I am taking my ATP written next month and want to do the flying portion this summer. From all the advice I have been given there has been one that everyone says--don't fail it! From what I understand if you don't pass the ATP check flight that will almost be impossible to overcome getting hired by the airlines. Background wise I am a military guy. IP/EP background, 4,500 hours currently flying Boeing 707's.

First question is about where to take the course. I want to get good training and make sure I go somewhere where the FAA check pilot understands I am a heavy Beoing guy and it's been a long time since I flew a little multi-engine prop airplane. Overall, I hear that AllATP is about the best one to go with. Any goods or bads?

Second question is about the course length. A lot of places offer the 2-day course for around $2,500 and then there is the 10-hour course for $4,500. What are your thoughts between the two courses? The $2,000 price difference is significant but I don't want to set myself up for failure either. Thoughts or recommendations?

 

Do a thread search for ATP practical, there are a few threads that I've read and probably some that I haven't. There is a wealth of info already discussed. It'll save you some time and there is a lot of good discussion about specific schools and locations, including schools that are and are not MIL friendly. FWIW, I'm in the same position as far as taking my written in the next month or two and finishing the flying portion this summer.

 

There is another thread discussing this very subject.

Are you current? You will probably be able to get by with the 2 Day course if so. If not, or if you need to knock off some rust then you may need more love. Do a search, talk to some buds, and make some calls.

Any chance your unit commander will let an examiner on your aircraft to administer a checkride? If so, PM me...I know a guy.

 

I'm a T-6 IP with a background in C-130s and KC-135s. I used Accessible Aviation in Columbus, MS and recommend them. It cost about $3000 and took 4 days. The owner, Carl, is a retired USAF fighter pilot. He'll make sure you're ready for your checkride, and if you're not, he'll tell you. no big deal, pay for a couple more hours in a Seneca. I felt ready for my check after two rides, and the checkride went well. No surprises.

 

I used Downtown Aviation based out of Memphis.

I completed 1x training flight in a BE-76 at 2.0. Then a 1.7 hr check ride. Total cost was $1150, then an additional $300 examiner fee.

I would highly recommend using their services -- very professional, thorough, and most importantly FAIR.

 

I'm actually an instructor for Allatp (ATP) - I've been instructing here for over a year and I've done a few ATP practical instruction blocks. I've done them both ways - either 2 day (4 hour) or the 10 hour program. As long as you study before you get here on all the maneuvers as well as the supplement that is supplied - you will be perfectly fine in the 2 day program. Almost all DPE's that i work with completely understand that you don't fly a Piper Seminole on a daily basis and only have 4 hours in the aircraft before a checkride. As long as you have the fundamentals and I don't have to teach you how to enter a hold or what minimums are on a precision/non approach, save your money and just do the 2 day course. Just my 2 pennies, I haven't had a single 2 day ATP fail under me yet. If you have any other questions about how it works i'd be happy to answer.

 

Where do you teach out of?

 

Definitely look into ATP's program. Very quick and painless.