I just finished adding up my logbook at I'm at 1600hrs currently. How much weight would you guys put on taking the ATP written? Should I start studying for it or just wait till an airline says to come work for them? I was also reading that post someone made with the letter from the Airline pilot that was stating why they deserve more money. He was mentioning a flight engineer test. Is that something I should study for and take as well or is it more for guys that are flying the "classics" where the position was still needed?

Thanks Duck

 

Many regionals give a written test based on the ATP question bank. If you expect to go the regional route, take the ATP now if you have time do do it.
It will still be valid even beyond two years if you are at a 121 operation. What you do NOT want to do is be in your upgrade class at the airline and have to deal with the ATP written at the same time...

The FE written is pointless unless today you have some employment prospect at a cargo operation...if you find yourself in that situation, take the FE then.

 

hey ToiletDuck why are you wasting time reading this messeges. You should be studing by know. Go and take the ATP written and then take the fligth test since you have the time. Your resume will be weighted higher if you have your ATP already when you apply for an airline.

 

It depends on how you want to approach the ATP. Obviously you'll need it someday as you continue your career.

So you have two choices as I see it.

1.) Start studying now and use all the prep books as study guides. Instead of (or in addition to) memorizing the FAA test answers, make sure you understand the content that your being tested on. This approach will help you in an interview as well as taking a written test.

2.) Wait until you have an airline interview and then rush through the memorization of answers to abstract concepts that you may not have experience with & hope for the best in an interview.

Both methods could produce a successful interview, although I hate the stress of not doing everything I could to prepare. Method 2 is obviously more risky, and if it's a job you really want why risk it.

My advise is take the Boy Scout route and "be prepared".

 

Good point. I've been flipping through it here and there. I just didn't know if it really made much of a difference or not. Thanks for the input. Guess I'll start hitting it up!
Duck

 

While we are discussing it, I recently bought the 2007 FAR/FC book to study 121 regs although I will not be looking at a Horizon interview for atleast a year and a half.

I'd like to start studying ATP questions, which book do you all recommend, the gleims, jeppesen, others? Thanks in advance!

 

I like the Gleim book...Does Jepp even make an ATP book?

GO GLEIM!!!

Hehehe

Lax

 

I just took the ATP written test recently. I used just the Gleim book to study. It's pretty thick but if you spend a few weeks studying here and here its not too bad. I figure if i have to take the ATP written for an interview it will be that much easier. Anyways..good luck

 

Is it common place to upgrade to captain and do the ATP test all in the same checkride?

 

T-Duck,
If you're going to take the ATP practical within the next 2 years, I'd say take the written soon (just as long as you're ready!) You won't want to be in the position of getting your stuff ready for the airlines WHILE you're studying the ATPw and getting ready for the practical.
Also, many airlines require the ATP rating before you can apply anyways.

Good luck,
spciii