★★★★★
5 out of 5
2 years ago
ATP Flight School at the Northeast Philadelphia location was the best location across my visits to other ATP locations.
PROs: The CFIs come and go as they build experience and head off to the airlines, the core of the location is the Training Support Specialist (TSS), and this location's TSS is terrific. Loren H. keeps CFIs and students alike on track, is the liaison between management and pilot, and is aggressive in scheduling checkrides in days or weeks while others at different locations post to Reddit that they wait weeks to months. The planes are often new (2019-2024 Piper Archer models) and the aircraft are very well maintained as maintenance and safety is a serious focus. The program is pricey (mine included Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating Airplane, Commercial Single Engine, Commercial Multi-Engine, CFI, MEI, and CFII with 250 flight hours), but the experience is conveniently structured via a program curriculum to take a person with no flying experience to an eligible multi-engine CFI within 7-12 months. Sure, I could have done it cheaper by piecemealing or ala carting the ratings and certs from other schools, but I know significantly more about the FAA and the pipeline now than a year ago where I'd have no clue how to navigate the regulatory requirements from zero time to a twin-engine commercial pilot with MEI/CFII in 2023.
Regarding Airline Partnerships - this company delivered as my affiliation with ATP earned me a spot at a Direct to A321 airline.
Lastly, the PNE Controllers are fantastic. Some local airports have a reputation for having abrasive controllers who sound peeved that they are receiving calls from GA airplanes, but across 9 months, I do not recall anything other than professionalism and courtesy when interacting with PNE controllers...even when doing 10 takeoff and landings across 90 minutes, they are always a pleasure to work with. Do not discount the value of a great ATC staff at an airport.
CONs: You may find critical reviews online, but understand that this program is for those that are willing and able to put 7-12 months to the side to earn their certificates and ratings in a fast pace. This company and course expects a serious amount of self-study, a disciplined approach to preparation, and a personal commitment that may cause some life events, social opportunities, and job offers to be tabled. However, I managed to be there for very important events, like family graduations, school plays, anniversary dinners, college tours. You can balance it, but the work will build up on the ATP side and the student must tend to it or he or she may become overwhelmed. If you are a professional who only wants to fly on weekends, ATP isn't for that student. Tinkering with aviation or hate your job and think flying is a better career, but unsure? Try getting a PPL elsewhere then starting once you've committed to being an airline pilot. This is for people who want to fly for the commercial airliners as fast and safely as possible, to then begin to build the FAA's required 1,500 hour minimum experience to be considered for an airline pilot job. If you aren't comfortable with ATP managing your day-to-day or week-to-week schedule based around airplane availability, the weather, and a rigid program structure that is designed to keep you moving forward even when you personally believe you need to hold back...this may not be for you. The price is either an investment or a waste based on your desired outcomes, your ability to adhere to the program's expectations, and your goal to be an airline pilot. Please keep that in mind.
OVERALL: I recommend, if you are the right person for this type of program. ATP delivered on its service and I earned all the certs and ratings the program promised.
Justin Hicks
