Does anyone here have any opinions of ATP (Airline Transport Professionals) Flight Training. I need opinions other than "it's a cram course" and the like. I'm well aware of the training structure and I'm only contemplating doing my CMEL/MEI there. I've done everything Part 91 up until now and just want to bite the proverbial bullet and get it done.I doubt I'll get any responses and doubt even more anyone here has experience with them, but this is the only "aviation oriented" forum I frequent and I also value everyone's opinion here. For what it's worth they have a facility 35 minutes from my home, which is just too convenient.

Does anyone here have any opinions of ATP (Airline Transport Professionals) Flight Training. I need opinions other than "it's a cram course" and the like. I'm well aware of the training structure and I'm only contemplating doing my CMEL/MEI there. I've done everything Part 91 up until now and just want to bite the proverbial bullet and get it done.I doubt I'll get any responses and doubt even more anyone here has experience with them, but this is the only "aviation oriented" forum I frequent and I also value everyone's opinion here. For what it's worth they have a facility 35 minutes from my home, which is just too convenient.

My friend went through it in Las Vegas about a year ago and it is the best way to get it done quickly. I think I may be going down there soon to get my MEI quick because we will be adding a twin to the line in the near future.

It's a great program, but you have to have self discipline. ATP will require you to do it exactly the way they teach you to do it, and it's fast paced. This means if you don't pay attention when told, or you don't do a lot of studying - You'll washout.ATP isn't for everyone, but for those who can put forth their best foot it's not a bad place to get the licensure/ratings quickly and proficiently.

Thanks guys. I'm going to speak with someone there today after class. Wish me luck, and thanks for your input.

During my flight training in Florida I had a lot of conversations with instructors about "third-party" flight schools. ATP has a reputation, but they are fast. Some say corners get cut. I'm not sure how accurate this is today, but their SOP's were written and instructed to suit their quick style of training. At Riddle we considered our operating procedures to be industry standard and in some regards ATP didn't meet those "standards." Unfortunately I don't have anymore information about it, but I think really at the end of the day just about all of them will get you where you want to go.You guys above me have ten fold the experience I have so If I spoke too soon please correct me.

Before hand they make you study systems and procedures where as with other flight schools you get taught all that. Still the same info just presented differently.

Well, as an update:I spoke with an instructor at the local ATP school. I hate to say I wasn't impressed! I had had an earlier "altercation" with the very instructor I spoke with there (he was over our practice area at RUQ and couldn't decide if he was north or south of the lake we use as a landmark)... He also loves making right traffic at KRUQ when the local guard UH-60s are in the pattern --right traffic helicopters for those who don't see the issue-- and has terrorized students by cutting them off on base... I recognised his voice and thick European accent and also remembered he was in a Piper Seminole, so I put two and two together. I'm not flying with that fella'. Besides that, the school is very lightly staffed. Very lightly staffed.I've since found another 141 school within 45 minutes of home and have decided to go with their CMEL package in a nicely equipped Seneca II. It's on par if not slightly over priced, but the proximity to home out weighs that concern. I've decided against the MEI and opted for my CFI-I at a later date. Whatcha guys think?As for ATP's reputation: We all know the reputation (superficial knowledge)... I can honestly say the instructor I spoke with completely fits the profile. That being said, a few of my friends have went through their initial CFI and ME programs and they are some of the sharpest, most capable pilots I know. They also went in with the conservative attitude I carry with me, though. :( Riddle's program is second to none. Purdue's is great. So is Auburn University. A local university here, Averett U., also has a great program. One really gets a well rounded education with these Universities with flight programs. I should say that training in conjunction with my Riddle Worldwide classes really gives me a sound understanding of the industry in general... As far as I'm concerned, anyway.Thanks everyone!

Zach,That's sad to hear. Unfortunately I've (As I expect many others have as well) viewed many of those instructors who just don't seem to get it. Never flown with one, and the phrase "Avoid at all cost" comes to mind. Best of luck on your new rating! :)

It's the luck of the draw anywhere you go. They have had results or else they wouldn't be around.

It's the luck of the draw anywhere you go. They have had results or else they wouldn't be around.

Absolutely. In this instance, though, I'd say results at the cost of quality. This by no means reflects ATP on the whole, but rather this particular branch or 'satellite'. In my opinion. I ain't driving to Raleigh or flying to either Jacksonville, Fl or Atlanta, GA to get this rating with ATP! I have too much going on here! :(@ Ryan. You said it. Unfortunately I'm also having to avoid the fella' while flying. :( It's ironic that after posting my last post, my friend and I took the J-3 up from his strip towards Rowan. I swear to you that we met numb nuts (the same ATP Seminole) head on as he had made a downwind towards us (we were on a left downwind entry for the opposite runway and without radios). I'm pretty sure there's a reason we fly the published patterns at airports... I'm going to have to smack the guy. :(

I spoke with an instructor at the local ATP school. I hate to say I wasn't impressed! I had had an earlier "altercation" with the very instructor I spoke with there (he was over our practice area at RUQ and couldn't decide if he was north or south of the lake we use as a landmark)... He also loves making right traffic at KRUQ when the local guard UH-60s are in the pattern --right traffic helicopters for those who don't see the issue-- and has terrorized students by cutting them off on base...

After a quick check, it looks to me like neither of the runways at RUQ are designated for right traffic patterns. Next time he does that, you can direct him to take a look at 14CFR 91.126( b ). If that doesn't convince him, the local FSDO might. The FAA has gone after people for violating that one.

After a quick check, it looks to me like neither of the runways at RUQ are designated for right traffic patterns. Next time he does that, you can direct him to take a look at 14CFR 91.126( b ). If that doesn't convince him, the local FSDO might. The FAA has gone after people for violating that one.

I see him being actioned someday... Until then, I remind him every chance I get on unicom of his stupid actions.