortunate, but you seem to be learning the hard way that training at your local flight school can be very frustrating and unproductive. Good weather or not, the reality is most local flight schools simply don’t have the resources (instructors and airplanes) to provide the consistency needed to successfully complete your training.
While it’s obviously your decision, I believe you’re simply throwing more money at a situation you already recognize is less than good. Aside from wasting money you’re also wasting your time and efforts. If you really have aspirations to have a career in aviation you need to cut your loses and start training like a professional.
Nic,
As Adam hit on, your training experience at the local flight school is more common than you think. Our advice for you is to stop hemorrhaging money ASAP and get on the ATP fast track when you can. It is a relatively new addition so I can’t say the specifics requirements needed to get started with your current experience but do reach out to ATP admin. They can review your logbook and come up with your custom plan to get you back on track and on an expedited timeline.
It looks Like I’ll need to complete my final two Solo XC’s in order to take advantage of the Private Pilot Finish Up. I’ll focus on getting those done asap and contact an ATP Admin and start the admissions process. Thanks for the advice.
I figured I will make an update as to where I’m at. I was lucky enough to get some good weather days here in New England and finished all my Solo XC’s. I got my First Class Medical and my Sallie Mae Loan Approved. I finished up the Private Pilot Finish up Questionnaire and submitted it. I picked San Diego as a location for training so no more nasty winter weather for me haha. Currently I’m just waiting to hear back from admissions to set a start date as I left a voicemail yesterday. I’m very excited to be starting ATP soon!
Nic you should be! This is an exciting time. You’re literally about to embark on a journey that will lead you to a very exclusive position as an airline pilot!
Nic,
That’s awesome! So glad to hear. You’re well on your way! What made you choose the San Diego location? Do you have friends or family out there or planning on student housing?
-Hannah
Thank you! I chose San Diego because of the obvious good weather there. I have family not that far. (5 hour drive) Being the airport is on the coast, it may also give me some actual IFR time during training as well which will be of value.
Hello, I thought I would update you guys how my training is going at ATP. I just finished Crew and now I’m onto CSEL! Instrument was definitely a hard one but I’m glad it’s done and crew was a good learning experience. Onto commercial!
Crew was cool! We got to pretty much go from southern Arizona all the way up to Sacramento multiple times. Through the mountains and along the coast. The mountain flying was definitely gnarly with constant turbulence but was a good experience. Along with navigating LA bravo and the business that brings.
Sounds like you got some great experience. Hope you were able to have some fun as well, a short break before the training really heats up. Commercial through MEI goes fast!
