ATP in Jacksonville?

Question

I've been wanting to ask this question for a while now, but I'm really lazy, so here it goes; I finnaly decided to go to ATP in Jacksonville FL, I'm 18, and I was wondering if the jacksonville location was good. I am kinda worried because I need to reserve a class start date for June, but I not going to FL until May, n I'm afraid that I'll have to wait until July or August. I am planning to do the 90 fast track commercial pilot program (since I have my PPL) and then instruct for them. but my question is, will I get hired in the same location ( CRG airport) after I finish the 90 day program????? what about the housing??? is it nice??? where is it??? too many questions!!!! lol, and 1 more question, I am planning to finish at 19, probably instruct for a year and look for a job at 19 or 20, so, are there any regionals hiring at 19 or 20???? and my last question (I swear) Is the whole program worth it???? please explain why!! :D Thanks a lot!!!

Answer 1

I live in Jacksonville, a couple miles from CRG.

Jacksonville has a number of military installations, including NAS Mayport and NAS Jacksonville, so there are lots of young people serving with the military. CRG itself borders Atlantic Avenue, a major thoroughfare that leads directly to the Beaches (Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach) to the east, and to Jacksonville proper to the west. You won't have any trouble getting around.

There are apartments and houses for rent around the CRG area. In terms of cost, Jacksonville housing costs are slightly below the national average, and because of the mild climate, utility costs are below average, too.

A lot of guys go through the ATP programs at CRG. The FBOs there make a good business of hiring these young pilots as instructors, and I don't think any flight instructor at CRG is more than 25 years old :-). But finding a job with a regional airline is dicey in these days, as there are still hundreds, if not thousands of pilots on furlough lists from mergers and takeovers from many years past. Some guys I know are still waiting for call up 5 years or more since being furloughed. And the regionals pay structure isn't great -- you could make as much stocking for Home Depot, and be home every night.

But, you wouldn't be flying.

Increasingly, opportunities for careers in aviation are going to involve hard choices in pay, location, and willingness to work. For every senior 747 airline captain making 6 figures, there will be 1,000 people with ATP chits waiting to take that seat at his retirement, and with continuing financial pressure on airlines, you'll see more mergers and consolidations which means fewer slots for pilots. So, you may find that you have to gypsy for years, doing flight instruction and light commercial work, just to keep building hours.

It's a tough way to make a living, and likely, you'll never get rich doing it. If you want to do things like buy a house, or a great car, or even get married, trying to make a living in commercial aviation will make it harder to do those things.

But, at least you'll be flying. Maybe.

You'd be interested to read Salon.com's "Ask the Pilot" column by Patrick Smith, a guy who has been doing what you want to do for awhile. Here's a link to some of his weekly columns; you should go back through his archives to see what he has to say about pay, regional airlines, and making a living as a commercial pilot.

Answer 2

I would look for a program at a university that will get you a degree. A degree program will get you licences and coursework. That puts you ahead of a lot of prospects. There isn't as much money in airline flying as people think. As a pilot, you'll start out at a regional carrier "paying your dues" earning around  $22,000. Get an associates degree and a bachelors first, and you can get ahead.

Answer 3

Are you essentially asking about living in Jacksonville, Fl?  If so, to be honest, it sux.  I was relocated here by my company, and yada, yada, yada decided to stay for love the next time relocation came up, and it remains, 4 yrs later, definitely the WORST decision I have made and truly regret.  Craig airport is considered close to the "arlington" area/regency mall.  Both are riddled with crime.  Apartments all over the area have out of this world rent prices.  If you find something really cheap, be 100% positive it is in one of the MANY 'hoods!  There is no culture/night life, and beach is not all that great.  There are a lot of people with serious money but it doesn't matter, they are all rednecks!!!!!