ATP Flight School: Your Guide to Start Flight Training Now with a Zero Down Loan // #63

This week Mike and Sean have a chat with Jahmal whom is currently enrolled at ATP Flight school in Denver. Jahmal has a great story to tell about his journey to become a professional pilot that I'm sure many will resonate with.
ATP is the king of the big box accelerated training flight schools and this week we get into the nitty-gritty of how their program works from start to finish. Full financing with deferred payments, modern equipment in the cockpits, professional training with part 61 rules, locations all over the US, connections to get you a job at practically every regional airline, and most likely a guaranteed job before you're even half way through training... ATP is becoming the choice of many many future aviators and we break it all down in this episode with our fellow aviator guest Jahmal.
Check out Jahmal's KZbin Channel here: www.youtube.com/@Jahmalthepil...
Check out ATP Flight School's site: atpflightschool.com/
NEW!!! DON'T MISS THIS! Go to www.propilotplaybook.com and enter your email to get access to our list of "The Top 10 Flight School Ripoffs" and access to free lesson from our course.
If you have a question you'd like us to answer, you can email us at: [e-mail]
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
02:44 Meet our guest Jahmal
05:58 Jahmal discovers aviation
09:10 Random jobs to pay for Private Pilot Certificate
12:46 Job as a line guy
17:03 Networking at the airport
23:07 Out of college in need of a plan
28:36 Airport Operations job
30:29 Midland, Texas airport Ops
41:57 Freind introduces ATP Flight School
44:42 Intro to ATP Flight School
46:01 Cost of ATP
46:44 Financing Flight Training
48:30 Types of flight school financing
51:17 Steps to start ATP
53:13 Letting your CFI expire
55:12 ATP housing and locations
57:21 Picking Denver ATP location
1:00:18 Jahmal's current training status
1:02:30 FAA written tests
1:05:11 ATP's training techniques
1:08:02 Flying everyday!
1:10:29 Skipping college
1:14:47 DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) shortage
1:16:01 Passing FAA written tests
1:17:36 Washing out of ATP Flight School
1:25:48 After CFI, then a job?
1:26:30 How long does ATP Flight Traing program take
1:28:45 Job with Spirit and other airlines before done with training
1:31:01 Jahmal's plan after training
1:35:49 Jahmal is a fan of the Pro-Pilot Playbook Podcast
1:38:01 Jahmal's advice to others just getting started

[@JayVazquez]

"The difference between a good pilot and a bad pilot is the ability to distinguish between what, is important and what is not." Words of wisdom for everything in life!

[@growlith6969]

These must be bad pilots, because this was an hour and 41 minutes that could have been condensed to 13 minutes. A lot of very unimportant time wasting stuff here. Questioning staying subscribed here.

[@captainchad2428]

leave the hating somewhere else it was a great video@@growlith6969

[@ancientpelican]

A a captain with a major US carrier, I would urge everyone to use extreme caution when dealing with ATP. All of the first officers I fly with who came through their program say the same thing; they are primarily interested in your money. Your flight training is a distant second. They pressure you to get the loan as fast as possible, and once they have it you are at their mercy. They push folks to take checkrides when they aren’t ready resulting in failures that you will have to explain to a hiring board. They promise pilots they will hire them back as a CFI, but neglect to tell them they will have to relocate to another facility. The Intructors are there to build time, and aren’t concerned about your progress. I saw the same thing during the hiring boom of the late nineties. I’m not saying avoid them, just know who you’re dealing with, and NEVER EVER let them pressure you into a checkride if you don’t feel ready. A failure will on,y hurt your future, not theirs.

[@kslats916]

My son graduated from ATP and has been instructor there for just over a year had a much different experience than you are describing. As a pilot and the cosigner on his loan, I intently followed his training by tracking all his flights, monitoring live ATC as well as asking him a ton of questions. My son was never pushed into taking a checkride he wasn't ready for. He did have the option to relocate as a CFI but was able to remain at the same location where he trained. Just like any school, you get out of it what you put in. If you aren't willing to put in the work, they aren't going to hold your hand.

[@Kujjiman]

I'm at ATP now as well. I cannot stress this enough; ATP IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. I would even go as far to say it's more likely NOT for your situation than it is for your situation. The negative reviews online are from people who weren't in the right situation for the school. Tread lightly, maintain thick skin, and be ready to adapt.

[@giftedhandshomeimprovement2583]

I am an ATP certified pilot and I’ve worked in the Bahamas for a little while and did a little aviation maintenance. Building hours to an ATP was exciting for me because I got to jump seat with a lot of private charters. It was exhilarating. But this young guy is giving a lot of pertinent information that I think is extremely valuable. He is indeed gonna go extremely far in the business thumbs up to you, my friend.

[@farangeddie]

"Is ATP worth it?" THIS video should be the first and ONLY video Google should throw out on the search results! Jahmal is what champions are made of! He exemplifies what it means to seize the land of opportunity which is America! Well done dude. Your daddy and mamma did a great job raising a solid son.

[@KngR-ov4hc]

This is now one of my one of my favorite videos from you guys, I felt like my story related to Jahmal's story on every cylinder. You all don't understand how much this video helped me to keep going strong on my journey and finally be able to relate so closely with someone whose journey was similar.

[@ExtremeRecluse]

Much cheaper and better in a good flying club.

[@Pilot_Ty]

However ATP still has the most connections to the airlines, more than any club would! That should be a major consideration.

[@craigsanders6925]

​@@ExtremeRecluse Agree, ATP doesn't have the best reputation. Friend of mine trained locally part 61 at an aero club. Not as fast as ATP, but he got all his ratings and built his 1500 hours as a CFI in less than two years. 9 out 10 of his students passed their check rides. Spent less than 60K, lined up a job at a regional before he turned 21, started training the month after he turned 21. Been flying as a first officer for 8 months now.

[@jmann06]

This is the most in-depth video I’ve seen about ATP. I was considering it before, but now I’m really interested in the program. Thank you so much for having Jamal on y’all’s show.

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheSchwartzIsWithYouToday]

This was AWESOME! My hat's off to @Jahmalthepilot, dude you ROCK! When I was a kid I wanted to be an Air Force Test Pilot when I grew up, but in 5th grade I got glasses, and that put an end to that dream. I've always loved planes and flying, tho. My first job out of college, I had a boss, Jack, who got his license and he took me up several times with him. I was in Portland, OR, at the time, and about 6 months after Mt. St. Helens erupted (5/18/80), he invited me to fly around it with him; that was really cool. I got a bunch of photos ... I wish I could find them ... but it was a lot of fun. He flew pretty close, but kept saying, "C'mon, this thing could erupt at any time!" A couple of years later we had both ended up in Phoenix, and he asked me if I wanted to go with him to pick up his plane at the south end of town and fly it to an FBO on the north side, and I said "Sure!" As we were on our way to the airport, he mentioned that he'd had a "little accident" in the plane about 6 months earlier, and they had just finished fixing it. Seems he lost one of the (two) blades on the prop in mid-air and the engine came out of the mount, but hung onto the plane by some wiring. He was able to land it in a farm field about 10 miles south of town, and nobody aboard was hurt. (His son and son's friend were also aboard, and it was the first time the son's friend had ever been on a private plane.) The insurance guy showed up, took one look at the plane and said, "Man, you should go buy yourself a lottery ticket. I've seen lots of accidents where the prop broke in mid-air, but this is the first one I've ever seen where the engine didn't come loose and fall away. Nobody ever survives this. The fact that you're even standing here is a F*****g MIRACLE!" Jack said to me, "They just rebuilt the engine, the plane, and put on a new prop; but if you don't want to get in it, I'll understand." I was like, "whatever. Let's go!" (I'm kinda fearless.) It was an uneventful flight across town. I'm 67 now, and lately I've been watching lots of videos and trying to figure out how to get hold of a HondaJet or a Cirrus Vision Jet and learn to fly it. If I was Jahmal's age today and watched this, I'd have already started the process to get into ATP! (I actually know someone who I think just finished. She posted a photo of her in some older Lear Jet saying she's just getting certified to fly it for some company -- it's a CORPORATE GIG, Jahmal! Good Luck, J!) I work with computers and the "glass panels" in these newer aircraft (the Garmin G3000, etc.) look a lot easier (to me) to deal with than the old-style dashboards, mainly because of the incredible amount of automation they handle. Ya know, the military flies drones bigger than these small jets remotely, so I don't know why these things can't be flown on auto-pilot from start to finish, although I'm sure that's coming. It can't be much more complex (from a computing standpoint) as FSD on a damn EV! Come ON!

[@tannerstafford16]

I thought ATP was way too expensive but now it seems like a good deal

[@Metoed88]

Awesome video, started ATP on the September of 25th, came in with all 6 written done, that is what ATP recommends. Stay ahead in the program is what I have heard so many times. Currently waiting an assigned instructor, usually 2 weeks for elevate private, finished in 1 week, if you can, then do it. My reasoning for this is since winter is coming, weather will definitely be an delay, ATP is very strict when it comes to private stage, try to finish before the winter is here, finish class ASAP so you can fly! If you can visit the training center before the date to talk to other students and instructors, do it! this can help with your first day already knowing most of the people in the training center!

[@Airilic]

I’m 28 and just got accepted in ATP with full financing from Sallie Mae. I can’t believe this video came out a week ago. Just when I needed it. You guys really helped answer a-lot of questions. Start dates aren’t until spring next year so Im gonna work on my ppl and get all the ground out of the way until then. I was worried about washing out but it seems unlikely if I just stay ahead with my training.

[@walterpal7248]

I just got accepted as well. Good luck!

[@garret8787]

Will you have to re-do your ppl with them?

[@Airilic]

@@garret8787 no, you get a discount if you already have it

[@comradeking_]

I’m in ATP right now and if you want a huge head start don’t do just your PAR test but do the IRA, and the FII (almost the same test as the IRA). I wouldn’t recommend taking your other tests until your knowledge for your private and instrument oral will guarantee you a pass. Have fun studying and stay ahead of that plane.

[@bitcoinforex6963]

Congratulations brother ! I am also 28 I just solo‘d 2 months ago ! Good Luck !

[@michaelsmith5463]

QUESTION: Is there a business structure advantageous to write-off flight training expenses from future income taxes? Is there a way to recover those initial setup flight training costs (probably part cash & loan) later in year 1, 2, or 3 after you have contract/private charter work that you bill through your own company?

[@dannyginsburg25]

Great podcast!! As a current student pilot getting my PPL and looking at ATP for the rest of my training this was extremely helpful!!

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Glad it was helpful!

[@starlightranch3101]

This is great. I had something similar with my flying career but I started in my 40's. Glad that you started younger and followed your dream.

[@user-mc2vf7ri8e]

Crazy!! It’s so amazing how this knowledge can be acquired in a couple of clicks.

[@user-xb5wz9kl8k]

Hey, My name is Ben and I am attending centennial atp this june. what a coincidence. might see Jahmal there haha

[@saulgood2548]

Great interview! I Wish Jahmal nothing but best on his aviation journey and I appreciate him for sharing.

[@alessio272]

There’s are so many dependent variables on the successful outcome of a student at ATP flight school. This man’s experience is completely opposite of my experience attending ATP. I will say your success and experience is dependent on the location and the instructor you are paired with. Most instructors there are only time builders in my opinion.

[@PilotJona]

Hi. CFI, CFII here in Orlando Florida, on the hustle to getting the 1500 hrs. The amount of valuable information for new or aspiring pilots on this channel is tremendous. Even for current pilots working in the industry can benefit and get inspired from this info. Congrats to Jahmal for starting his training, and much respects for hustling his way into becoming a pilot. I have the same ideology when it comes to doing your training and becoming a pilot, you want to do it as fast as possible, with the least money spent and most importantly safely. My advice to new or aspiring pilot is don’t do an aviation degree, or even college after finishing high school, just go straight into an accelerated program and get your pilot licences, you will have the rest of your career to learn, become experienced and improve your flying skills and maybe even get a degree in another field after you’re already making good buck. I like how you guys keep it real, and are actually trying to help.

[@AlphaWhiskeyAviation]

KTLH is where I’m doing my PPL right now!! The Million Air people here are awesome out here. I’m gonna go find your shirt on the wall when I’m in FL Avi tomorrow😂😂 Loved hearing your story and connecting so many of your experiences with where I am in my own journey.

[@AnyoneCanMeditate123]

That's so funny at the end hearing you guys mention Goggins. , I listen to David Goggins at 430am when I drag myself out of bed to do my online ground school 😂 glad to see I'm gonna fit right in 😂😂

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Stay hard!!! lol

[@MrAbester633]

This was the most informative video I’ve ever heard about ATP and I’ve looked everywhere. The financial info was gold and the interviewers asked an awesome question about the wash out rate. This video was GREAT.

[@TRUTHSEEKER1129]

I love this interview! Keep the content up guys... you'll are such a great resource! I work in the oil field in Midland Texas lol. It's DEFINITELY a desert out here 🤣.

[@AviationWP]

Thank you Mike, Sean, and Jahmal!

[@invisiblemann8457]

Love this video so inspirational. Im 35 with a family so my journey will be different but this guys will and determination alone gives me hope and confidence.

[@odkonyamjav4219]

Thank you for bringing him on video his story related to me so much only difference is i am actually truck driver right now. I started flight school at college of dupage they started this year aviation 2 year and half flight associate program for commercial pilot. I would like to share my story too because i have been though route being immigrant and trying achieve my goal. I think there’s lots of international students struggling with financial and language barrier.

[@AhmedAlathari99]

One of the best interviews I’ve ever watched

[@romoeas]

Grew up flying out of KAPA! Love the airport and love the area. My family still lives around there. Now I’m out of KVNY, the other busiest class D. Good vid guys!

[@sedielfcarmo3454]

Best episode so far💪🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@tomyjaric9391]

Greattttt video. I’m starting Atp next year, and this video was just what I was looking for !

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ryannelson6549]

This was so helpful and inspiring!

[@paulnagel8161]

Thanks for the great content! Hope to bump into your guys down at Lunken sometime.

[@VictoryAviation]

Such a cool airport. Love departing SE and flying the river past downtown Cincy!

[@flyhighsted6225]

Great video, thanks for the insight of atp. Grateful for the information

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

You bet!

[@TGAV8]

This is an amazing interview. Thanks for sharing fellas.

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TruckinTrader1]

That was packed full of great information. Is there any information about how OLDER ATP students are doing?? Also, did you guys have comparison with Contract flying VS Corporate flying? Good job guys!!

[@___Ken___]

im really liking these longer episodes

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Thanks for the feedback

[@A_Class]

Love this. Shout out to Rattler nation #HBCU

[@matteogeem896]

What a young man!

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

thanks

[@Samtalentt]

He is not old

[@fritzhall918]

How have I never found you guys!! Thank you for the info Jahmal and the motivational tidbits! Wish you the best of luck and I'm following suit! Just not sure if I should jump into PPL with ATP or get that locally.

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

yep!!

[@caseywatkins8766]

I wish my experience at ATP was going as well as his! I would never recommend ATP to anyone. I wish I would have stayed at my local flight school even though it would have taken longer. Don’t let their marketing fool you, this place is not what it seems like.

[@taikashaquattlebaum-ez6nw]

Great info

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Glad it was helpful!

[@WalidFeghali]

The best podcast episode so far guys! I also have my instrument checkride coming up. Sean is totally on the money about the written tests. They're a joke lol

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

sweet

[@farfetch7]

ATP is a predatory flight training system.

[@Sherrycavaliere70]

They are terribly rude when you call to get info. I talked to 3 different people and all were rude! They told me I was too old! 😂

[@ohozo7292]

Plenty of people in their 30s and 40s at the location i went to

[@NoelGifford]

Mike - Your TV in the background is very distracting.

[@chrisaurich7083]

If you opt out of the CFI stuff then they will send you straight to your multi rating and get you that. Will not charge for the CFI training

[@Jahmalthepilot]

You’re 100% right man, I made a mistake on that. It’s just a little bit risky if you don’t have an opportunity lined up before you defer CFI.

[@chrisaurich7083]

@@Jahmalthepilotyes that’s true! Nice that they give that flexibility though.

[@DavidGlick-tf4fk]

Does anybody know which other KZbin flying channel he was trying to reference when he said '2105' at the 1h36m25s mark?

[@MegaZboo]

Looks like a young woman in the Alaska Airlines cadet program survived a horrible crash while the other two died around the Portland Oregon area according to the news. Any reason what could be the cause just looking at the footage?

[@jpg36c]

When applying for a flight school, should I go Part 141 or Part 61? Will airlines prefer one over the other??

[@ancientpelican]

Airlines don’t care if you come from part 61 or 141.

[@catconsumption4272]

I want to do ATP but have no degree and didn’t try in high school. My gpa was a 2.7 and atps website says you need a minimum 3.0 gpa to be accepted. Is the work around to get my ppl before applying to atp?

[@craigsanders6925]

Look at local flight schools, might take longer but will likely be cheaper. Go take a discovery flight and see if you like it. It's long and can be an arduous process. There are community colleges that have flight training too.

[@danbuffington75]

47:30 Did he say 2.8 or 3.8 GPA?

[@Jahmalthepilot]

I graduated with a 2.8 GPA. I majored in Health Science with a concentration in Pre-physical therapy. I wish I didn’t let my grades slip while focusing on flying and working. I did get straight A’s my last semester but it didn’t budge my overall GPA. A 3.8 sure would’ve been nice man!

[@bartoszskowronski]

reverb in Jahmal audio is annoying for me. even if he will talk through phone's Bluetooth set, audio will be a lot better, maybe flatter voice but signal/noise ratio will be way better. there is a reason why everyone have microphone as close from mouth as possible, in noisy/unthreaded(reverb) places.

[@blackheartwolf]

I called ATP i was quoted $267000. $102000 for all your certs and $165000 for the hours. Meritize will only loan up to $127000. I have to head into work now so i can't finish the video. I got my first class medical then spoke to the loan now im not sure how to proceed...anyone got tips?

[@craigsanders6925]

Local flight school, 141 will allow to you get loans, part 61 you'll be paying out of pocket. Both work just fine.. Should be well under 100k, a friend spent less than 60K and is now working for a regional at the age of 21.

[@IslandInsanity]

This guy ran an airport, and has a college degree. That is hardly starting from zero.

[@LinedFury]

Great podcast but this guy really rambled a lot

[@wez123123123]

Buddy stop being butt hurt 😂

[@LinedFury]

​@@wez123123123 how am I butthurt? cause this dude took almost an hour to say he just started, I'm already a CFI

[@aldohattonduran5227]

Hey fellas excellent work 🙌🏻 why don't you two do a podcast regarding Frontier and Spirit and the job opportunity pipeline?? 🛬🛫🛩️🇺🇸All the best 🏆🥇 ty