Im pretty sure I know the answer to this question, but maybe things have changed. I know the USAF gives you ifr, commercial, multi..... Can you do an ATP equivilancy check? The reason Im asking is I am currently furloughed (atp written now will expire) and my written is going to expire some time during UPT..... I dont have the TT right now, but I WILL after IFS and a bit of UPT..... I really hate to have to take the test again.... and its a slim chance I'll be recalled before it expires next August.

 

No, not during UPT. There are some units that have in the past made arrangements with a local DE or have a reservist that can give you the checkride in the sim. There's no institutional program for getting an ATP in the AF. Maybe the AF thinks we don't need to be "Airline" transport pilot qualified. You'll just have to do what most AF guys do, and go to AllATPs or something similar.

 

In the past, there were exclusions (extensions) made for things due to military service. It had to be pretty big like Desert Storm, but since the war formerly known as the GWOT is being fought on all fronts and going to UPT is going to eventually support this operation, maybe you can get some sort of extension based on this.

This is a shot in the dark, but I would try calling the FSDO and explain your situation. The guys at Sheppard Air are also pretty knowledgeable when it comes to such issues, try them first. Unless you are near a FSDO with a close relationship with the military, I would probably try the guys in SAT. They might be in the best position to give you the answer you need since they have such a close relationship with Randolph and PIT.

If you get an answer you want from the FSDO, get it in writing.

Good Luck with this, go to UPT with an open mind, and help your classmates without being a know-it-all.

 

Part 61 CERTIFICATION: PILOTS, FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS, AND GROUND INSTRUCTORS
Subpart A--General

Sec. 61.39

Prerequisites for practical tests.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section, an applicant for an airline transport pilot certificate or an additional rating to an airline transport certificate may take the practical test for that certificate or rating with an expired knowledge test report, provided that the applicant:

(2) Is employed as a flight crewmember in scheduled U.S. military air transport operations at the time of the practical test, and has accomplished the pilot in command aircraft qualification training program that is appropriate to the certificate and rating sought.

 

Is this verbage not including ALL military pilots and only granting this exception to "transport" pilots?

USMCFLYR

 

Thanks C212135,

I had forgotten that part and was too lazy to look it up. That could work for our OP provided the UPT slot is for a transport/tanker aircraft. Then the training at UPT would have to counted as training for the job just as airline initial new hire training counts, since the test will expire before UPT graduation and actually making it to training in the final follow on aircraft.

I believe all training at Little Rock/Altus is done in the left seat, so their Form 8 will show it as PIC qualified, but the newbies fly in the right seat until ready for formal upgrade which can now be done locally at home station to save per diem/training/man power and generally do more with less.

 

So does that mean when I upgrade to AC I can use an expired ATP written? I am on a tanker. The written doesnt expire before UPT, it expires during UPT... probably during T-1's.......

 

Sorry guys, I'm not sure of the interpretation of this I just remember looking for a loophole since my written expired as well and I haven't done the practical yet, but plan to in the near future...maybe call the FSDO and ask. I would think you at least need the hours and qual as an AC for this to work. Locate your FSDO here: Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO)