Out of idiocy didn't you just display your own pre-conceived notion? Why, yes you did. Yes you did.
So again, you called yourself out while still trying to sound like a smart ass...
Sorry man, we are not discussing a hugely complex multi-national corporation here, we are discussing ATP. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out their business model and their operating practices. The product they are selling is homogenious, it can be had from many other institutions, the end result is the same.
ATP is selling an idea, a dream really, to those who are willing to buy into their sales pitch, nothing more nothing less. To sell that dream they glam it up, just look at their(your?) website, it is filled with stories of people who went there and made it to an airline...the main image quote "ATP is proud to have the highest ratio of airline placement to student of any flight school, aviation college or flight academy." They push the "Fast Track" and "Competitive Edge" one can attain by going to ATP, hell they even have something about the future airline shortage on their homepage.
Are you telling me they are being straight up with students? Why dont they show current airline salaries, average ATP student loan payments, how long it can take you to pay back the loan, the other possibility in regards to airline hiring(the shortage has been promised for how long and never materialized?).
I don't have anything against ATP really, I just think there are more responsible ways of attaining your ratings if you plan to take a loan. I still am considering them for multi add on and CFI when I reach that point, I just couldn't justify the price for anything beyond that. School across the ramp can get me to the same place but with much more freedom, there is no way Id have a number of grass landings under my belt if I went to ATP.
I'm not saying that I don't agree with some of the business models that ATP displays, but I don't agree with what many people have to say about them, especially the kind that join the bandwagon on hating something they have no clue about. (Idiocy) It gets VERY old! But to take a couple things you said, just playing devils advocate here, but lets go with it...
So is ATP selling a dream? Isn't any successful business? And do they have the highest ratio of airline placement? Yes.. The fact is that I'm looking forward to a couple things as an instructor for them, that their business models will provide. My entire time in training, the oldest Seminole I flew was a 2007 year model with less than 1500 hrs.. Now I'm instructing with 79' models, but most of those are close to timing out. The nice thing is that the school just took delivery of the first of a new fleet of 2011 G500 Seminoles. Also, if we have any problems with any of our planes, they are either fixed or replaced within 24hrs so we can continue flying. I know of many flight schools that don't have that kind of turn around time, either due to lack of funds or planes. So their successful business plan keeps my butt in the air.
Second, while it is unfortunate that the cost of flight training is expensive, I am fortunate enough not to have taken out a loan. My roommate and co-worker did, and I can see how it affects him, but he still wouldn't change where he works. We've had that discussion. The only thing that both of us that are in agreement of, is that the training curriculum doesn't allow for enough "just enjoy flying" time. Every minute of training from master on to master off, from day 1 to day 150 is just that, training.
Third: So how many flight schools are out there saying "Pay $50,000 dollars so that you can earn $19k/yr, and be over worked and underpaid?" The way you worded that, is that its ATP's fault that the airlines pay so low! And as far as the loan, how can you put the blame on ATP for putting out there places to procure financing? So ATP must be in Sallie Mae's back pocket and getting an under the table check for pushing students towards them? If anyone, people should be upset with SM for the high interest rates!
I served in the USAF for 9 years, then 1 year FAA then 2 years contracting in Afghanistan and Iraq, all as an Air Traffic Controller, and I'll tell ya right now, that out of all three work establishments I've worked for, ATP is right on track with the same practices. You wouldn't believe how similar in my opinion, ATP's training style is similar to the way I trained controllers in the air force.
Have you ever been in any part affiliated with ATP? Usually people that dont understand or can't comprehend just hate out of idiocy... Just sayin.. Oh and good luck with your job search with a bunch of pre-conceived notions, I'm sure you wont have a problem!
