03 - The Next Big Step

I have officially contacted ATP flight school, a nation-wide flight school that offers accelerated flight programs.  After much discussion with the wife over the past week, we have decided that it would be in our best interest to get my training done immediately after graduation.  She will be finishing her Master's program this September, around the same time I will be finishing my flying.

We had been contemplating the ATP location in Phoenix Arizona for quite some time.  However, in the past month ATP opened a school in San Diego, only 10 miles from my Aunt and Uncle's home and much closer to the ocean.  The downside, I will be living down there (CA), and the wife will be living up here (MN) until she finishes her program in September.

Good evening ATP,

I had contacted the school last Fall 2008 in an attempt to acquire more information about your 90 day fast-track program and expressed an interest in enrolling and beginning in a program as early as Fall 2009 at one of the locations in the Southwest.  I had taken place in some email correspondence with someone from ATP and have attached that for reference. 

Brief overview:

I am very interested in enrolling in the 90 day fast track program offered in San Diego, CA.

I am looking to begin as early as Mid-June.

I plan on financing the total cost of the program.  I currently have a primary and a secondary co-signer lined up.

I currently hold my private pilot's license and roughly 110 hours of flight time, all SEL. 

I will be graduating this spring '09 with a four year degree in B.S. - Aviation Management. 

My questions to you:

1. I have relatives that live within 10 miles of Montgomery Field.  What are the advantages of living in the supplied student housing vs. my own arrangements?  Is there a cost reduction, say I make my own living arrangements?

2. Do you advise or require that I visit the school prior to training?

3. What is the next step I should be taking?  Will I be setup with a career coach?

4. I understand that ATP offers CFI positions to students graduating from their program.  What are the limitations on relocating to an ATP school other than the one you trained through?

5. I know that the 90-Day program is rather intensive.  Do you know of previous students whom have persued a part-time job on the airfield?

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you,

Joshua Hase