Is there anyone who switched from the fast track program to the flex option OR those who are currently in the flex program?
I have great instructors at my center but I’m finding the pace of the fast track is too fast for me. I’d like additional time to study and review the materials. SO I am interested in switching to the flex option.
But there isn’t clear or detailed information on the ATP website. I’ve had people who don’t recommend switching because its not much different and you just end up spending money because the pace is pretty much the same.
Do you find its helpful to switch? And how are you able to maintain flight proficiency without additional costs after switching to flex?
ALSO… I found on past forums here that flex track has 31 more hours than fast track and its from another student who spoke with Eric from Admissions.
But when I spoke with Caeyln from Training Support, I was informed its the same number of hours for both fast track and flex.
Which one is true?
I feel like I didn’t get clear answers I was looking for so I am wondering if anyone has personal experience
Hopefully someone currently in the Flex program will chime in with their experience.
That aside I do want to point something out. The Flex option was created for people who need to work or remain in school during the program. The intent was not to allow students to relax their pace. While it may help serve this purpose it begs a greater question. If you can’t keep up with the pace of the FastTrack, what will you do when/if you actually get to the airlines? Newhire training makes ATP seem easy and relaxed by comparison. That’s the main purpose of the FastTrack, to prepare you for the rigors of airline training.
I’d encourage you to give this some thought and see if you simply don’t need to buckle down some and put in the work. It can be done but it isn’t going to be easy.
The flight time difference referenced is regarding the crew-style cross-country stage. In Flex Track, that is accomplished with an instructor, since ATP’s normal proficiency requirements for crew stage cannot necessarily be maintained on a Flex Track schedule. It is the same amount of total time, but there is more time logged with an instructor (still PIC).
Flex Track does require a minimum proficiency requirement of 15 flight or AATD (simulator) hours in the last 30 days. Otherwise, a proficiency flight at additional cost, will be required before resuming the program outline/syllabus.
If you are not trying to juggle a college class schedule or work, Adam makes a great point worth consideration.
As a flex track student I can tell you the pace is just as quick. Pretty much every day I put as available on my schedule, I am at the airport to fly or do the sim. Make sure you are pursuing this for the right reasons. You have to spend any free time you have to study. It sucks at times when you would rather be spending time doing other things. If you are having trouble studying you can always ask others that are at the same stage. I would suggest just sticking with the fast track and you will be done before you know it.
Daniel,
I’d like to echo that if you have other commitments, Flex track would make sense. However, if it’s just the pace that’s too fast, I recommend you dig in. Talk to your peers ahead of you in the program and get some tips on how they are managing. If you’re only in your private stage, the overwhelming pressure you feel is normal. Everyone feels it whether they vocalize it or not. It’s a lot to get used to but you will adapt. If you don’t, success may not follow. Not to sound harsh, just realistic.
I am in initial training for the regionals now learning and it makes the ATP pace seem easy. The fast pace may seem unattainable now but it’s a challenge to see how your time management and study habits are because down the road in your career, you will face much bigger challenges. If you get your ratings at a leisure pace and time build, once you get to the regionals you are at a HUGE RISK of washout from initial training. Imagine having all the flight school debt, 1500 hours and no regional job because you didn’t make it through training.
Just to clarify, if you are putting yourself down as available everyday, then it is you that is making the Flex Track pace the same as the Fast Track. For those truly going with he Flex Track option, the pace is slower.
I understand that. I wish I could fly 7 days a week to get it completed. I am no currently in a position to quit working. I was a little stressed this week while trying to study for the two written tests but was successful with both of them and the flying. I don’t mind having everyday that I am not scheduled to work as available. I am sure it can be much slower.