Expert: David A. NewMyer - 8/31/2008

Question
Hello:
  I am in the process of choosing between 2 flight schools and would like your opinion.  

The first school is ATP, which has a branch in Houston.  ATP does most of it’s flight training in twin engine aircraft, which means that students and instructors there get to log hundreds of hours of multi-engine time.  

The second flight school is a local flight school which does it’s training in single engine aircraft.  However this school is cheaper then ATP.  

Do you think that ATP is a better choice even if it cost   more because of all the multi engine time students/instructors can build?  How important do airlines consider multi engine time?

Thanks


Answer
Hi, Alex:

Nice to hear from you.  It is always difficult to make a choice like this.

In general, yes, the airlines do consider multi engine PILOT IN COMMAND (not instructional time  that you receive, but, flight time that YOU have logged as a PIC or Pilot in Command) time as a critical aspect of their hiring decisions about new pilots.  So, the critical thing to consider is how much multi engine PIC time will you end up with at the end of the training program at ATP?  They also consider TOTAL flight time as an important aspect of the choice of new pilots...so, how much total flight time will you end up with out of either program?  

A couple of things to think about:

1.  What is the placement program offered by ATP and by your local flight school....in other words, what about jobs after your training is completed?  What is the placement record out of each school?

2.  Regarding total flight time:

A.  What will your total flight time be after completing each program?

B.  What are your "time building" options after either program?  In other words, will you have a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) certificate after completing either program?

I hope that these additional considerations will help you in your choice.  I am reluctant to tell you which to choose since I do not know either program ....essentially, you need to find out for yourself which program is best for you.

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer