ATP Alumni Case Study
Why They Chose ATP: Airline direct programs – direct to Airbus and Boeing.
Program
Enrolled
September 16, 2019
Completed
December 2020
First Placement
Spirit Airlines
Major Airline
Role
First Officer
Career Change
Finding a Path to the Flight Deck
With the dream of becoming a military aviator, Jim found himself in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at his university, completing four years of rigorous leadership experience. Unfortunately, by the time he graduated, the Air Force was no longer looking for pilots. Wanting to fulfill his childhood dream of flying, he explored other options that could get him to the flight deck.
Years later, Jim shared that same passion for aviation with his son. Just like his father, Ethan “was always interested in aviation as a kid.” Jim shared his passion with Ethan by taking him to airshows, enrolling him space camp, and gifted him a flight simulator at 13 years old.
Despite beginning their journeys at different times, both father and son shared the same dream of turning their passion for aviation into a professional career. They needed a pathway that could take that passion and turn it into an opportunity at the airlines.
Choosing ATP
A Direct Track Through ATP
For Jim, that pathway was ATP Flight School. “I discovered ATP and realized there was this company that was doing something absolutely groundbreaking” said Jim, and at the time, he was only the third student to complete the program.
Years later, ATP would provide Ethan with a pathway to the airlines as well. Even though he grew up in the world of aviation, his professional journey began at the ATP Flight School training center in Long Beach, California when he was 19 years old.
He finished the program and became a flight instructor at ATP. This experience led him to receiving a position with Spirit Airlines through the Spirit Direct Track program, making him the youngest pilot ever hired in the company. “This is a testament to what you can accomplish at ATP”, said Ethan.
Through ATP Flight School’s fast-track airline career program, both Jim and Ethan were able to pursue the same dream across two generations.
Reaching the Airlines
Achieving the Dream Together
Jim is a captain at American Airlines, flying the Boeing 777, while Ethan flies for United Airlines.
Ethan expresses how proud he is to have followed in his father’s footsteps, and he credits both his family and ATP Flight School for supporting him throughout his journey. As Ethan continues building his career, Jim hopes to one day share the flight deck with his son before retiring.
Thanks to ATP Flight School’s fast-track airline career program, a father and son were able to pursue the same dream and achieve it together. Their story is a testament to the power of determination, opportunity, and support, demonstrating how a shared passion for aviation can bring generations together and create a legacy that extends far beyond the flight deck.
Watch Ethan's Experience
Hear Ethan share his journey from ATP Flight School to the flight deck at United Airlines.
ATP Alumni
Explore how other ATP graduates built their careers as airline pilots.
