I would IMPLORE anyone thinking of doing an ATPL in the USA to reconsider.
The FTOs out there are nowhere near the same standards as in the UK when it comes to the groundschool.
Why?....
Lack of properly qualified GS instructors, poor notes - some just rehashes of others' work - not in line with JAA key learning objectives or regularly revised in the light of current feedback, None-Existent / third or fourth hand or out of date feedback, problems with CAA / JAA approvals, even a lack of a local test centre within reasonable distance of most FTOs.
I point no fingers at any one outfit, and accuse no-one from suffering from ALL these limitations, but these problems are pervasive to one degree or another throughout the US JAA approved FTOs at present. I am, however, convinced that many students choosing to do their JAA ATPLs in the US at present will come to regret the decision.
Consider the costs of staying out there plus the travel, plus any social life will offset any financial benefit the US may have had to offer in the first place. The ATPLs are NOT where you can make huge financial savings, but they ARE about the hardest and most crucial part of your training. Why not do it in the UK with one of the world's most reputable and established organisations?
The most expensive part is the FLYING, and I would recommend anyone to go to any of the US based FTOs for any savings they can make there.