ATP Alumni Case Study
Jonathon Waterman: From Entrepreneur to Professional Pilot
Why Jonathon Chose ATP: The #1 school chosen by the airlines.
Career Change
The Problem
An opportunity to finally pursue a lifelong dream
Before attending ATP Flight School, Jonathon owned a business in St. Petersburg, Florida. In 2024, his business was flooded by Hurricane Helene, and during the rebuilding process, he was presented with the opportunity to sell it.
“I loved my business, but I knew there was something else I wanted to do, and that was to be a pilot.”
The dream began when he was 10 years old, but after choosing a different path in college, aviation remained on the sidelines for years. Jonathon says that when the opportunity finally arose later in life, he knew he had to “go for it.”
Jonathon had a clear understanding of what he wanted and didn’t want from a profession. Aviation stood out because of the variety of opportunities available and the long-term career potential. After years of putting aviation on the sidelines, he needed a clear and efficient pathway to turn his childhood dream into a professional career.
Choosing ATP
The Solution
ATP’s accelerated and proven path to the airlines
While researching flight schools, ATP immediately caught his attention because of its accelerated timeline and proven pathway to the airlines.
After completing a discovery flight, he was impressed by the professionalism of the program and enrolled shortly after the sale of his business was finalized.
ATP’s structured training environment, extensive resources, standardized curriculum, and experienced instructors helped him stay on track and progress toward his goals. While the program required significant dedication and hard work, he found the experience incredibly rewarding.
Program Complete
The Outcome
From business owner to professional pilot
Just eight months later, he completed the program. What began as a childhood dream that remained on the sidelines for years became the beginning of a new professional career.
Now, he looks forward to returning as a flight instructor, where he hopes to give back to the program that helped launch his aviation career.
“I truly enjoyed my time as a student at ATP,” said Jonathon.
ATP Alumni
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