ATP practical
12-24-2013, 06:23 AM
#101
Otto
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jul 2013
Position: Turkish Pile Driver
Posts: 1,806
Originally Posted by Check6Viper
Just did the practical at Arlington with All ATP. My examiner was thorough and fair, with a reasonable knowledge portion and a flight right out of the practical test standards. There is a second examiner there that was giving a really ridiculous oral (sts) test, asking questions that nobody that's flown a Seminole twice would be able to answer (what do the springs that hold the gear down look like ) .
The instruction wasn't great. My CFI did not know the ATP profile, so we ended up wasting time doing stuff that wasn't on the check ride. He wasted so much time on the ground prior to the flight (6 hours ) that our second flight was at night. Their experienced instructors appear to leave as soon as they get hired somewhere else. Maybe I'm just used to a different quality of instruction from the military. The ground school was non existent, and you're forced to memorize their Seminole supplement completely on your own.
Ultimately, the check ride is not difficult, even for a fighter guy. If you're in Dallas, Arlington would work. There's no reason to prioritize it though-I was not impressed.
The instruction wasn't great. My CFI did not know the ATP profile, so we ended up wasting time doing stuff that wasn't on the check ride. He wasted so much time on the ground prior to the flight (6 hours ) that our second flight was at night. Their experienced instructors appear to leave as soon as they get hired somewhere else. Maybe I'm just used to a different quality of instruction from the military. The ground school was non existent, and you're forced to memorize their Seminole supplement completely on your own.
Ultimately, the check ride is not difficult, even for a fighter guy. If you're in Dallas, Arlington would work. There's no reason to prioritize it though-I was not impressed.
12-24-2013, 11:11 AM
#103
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,434
Bottom line, talk to your mil bros that have gotten their licenses recently. They will point you in the right direction. Flying is flying, that part will be easy. Having an examiner that understands that and can help you vs "out to get you" or prove a point is what counts here. If you are a military guy who has made it to 1,500 hrs, you have way beyond the requisite skills.
12-24-2013, 12:43 PM
#105
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,434
Originally Posted by E2CMaster
Well, I know this one guy.. 
If I were a believer in Karma, I would say you were a real bastard in a prior life.
Anyone who has more than a few hundred hours instructing and evaluating flying knows the difference of someone who is a hazard to themselves and others and someone who is having a tough day. The lazy path is to just flunk someone who is struggling. The right way is to give them a fighting chance and the benefit of a doubt when things aren't going well. I can't tell you the number of times I have said "let's try that one more time, I forgot to write something down" and the second time was flawless.
12-28-2013, 09:13 PM
#106
Line Holder
Joined APC: Dec 2013
Posts: 30
Originally Posted by libertyrisk
from an FAA press release dated 10 July 2013....
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate–multi-engine airplane
Prior rules
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate–multi-engine airplane
Prior rules
- At least 23 years old;
- Hold commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating;
- Pass ATP knowledge and practical tests; and
- 1,500 hours total time as pilot.
- Meet all requirements in prior rules;
- Have at least 50 hours in a multi-engine airplane; and
- Successfully complete new ATP Certification Training Program prior to taking the ATP knowledge test (after July 31, 2014).
12-28-2013, 09:28 PM
#107
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2006
Posts: 2,889
Originally Posted by e6bpilot
The right way is to give them a fighting chance and the benefit of a doubt when things aren't going well. I can't tell you the number of times I have said "let's try that one more time, I forgot to write something down" and the second time was flawless.
If you were a military SEFE, you the guys and gals you signed off probably flew on your wing in your squadron or shared a cockpit with you at some point. These guys at the ATP mills have never seen you, and likely won't see you again. They have one ticket, and everyone they sign off can put that ticket in jeopardy. I don't mean to make too much of this checkout--just pointing out there is risk to both parties with these checkrides.
And in aviation, as in life, there are times you have to get it right the first time. Its a tough business. That's what makes it so different from so many other fields...
12-31-2013, 08:01 AM
#110
On Reserve
Joined APC: Nov 2012
Position: Desk jockey
Posts: 14
Just got done with my ATP via Galvin Flying Services in Seattle. Can't recommend them enough. I am currently flying a desk and my last flight was 18 months ago but they quickly schooled me up. My CFI was an ex mil Tacair guy who understood my plight and my civilian aviation shortfalls. My DPE was Skip Moshner. He was great. Not easy buy any stroke but very personable and fair. Lastly, the aircraft was a DA42 glass cockpit which I found very easy to manage coming from a tacair cockpit. If you need an ATP in the PNW, Galvin is a great place to go.
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