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From: stillageek
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  • very inspirational! I was five years old when I started saying that I wanted to be an airline pilot... now I'm almost 31, I saved some money and soon I'll start flying. Your story gave me hope. Never give up. It is never too late! Keep following you dream! Thank you for posting it.

  • Great video

  • @stillageek Great video and congratulation on your success as a pilot in the Airline Industry. To the people on here who "hate", by all means keep hating, behind every successful person lies a pack of haters.. @08turboSS you are one foolish individual, how do you live with yourself, must suck to suck.

  • @stillageek Are there pilots that clear 80k?

  • @waffles2341 Yes Regional Airline Captains CAN make north of 80K. Most pilots at Majors make more than 80K

  • @08turboSS being a regional pilot is only a step towards becoming a pilot for a major airline and besides, if you love aviation, it's for the flying not the pay.

  • To get through this level of training you have to be super pilot or have a very high 140+ IQ... 3.7 or higher GPA in school... Also the airlines want\prefer a college degree

  • @08turboSS I am not a super pilot. I have a degree. I double majored in Sociology and Photojournalism. I worked in IT for 9 years before starting flight training. My GPA in college was a 2.9. I'm an average guy with an average IQ. And food for thought....I failed college Algebra...the professor gave me a "c" because he knew I tried and was a Journalism major anyway. Sorry you have such a negative view of pilots and the industry

  • @08turboSS your gay

  • @dave34777 Ya and if I was gay I'd kick your Butt all the way to China and back I know more gay people (guys and girls) that are far nicer than most straight people... Never judge a book ignorant FOOL...

  • Folks you dont want to do this... Regional pilots make only 23-25k a year and furloughs are coming... Go fly in another country or for a private company, you'll clear 60-80k your first year...... Plus don't believe this guys dates on this video...

  • @08turboSS No job is for everyone. Not sure what kind of chips are on your shoulder. Why would I lie about that dates? You ever research ATP? My dates are far apart compared to some of my friends back in 2007-2008. I made 27K my first year, 33 second, 38 third and will clear 40K this year. Do your research. It's not a lot of money buy I live a nice life and under my means.

  • Wait a minute, you started answering phones for 7 weeks while going through standardization in Florida on April 17, so how did you go from April 17 2007 to First CFI lesson on April 23rd? That's 6 days after you supposedly started Stanz training answering phones and such for 7 weeks.. What happened to the 7 weeks? Better get your stories straight before posting them....

  • @08turboSS Once again sir some research and thought is needed on your part. I started answering phones on April 17th in Jacksonville, FL (technically Pontra Vedre Beach where ATP is Headquartered). While Answering phones I was a licensed CFI. ATP allowed CFIs on the phones to do basic CFI instruction. My first CFI flight was simply finishing off a guy who needed to meet the 85 hour requirement. We flew from JAX to Daytona Beach and back. My stories are straight. Any more questions? Accusations?

  • How much TT did you have when you received your job offer from AE?

  • @fhslax I think I had 580TT with 420 Multi.

  • @stillageek Do tou have a bachelors degree? I only hold an associates in aeronautics and an A&P liccnse which I am using right now. Do you thin they can hire someone like me if I achieve all the neccessary hrs? I am 22years old.

  • I have really enjoyed watching your video!! I am scheduled to start the 90 day fast track on January 9, 2012. If you had to do over again would you do it differently? How was your experience with ATP? I have heard alot of bad things about the school ,but it has not stopped me from enrolling. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!! See Ya

  • great video

  • Okay, I see this FlyWisconsin guy loading your page with negative posts about ATP. First of all, I think your video is fantastic and inspiring. I'm still in the program and YES it is demanding but you can finish on schedule if you work hard. I have yet to be in housing or a hotel that wasn't decent. Anyone reading: If you are willing to sacrifice for something important, this is a great option. Those few short months can change the rest of your life.

  • Great flight academy, good CFI's!

  • Great video, I'm looking forward to starting the 150 day fast track in october.

  • DO NOT GO TO ATP. IT IS WAY TOO EXPENSIVE AND ITS A SCAM.

  • @FlyWisconsin How is it a scam? Expensive...well the prices are all in black and white. Please explain your comment...there's plenty of roo. To reply

  • @stillageek to say a few, 1. i did my training in dallas and they NEVER had a seminole that worked properly 2. they charged us $200 a week that IS NOT included in the price for housing, which is a joke- you are stuck in this tiny room with another guy, no tv, no internet, everyone is miserable- instructors included- our A/C unit NEVER worked either- not fun in dallas in may/june. my instructor was TERRIBLE. he was pretty much in cruise mode because he just didn't care anymore..

  • @FlyWisconsin Hmm 1. Did you ever raise your concerns to the Chief Pilot? 2. The $200 a week is clearly stated on their website...and it optional. You could have moved at ANY TIME. 3. No days off. No kidding it's called a Fast Track. 4. You pay for check rides in cash...because EVERY DESIGNATED EXAMINER in the US only taxes cash

  • @stillageek i actually called admin three seperate times to complain. eventually my instructor quit but i later realized it was because he was tired of the same shit i was- lack of airplanes, too many students, too little pay, working 7 days a week for 10 hours. and you're right, it is called fast-track but it shouldn't cost you more to switch to the 120 (10 grand more, are you serious?). and the examiners don't want to report the income on their taxes and ATP is happy to oblige bc...

  • @FlyWisconsin I had to remove your other comment as I don't allow profanity. Learn to express yourself as an adult and not an ignorant person incapable of clear, concise and respectful conversation.

  • Respond to this video... ATP gives the examiners a ton of business and in turn, the examiners just pass along the ATP students..its dangerous. half the ATP pilots out there are severely under trained by ATP. its a fucked up system that the FAA should look into. and try finding an apartment in dallas or phoneix that rents month by month- you won't find any. and i fly for wisconsin now and its not the way ATP has it. the way ATP operates is NOT how the airline industry works.

  • @FlyWisconsin I live 10 miles from the KGKY airport...there are monthly rental apartments...fully furnished here . Every DE in the US only takes cash as if you pay by check...and they bust you ...you stop payment. You appear to be a bit naive. Glad you ended up at a good regional. I have friends there that I went to ATP with. It's not all roses just like Eagle is not all roses. They fly airplanes with MELs just like I do. I hope you lift that chip on your shoulder.

  • Respond to this video... there are no days off, the dispatch guy is an asshole and needs his ass kicked. when you go on your cross countries you get stuck in these cells in atlanta or houston that offer nothing. i never once stayed in a hotel during my cross countries but i was told i would. i went over my training "schedule" by two weeks and they charged me $500 extra even tho i didn't fly. i flew 2 in a span of 3 weeks because they couldn't get a working airplane out to us.

  • @FlyWisconsin ATP isn't perfect. I would like to know where you got your ratings for 1/2 their price though. Hopefully you will learn to speak up for yourself earlier as you could have called the main number at any time and raised your concerns. BTW at an airline the days are long, the planes aren't always 100% and the hotels aren't always great.

  • cool video! how's american eagle working out for you?

  • @Prokusion hi, but how long takes finishing college?

  • @nicolasjoseribasj I finished college and worked in the real world BEFORE I went to ATP. College for me was 5 years...I double majored and had a great time !

  • Can I still go to ATP if no one will co sign for me? If I can't find anyone is my dream to be a pilot ruined? :(

  • @Nicholasburt1313 If you can't find a co signer, no sweat. Get a job, work and save. I didn't start flight training until I was 29.

  • what time you woke up everyday when you were at atp?

  • @nicolasjoseribasj I did the self paced...so I woke up at 6AM for work at 7AM till 4PM then ATP 5PM till 8:30PM...

  • is it a good choice to become a commercial airline pilot with no degree?

  • @nicolasjoseribasj Its possible dude it will just make things real hard in the future when your a FO for a while and its harder to get into the major airlines! I would def go to college

  • @stillageek thankyou for your answer darren....i want to be a pilot, can you tell me in what university you did the BA in sociology??

    thanks

  • @nicolasjoseribasj I went to a school in Texas. My degree is in no way related to my choice to be a pilot.

  • hi, Darren i am 14 do you have a BS aeronautical science degree? In what university did you do it?

    Thanks

  • @nicolasjoseribasj I have a BA In Sociology. No need to get an aviation related degree...and I would advise against getting an aviation related degree if you want to be a pilot.

  • Just wondering is this school any good? Been hearing alot of bad things.

  • @gabe321 It was good for me.

  • Hi Darren!!

    I have a question, a very important question and i hope you will answer it.

    Im from Spain and i´m thinking about going to ATP to study. do you think is a good idea? and another question. If I make it to a regional airline ,would i be able to fly other type of airplanes after that, like a319 and that stuff?

    Thank you Darren

  • @inacio1barsa You can fly any plane you want....as long as you get hired by an airline. ATP is good as long as you know what you're getting into.

  • @stillageek thank you for the reply. well, my plans are to finish my last year of high school here in Spain and maybe going there to get my comercial licicence, flying in the US for a regional for some time and then coming back to Spain to fly with Iberia or Spanair. do you think is a good way, or is it impossible?

    thank you darren!!!

  • @stillageek Oh. Well what is the best part about your job now?

  • @waffles2341 I think getting to do what I love it the best part of my career. Landing a 67,000 pound plane in a 30 knot direct crosswind brings a smile to my face. Being able to nonrev my family all around the world is also a great perk.

  • Awesome video thanks for the amazing shots!!

  • Can you please make another video about how you have been with American Eagle?

  • @waffles2341 Unfortuneately I won't be able too due to a variety of reasons including its against company policy to photograph any company property including airplanes...would be a pretty boring video...just hotel rooms...

  • Things have changed at ATP as far as sending out CFI's. Might be best to give them a call and see what the new arrangement is.

  • Hey Darren, just curious if they have everyone answering phones for the first seven months? I know ATP guarantees employment for 6 months if you do the fast track but I was under the impression that was time spent as an instructor.

    

  • I would NOT go from high school to ATP. Either get a degree or get a real job and learn how to live in the real world. Get a real job, save cash and get your private pilot license. Then after a few years with money saved up, revisit going to a flight school.

  • is it smart to go there right after high school

  • Yep...got my BA....worked in the real world for 7 years and then started flying. Don't rush into this. Get a degree, learn to survive on your own, and fly when the time is right.

  • so u got your bachelor's degree?

  • congratsss brooo

  • I find it very interesting that when you do the math, most of the posts on youtube, between both ATP and DCA, are mostly negative on DCA and positive on ATP.

    I wonder if that "youtube reality" is the in-line with the real world? Is ATP that much better than DCA, regardless of the differential in costs between the two institutions?

    Nice video. It shows what determination and hard work can accomplish.

  • Hello again Darren. I had to write a second post because I ran out of characters! Anyway, I took the online quiz on that training module on their website. They are now asking me to report to one of their campuses for an introductory flight with an instructor. They say it costs like $95.00. How long is this flight? It will be my first one and I am a bit nervous about it! I just hope I will do well. Please wish me luck on this if you would!

  • Hello Darren. This is a neat video you produced and uploaded. I am considering taking a course through ATP myself. It looks like you really enjoyed your time with the school. And you sure went up the ladder moving from student to instructor! Congrats on that! And then went and got hired by the airlines! Awesome! So you got training in jets too uh? You're the man. I am sure your wife is real proud of you! I just passed the online portion of the single -engine Intro. Training Flight tonight.

  • Great Video!!..I am thinking about going to ATP. Would you recommend the fast track or self-paced?

  • how much did u spend from private to commercial? or how much did the whole course cost? i got my private in 04 and never flyed sense because of having more babys lol ... i went to pheonix east aviation in daytona

  • The answer is simple. APPP Time Building Central. $80.00 per hr WET all PIC flying all over the country in our Seneca 1 aircraft.

  • Good Job man ...this is inspiring.....I can't find no one that will co-sign my loan...so i'm stuck n can't start because of that =/..depressing......

  • very nive vid! quite inspirational. I'm hoping to get into ATP as soon as I get out of the AF.

  • am going to ATP for 2010 fall and am going to try and major in Human Resources in college as a backup plan, but will it be good for my background?

  • Darren, I love the video, man. I'm a former ATP CPP grad too. I finished in Vegas around the same time you did. Where'd you go to CFI school? Your name sounds very familiar, and I could swear I've met you before.

    Again, great video. Are you still with Eagle? I'm furloughed Mesa.

  • @capnsean520 Still at Eagle....I CFI'd mostly at GKY....very little at JAX

  • @stillageek Congrats with being at Eagle, still. After watching your video again, I think I may have seen you a couple of times during our cross country flights a few times. My flying partner and I always flew into GKY during our x-ctry flights. Hope all's well, man! Take it easy!

  • Darren, it only took a year and a half to go from beginning pilot to getting a job offer to fly commercial jets? If so, that's amazing! Good luck in your career.

  • pilot jobs are an example of modern day slavery. bus drivers/ cabbies earn more.

    this field is not worth anymore until they make the salary min 50k for a starter pilot.

  • I start at ATP Indianapolis today!!!

    Great video.

    Wish me luck!

  • I will be attending ATP Jax during the summer between school years. I am not expecting to do everything you did but this video is really great to see how it is. I am happy to see that ATP students aren't required to wear those silly pilot uniforms for their training.

  • Congratulations on your new position as a pilot!

    Really enjoyed your vid, thanks dude!

  • love the ending!

  • Hey can help me out I want too be pilot but I don't know where to start?

  • congratulations!

    i just did my intro flight in the Seminole and fell in love.

  • Hey, I just wanted to say this is a great video it really inspires me to go farther. I'm 14 right now and I love flying I only have a few hours in a Cessna 172N; but I love every minute I get in the air. I plan to work for a major airline out of my hometown most probably Westjet! Good luck and happy flying!

  • Darren, I was wondering what type of background you had when applying with American Eagle. For example, do you have a college degree and if so then what did you major?

  • @jgheggie I have a BA in Communications. I double majored in Photojournalism and Sociology with the intention of being a High School Teacher. I spent 7 years in IT troubleshooting/repairing hardware and software. Best advice I can give anyone wanting to go to an airline....get an education, work in the real world, have a backup plan, have a support system and go in planning for the worst while hoping for the best.

  • @stillageek That's good to hear, I'm about the enter my freshmen year of college at UMASS Lowell, I'm majoring in International business and business marketing. I applied to ERAU got into it, however I decided not to pursue a aviation degree since they are worthless and I don't want to come out with $50,000 + debt. That's why I'm majoring in business, just in case the airlines don't work out I will have a backup, hopefully it will work out though of course. BTW you have a great aviation forum.

  • I'm going to be attending ATP Arlington soon. Concerning financing, I heard some students take an additional 10K to cover expenses and ensure they can pay their loan back. But if I can't get hired, I'll really be stuck. What are the odds now?

  • @SammyBoyATP Wow....I have never heard of that. I would NOT take out extra money just to pay that same money back. A few regionals are starting to hire soon, but who knows how long that will last. Proceed carefully.

  • Comment removed

  • @stillageek Is it true American Eagle is hiring 300 pilots this year?

  • hey, stillagek would you recommend me atp schools for the atp cert.?

  • Wow!! outstanding video!!

    As an FAA guy this really makes me want to go out and get my rates and just fly for a living..

  • If you have an AAS Degree in Electronics, and wants to be a regional/commercial pilot what are the requirements.

  • Cool video man. I start the VA private w/85hrs to airline career program in January in Jax. I can't wait!!!

  • real nice video man...

  • I cant seem to find your blog Darren, What happend to the link?

  • super nice vid. im probably gonna finish my commercial multi by the end of this month and start right away with my CFI training. i mostly like will get a job at my school instructing, but i wanted to get a take on when you think things will get back to normal and when everyone will start to hire again.

  • When hiring begins is anyones guess. With the new bill requiring 1500 hours before flying in an airline cockpit....there might be a real "pilot shortage" in a few years...

  • Hello from an Eagle ORD CRJ Captain.

  • Outstanding clip. I have 26 hours toward my pvt pilot license and have passed the FAA knowledge course. I'm considering enrolling, but at my age, the career pilot program may not be for me.

  • How did u pay for everything?

  • Between my wife (who thankfully has a high paying career) and saving up we paid for a good chunk of it in cash. Loan for the rest. I DON'T advise getting the whole thing in a loan unless you have an established support system (i.e. wife with a stable, GREAT (not good) paying job.

  • great video!! i attended delta connection academy but im switching to ATP and starting monday. cant wait!

  • Great vid man. Just went up with ATP today and fell in love with the place. Can't wait to start my training. Hows life at American Eagle?

  • How much did pay for your student loan

  • I think my total cost for ATP is the same as now, $58K for Private and Career pilot programs

  • hey man, Thank you so much can't wait to start my career at ATP Phoenix, AZ

  • nice video

  • Congratulations on making it to American Eagle, it makes me excited to start training and to push myself to make it

  • nice work a my name is duval im 13 and i think your video inspire people to go to atp and can you help me become a airline pilot

  • yep this video and a ton of research is what has made me want to attend ATP! good luck to everyone who wants to be a pilot! if you dream of flying in the sky... reach for it!

  • love the video after I get in shape and get a car and save some money i hope to one day attend ATP riverside.

  • Great video! If you dont mind you can PM me if you want . How much did you pay for ATP? because i am currentley trying to figure out how to go about doing my training. Thank you! by the way how is the airline life treating you?

  • Wow. You went from just starting out to a job with the airlines in like a year and a half. I'm one step away from my private pilot license. I just need to do the oral exam and check ride.

  • Gotta go to the credits at the end for song titles! First song is "Real Life" by Silers Bald

  • Excellent video!, what´s the name of the first song?

  • Welcome to the Show!

    Ill listen for you on 128.25

  • I am going to Embry Riddle and i was actually looking to instruct for atp after i get my license cause embry riddle doesnt allow you to instruct in the seminole right away. ATP is just a flight schoole.

  • Is this place like Embry Riddle or is it just flight school without the 4-year college

  • just the flight school

  • Absolutely inspiring video thanks man !

  • Is ATP hard? What pilot's license to qualify do you need?

  • Beautiful.

  • You instructed "The Chick" and "The Chick" instructed me. Now I'm instructing a "Chick" of my own. Your influence has already spanned a few generations, Darren!

    Nice vid! Cheers

  • i tracked the plane at 1:51 and it looks like it never made it to its destination on its flight from Hooks Mem Arpt to Arlington Mun on Jan 28th 2009.

  • N21515 is currently based in Florida at Craig Municipal in Jacksonville. Not sure which tail number you were looking at

  • Hey you can go to flight aware and track that plane (the first one you ever flew) all you do is type in the tail number.

  • what is their financing program like?

  • Darren, I've heard and have read so much stuff about how GoJet ruins your chances of flying for another airline. Do you know why so many people dislike GoJet?

  • congrats dan! how much total/type time did you have before getting hired? and what was the level of difficulty for the regional jet certification program?

  • Congradulations Darren, I just expierianced the same thing as you. I'm currently going to have to Instruct for a little, lots of airlines are raising their minimum hours required, i'm looking at GoJet and Republic Airways. Recommendation?

  • Hands down go for Republic over Gojet.

  • go for republic and make good hours to to transfer to majors good luck

  • Nice vid!! I will be starting my flight training here soon too god willing. Thanks for sharing it's motivating!!

  • Darren! Watched the video again for the first time in a long time. It seems like ages ago! I cant tell you how many times I had students come up to me "I saw you on YouTube!"...looking awesome in Foggles of course. ...oh and Im bringing my easy button with me to ground school on Monday....

  • Great Video.. Im starting ATP in daytona in their next ACCP class in February... Thanks for sharing. I plan on making my own video as well.

  • im going to atp in Detona beach, FL does their finance cover everything?

  • Great footage...please post more. Is working for the regionals everything you expected? Do you enjoy flying for the regionals?

  • oh man, you are my inspiration! I hope i become a pilot! Great video

  • what is the first song in this video?

  • found it its Silers Bald - 'Real Life'

  • Hey Man i want to be just like u

  • wow nice video man by the way what is the name of the second song

  • Great vid man, congrats! Gimme a couple of years, and I will hopefully be up there with you!

  • I watch this every day. It motivates me to fight for my dream of becoming an airline pilot. Do you have any info on the Trenton location?

  • Hi, I really likes your vid. I am currently attending Daniel Webster College which is a 141 school. I think you are right, the instructors there are pretty strict. I don't even know whether or not I'm making a right decision. Can you give me more advice about a 141 school? I'd appreciated.

  • DAAAANG Darren. You make some of the funniest things! Your sites are awesome too. Having fun teaching the CRJ instead of learning it? Oh and anybody looking into ATP, GI BILL will NOT PAY FOR IT! I would know...

  • The GI BILL only covers 141 programs. Becareful on going to a 141 school just for the GI BILL. Compare apples to apples and make sure its worth it. 141 programs are more strict and can cost more than the "sticker" price due to the way training is. 141 works great for many...but not all. Good luck and remember Blue up and Brown down!

  • awesome video, great music! went to ATP as well, had a blast!! it's been rough instructing at another place, and i'm back to ATP in a couple weeks. Your video was a breath of fresh air and definitely made me a little motivated after these rough months! Hope eagle treats you well.

  • Congrats man on getting hired by American Eagle. I was looking into going to an ATP school once I get outta the Army cause they will pay for it. Is it a good choice for an ATP program?

  • Man this video is soooo motivational.............gonna­eat my veggies and study hard! Good Luck in your airline pilot career.

  • Great Video, Good work man. Very motovational.

  • Man that was awesome great job! Was ATP worth the price tag?

  • waoh that was a great video

  • Lol, I love your credits.

  • Congratulations, your video is full passion. Well done.

  • Fantastic!! I am hoping to start at ATP in late spring! Thanks for the motivation. Very creative too.

  • great video. how did you enjoy the atp experience? where did u do most of your flying. ppl --> cpl?

    msg me back. i would like to ask more questions if you dont mind. i plan to attend atp after uni.

  • that was great and inspiring.how old were you when you started?if you dont mind me asking. Im 32 and plan to enroll at ATP next year.

  • Started at 29 finished at age 30

  • Good work man. Congrats! I start ATP on Dec. 3rd as well.

  • thanks for the video! Please let me know wherer you're at now with your career? YOu reccoment ATP at Jacksonville? and what is 3.0 version students? thanks!

  • Version 3.0 was the 3rd and final set of students. I am a geek.

  • I like it. I start the ACPP in ATL on Dec 3rd. It's nice to see that it works.

  • Nice video man really motivating

  • Not bad man!!! I like the Credits at the end! Hey is my Name up on the Board up there in DFW?