Originally Posted by Vincent Chase

This was how it was done before last summer. You pay $50 to take your ATP written and when the government pays for your training in a new type, you take the practical in the sim or in the aircraft (if there's an FAA guy available for that type of thing.)

It's how I got my ATP. Thanks to Uncle Sam, I've effectively paid zero for all of my qualifications, from glider, SEL, & MEL commercial and CFI to ATP.

Thanks, Uncle Sam!