I haven't heard of anything being proposed at the moment. So, I wouldn't expect any kind of waiver for at least 2 years (if ever), what with how fast things move at the FAA.

 

Well, a 1hr oral is a little ridiculous for that cert, you can *say* you are testing to the standards, but IME that's not really doing so. I've done enough of these to know about what it takes and how "fast" guys progress and "slow" guys do. If you're talking about "canned" checkrides where it's simply checking boxes with "standard" XCs and known-ahead-of-time questions, maybe you can approach that, but there is nothing but rote there and it's a poor check not in accordance with how a check is supposed to be conducted. A 3hr ride for a private is not out of the question for a slower guy, you got to go up and at least sim an XC, make sure they can nav to a few points with DR/pilotage, then divert somewhere. To hit a few checkpoints takes a few minutes, with checkpoints usually being ~10 min apart. Hit the first one with nav and whatever else the applicant wants to use, then "fail" nav and rely only on piloting and DR for the next one, ensure they know how to lean/set their cruise settings and get the checklist done when everything settles down, point out some references on the ground and ask where they are on the map or the opposite... Even without reaching any "destinations" this takes a little time and you have to be patient, unless again you're just BSing it. The faster guys can usually get it done closer to 2hrs, 3 is getting long, but that's usually because I'm not pushing someone to get things done fast, rather letting them go at their own pace. I'd rather someone deal with their inexperience by prioritizing and dropping unnecessary tasks, then do them later, than push themselves into a situation where they can't keep up and then they make a mistake or can't perform.

 

Here's another plug for downtown aviation in Memphis. Went down in with 3 other mil people last month. 3 days, no BS, ~$1500, no 4 hour Oral, 4 ATPS, DONE. Well worth the trip!! They are booked up til Oct right now though.

 

A plug for Northway Aviation in Paine Field, KPAE in Washington. Did mine there over the weekend. Total investment: ~$2000 including Examiners fee. Flight time was about 5.1 with the ride.

ATP complete. NEXT!

 

I'm scheduled in September at Sanders Aviation in Jasper, MS. I'll write up a review once complete.

 

Just finished my ATP and MEI add-on with Gordo. Highly recommended. Stay in the trailer and bring craft IPA.

 

Texan-- can you PM me with specifics on contacting him and profiles... in that area and written next week!

 

Is it just me, or do reviews like these potentially jeopardize these examiners...?

 

Yes it does.

 

Hortman Aviation. NE Philly Airport