CapitalSteps

I'm a former Naval Aviator and NFO who's been out of the cockpit for a long time. I picked up my Commercial Instrument SEL/MEL tickets immediately after passing my first NATOPs check in the RAG. I struggled at the boat in my first fleet squadron and transitioned to NFO. After my first fleet tour as an NFO, I became a RAG instructor and subsequently separated from the Navy.

I recently realized that between by Navy and civilian pilot time, I am on the cusp of the 750h requirement for a restricted ATP and am considering trying to get into Part 121 flying. I visited an FAA Flight Safety Inspector at a local FSDO, and he suggested taking the MCN and MCI military competency exams to pick up CFII and MEI endorsements, since I was a NATOPS Instructor and NATOPS Instrument Instructor while at the RAG.

Can anyone recommend a good test prep program for these exams? The Flight Safety Inspector suggested Gleim, American Flyers, and the King Schools, but I'd be interested in other options and opinions.

Thanks

MoosePileit

http://www.sheppardair.com/mcs.htm

rickair7777

Read 14 CFR 61.160(a)

You're probably not eligible for an R-ATP if "struggled at the boat" translates to: "a person who has been removed from flying status for lack of proficiency or because of a disciplinary action involving aircraft operations"

In this context "flying status" was not intended to include NFO.


Also need to ascertain if NFO Rag Instructor counts for mil comp CFI, not sure about that one. But you need to get it right, if you BS your way through that and some FSDO local-yokel signs you off it will likely come back to haunt you in spades someday if the FAA ever catches on. Don't want to get all your certs revoked after you get a major airline job.

CapitalSteps

I sincerely appreciate the feedback.

nate5ks

Just curious, if the FSDO gives its official FAA stamp of approval and signs him off, how is it his fault? As a guy who didn't get CFI comp'd and busted my a** (and my wallet) prepping for the CFI initial I understand being frustrated that some people are able to BS their way through it but that sounds like a problem for the FSDO. Believe me, I know a guy who was an instrument check pilot (not designated IP) who got comp'd CFI/CFII through the FSDO when no DPE would sign off on it but it is what it is. Not trying to argue, I'm just curious if you've actually seen this sort of thing come back to haunt people.

As far as the R-ATP, not sure what the OP's circumstances are but I have seen people given the chance to voluntarily terminate flying status before getting to FNAEB due to lack of progression to aircraft commander in the allotted time.

nate5ks

https://www.dauntless-soft.com/

Used this for MCH, FOI, FIA, FII. Free question bank updates and good bundle rates for future tests you anticipate taking.

HuggyU2

One of the many great things about Sheppard Air is that you can call them, and ask them about your circumstances. They are helpful and knowledgable, and by far the best choice for any test prep out there.

rickair7777

If a government agent issues benefits (or money) improperly, that is null and void when they find out. They'll cancel any benefit, and recoup any monies... with interest. They actually had to pass a law providing a statute of limitations on the interest for military folks. Too many ex-military were getting massive bills from the government when small pay errors were discovered decades later... the interest compounded to really big money.

If a FSDO yokel makes erroneous promises or issues authorizations contrary to the regs, the FAA will dishonor that. Yes, it's happened and in the case of a CFI or DPE, it can render OTHER people's certs invalid. More than a few people have had to re-take checkrides due to that sort of circumstance, through no fault of their own. Only FAA HQ can issue binding interpretations of the regs.

The risk is that you're not home free just because some FSDO processed your 8710... when you get to the airlines, you have to get through DPEs and maybe a CMO fed. I've known of multiple occasions where an airline DPE noticed weird logbook stuff at an oral and declined to conduct the ride until it was sorted out. Including R-ATP issues.

That's a good point. The reg is black and white and to the point... if he voluntarily stopped flying and was not formally removed for cause then he should be good for a R-ATP.

RatchetA10

Bringing back an old thread instead of starting a new one.

This thread has:
https://www.dauntless-soft.com/
And Sheppard Air.

I'm a current military IP and just got the CJO at a major. I was thinking I'd go ahead and knock out the CFI before i exit the military.

Any other tips or ideas? I know Sheppard Air was excellent for the ATP back in the day. I've also heard there's a lot of considerations while taking the online CBTs or whatever every so often to maintain the currency. Like, maybe you can pay one company one time and re-up your currency for life? Anything like that worth considering as well?

Thanks!

tnkrdrvr

I’d recommend Dauntless. I used them a couple months ago for the mil comp instructor test. The Sheppard test bank has grown to the point of making it difficult to cover the material in a timely fashion.