Originally Posted by
FlyFastLiveSlow
Most if not all OSA jobs in the AF will get you one for free. It's also done by a recognized company like FSI, Alteon, or SimiFlight as opposed to one of the "ATP factories" or the local one flight and take an ATP check in an airplane you know nothing about places. Agree that you should get one when you qualify, but there are opportunities to get one for free.
I disagree. It makes no difference where and how you get your ATP -- just get it. The only documentation of your ATP that is kept in your FAA aviation file is the official check ride form that is signed by the licensed FAA check airmen and sent off to OKC. Neither your employer or the FAA will know where you trained to get your ATP.
Also, at the so-called "ATP factory" that I went to, I was required to know the aircraft memory items (boldface), ops limits, normal and abnormal procedures -- the same things the USAF requires of me. Also, I was asked FAA general knowledge questions. Finally, I performed an abort, normal takeoff, traffic pattern, touch-n-go, go-around, steep turns, engine out procedures and restart in-flight, ILS, GPS w/holding, and a VOR engine out circling approach.
I'm curious, who gave you your check? (FAA check airmen, USAF Evaluator, or both?) During my OSA experience, a USAF Evaluator gave us our check and the company didn't allow us to get an ATP with ours because they said it required extra sims that the USAF didn't pay for.
-Fatty