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...get in the system...continue to update as you get your reqs done.
That's what I intended to do...right until last night when I hit the submit button on the first page after answering "No" to "Do you have a current ATP Certificate?" and "No" to "Do you have a current FE Written Exam"? Instant rejection- took me to a page stating I was not qualified to continue to the pilot profile! If I want to hit this TOT, I'll need to scramble to take leave from my 14hr-a-day job to get the ATP, written and 1st Class Medical in the next 50 days. Probably worth it...unless another window will reopen NLT summer 2013. |
You can do it. The physical takes 30 minutes. Make sure you find out where the airline guys get theirs done at. Ask around to your reserve bubbas. Buy the Sheppard Air software for ATP and FEX.
The ATP written can be done in a weekend of studying. The ED center on base may even be able to administer for free, saving you $150. At KTCM they do it, not sure at base X. The FEX is 3 nights after work studying and 3 days studying the memory sheet while you're riding the elliptical trainer during your 14 hours at the office. High 90's fo sho! You're now at 2 February if you start today. There's mil friendly places to get your ATP done in 3 days. Look on these forums. Give yourself a week to study the gouge they give you on an old rickety PA-34-200. Take Thursday-Sunday of the next week to get the ATP and you're back in time for Valentines day! Easier said than done, but possible. Good luck! |
There was a piece of advise given to me when I was getting out. We all have that "get the mission done" attitude otherwise we wouldn't be in the military. Too often we find ourselves not wanting to let our fellow aviators down and keep accepting more and more duties/taskings. If you are one of the guys the commanders always turn to, because of a track record of accomplishment, these taskings can rapidly turn your day into 14 hours at the SQ.
What you need to know is, when you've been gone for 3 days, no one will even remember you were there. The SQ will move on as if nothing has changed. When you make the decision to get out, it's time to start saying no (if you can). Making the boss happy by taking on that extra tasking will not mean a thing 3 days after you leave, and if you've done your job correctly as a seasoned officer (training your replacement), there are lots of younger officers fully capable of accomplishing the taskings. |
Originally Posted by Albief15
(Post 937055)
I separated from the Air Force in 2002 and transitioned to the ANG. I got my ATP in 1994.
I took the FE written 4 times...1992, 1994, 1996, and 2000.... My advice to all military bros lurking the site is simple. You can always update your profile once you are in, but you need to get it when the window is open. So, do a search for an old post called "timing your exit" for some general ideas. For specifics, here is what I would do... Having been in operational fighter squadrons for the first 10 years of my AF career, I know how busy things can get. At the same time, you have to invest in your future. Why not do it now? Get it done, and then you are that much closer when the big day finally does come and you start your transition to this great career... I'm trying to make this window as well, but I'm short the Turbine PIC requirement and probably won't make it by March as pointy nose hours are not real easy to come by right now unless you're OCONUS. I have all the other requirements, just short that one. That being said, the application site will not let me submit my application for future updates. Anybody have any ideas for me to get one in before the window closes and I miss out, or I am out of luck? Thanks in advance. Sledy |
[/QUOTE]
We all have that "get the mission done" attitude otherwise we wouldn't be in the military. Too often we find ourselves not wanting to let our fellow aviators down and keep accepting more and more duties/taskings. If you are one of the guys the commanders always turn to, because of a track record of accomplishment, these taskings can rapidly turn your day into 14 hours at the SQ. [/QUOTE] Good words. Just git 'er done!! |
Originally Posted by Albief15
(Post 937055)
I separated from the Air Force in 2002 and transitioned to the ANG. I got my ATP in 1994.
I took the FE written 4 times...1992, 1994, 1996, and 2000.... My advice to all military bros lurking the site is simple. You can always update your profile once you are in, but you need to get it when the window is open. So, do a search for an old post called "timing your exit" for some general ideas. For specifics, here is what I would do... 1. Invest the $2000 or so and get an ATP on a long weekend somewhere. Plan it as part of a vacation for family if you like, but deciding to wait until you are either getting out or the airlines are hiring can put you in a rush. Additionally, how CHEAP do you think you could have done the course during the recessions? If you see a lull in your calendar go ahead and knock it out--they won't get any cheaper. Additionally, they don't expire, so there is no penalty for applying now. 2. FE written tests can be updated. Do the gleim book or Sheppard Air course, and even if you get a 72 get in the system. You can always retake the test and update it with your 98 or 100 you nail it on later. If you aren't leaving the military for a year or two who cares if it sits at 72 as long as you updated it during the year or so before you get out? Having been in operational fighter squadrons for the first 10 years of my AF career, I know how busy things can get. At the same time, you have to invest in your future. Why not do it now? Get it done, and then you are that much closer when the big day finally does come and you start your transition to this great career... |
Originally Posted by Flyer5
(Post 938411)
Great advice Albief15. Can I get your contact info to ask you some questions offline?
Emerald Coast Interview Consulting or [email protected] |
Indy,
I agree with the other guys. I'd get a class 1 physical, than go to an ATP school (I used all ATPS) and get your ticket. While you are there, take your FE test. All you are really out (if you still want to fly an airline when you get out) is your Class 1 and FE written. I'd say you can get those done for around 300 total. You'll eventually need an ATP, and once you get the ticket, it is good for life. No more ATP tests if you have the certificate. This is money you have to spend, now or when you are closer to getting out. I'd then complete the Fedex profile. After that, I'd just wait it out for awhile. |
Any thoughts on getting an ATP/Type Rating at the same time, rather than just getting the ATP? It would be a few thousand $ more, but I think flying the sim would be great prep for future interviews. I have been flying fighters in the AF for the past 8 years, so I could use the sim time. Would a 737 type make it look like I was targeting SWA, even though that might not be the case?
Any advice would be appreciated. |
Originally Posted by Flyer5
(Post 938523)
Any thoughts on getting an ATP/Type Rating at the same time, rather than just getting the ATP? It would be a few thousand $ more, but I think flying the sim would be great prep for future interviews. I have been flying fighters in the AF for the past 8 years, so I could use the sim time. Would a 737 type make it look like I was targeting SWA, even though that might not be the case?
Any advice would be appreciated. I'd definitely say get the ATP. Even if you decide to stay in the military longer, it has no expiration date. Every airline job worth having requires you to have an ATP, so it won't be wasted money. While it may show other potential employers that you may have an interest in SWA, I wouldn't worry about that part. Jobs are hard to find and most employers know that it is difficult to pick out one job and discard any chances of getting hired elsewhere. Much like the FE written exam, it probably shows you have an interest getting hired with Fedex. I don't think SWA would hold it against you, it may be a topic of conversation in an interview but I wouldn't expect it to go any farther than that. I wouldn't pay for the type rating for interview experience. I'd do it if I had a strong desire to work for SWA. I'd see someone like Emerald Coast or someone else for interviewing help. They also can give simulator experience that could help with an upcoming interview. Your money will go a lot farther that way. But if money is not really an issue (when is it not), then go ahead and get an ATP/type in the 737. It isn't a bad idea at all, it is just more expensive than the standard route that most of us used. |
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