So my takeaway is that by day 1 or 2 you know your aircraft/base. When do you know your training dates for aircraft?

 

About 2 days later so day 3/4/5 of indoc. Training dates are driven by sim availability and class seniority. The most senior 2-4 for each airplane started a week after indoc and the next 2-4 started the next week, etc. Depending on aircraft the junior folks are waiting anywhere from 3-5 weeks to start.

 

On my practice test, there were about three questions that were actually wrong. Take it once, then be done with it. You can use it multiple times for the Recall Items and Limitations practice...it's good for that.

 

Sorry but what is "ESV"?

 

Electronic Systems Validation. Think multiple guess questions versus a traditional oral.

 

Electronic Systems Validation..basically a computer test of all limitations, boldface and systems questions specific to the aircraft you're training on. We used to have to pass an oral exam after ground school (think "what happens to a molecule of air entering the inlet of the ATF-3?") but that was replaced by watered-down CBT (usually a CD you complete prior to showing up for training) and then the ESV in the first couple of days after showing up for class. Just like the written tests we took at ATC Mobile but not requiring the "depth of knowledge" regarding systems that you're used to.

Bad news, you don't get the ground school instruction anymore, but the good news is you'll spend less time on Virginia Ave...and there's plenty of extra study material and gouge to go around!

Good luck, hope you get an interview soon!

 

Would it be a correct assumption that you're still getting paid @ the training rate while waiting up to 5 weeks for class to start?

 

I believe so. I think training pay lasts until you are done with OE.

 

Does anyone know if class drops are being emailed out before class start dates still or are they back to finding out on Day 1 of indoc? Just curious. Expecting an early Sept start date...

 

Depends on if there are flows in your class. If you are early in a month before November, there is a good chance it will contain flows and that you may get advanced notice. Otherwise its usually day one or two.