ATP practical
 

Is there a site out there which reviews ATP practicals? I've heard a couple of horror stories from some of my bros who went to an unnamed company well known for ATPs and said the DEs they used specifically mentioned how mil guys were taking THEIR jobs.

I'm not looking for a free pass, but I also don't want to check with a guy who has a bone to pick with military pilots "stealing" their jobs. I know that my civilian knowledge isn't what it could be, and that I'll be taking a check ride in a plane with 2-3 hours of experience, last thing I need is a check pilot who doesn't like me for my current job.

Thanks.

Check your PM

Do not go to allatps in lawrenceville ga. Once he found out I was mil, the dude became a complete ass. I passed, but he made it the worst experience of my life. Actually it was not the schools fault, but it was th examiner they use

I've heard about this same kind of BS from other DEs. I'd disagree with you, the school is responsible for the DEs they use. This is a trend item apparently since the exact same thing happened in Houston and Dallas. Guys are passing but the DEs are making the process pretty miserable.

Anyway, based on the PMs I received I've signed up for my practical. Taking my written tomorrow, can't wait for that to be over and done with -- my brain is about to explode.

That's too bad. I had similar experiences when I got out of the AF a bizillion years ago. It certainly makes one uncomfortable. I hope it works out for you and thanks for your service.

Talk to Sheppard Air - they know which AllATPs are mil-friendly.

I'm also interested in the same data -- if someone could PM me the list of mil friendly DE, much appreciated...

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this…I recently began studying for the ATP and anticipate taking the written soon. I was waiting to ask this same question after hearing about some of the same BS the OP stated. I will ask Shephard Air...any another gouge would be much appreciated. Thanks!

For what it's worth, I did my practical at the All ATPs in Arlington (south of Dallas) in May. They came highly recommended by all the guys in my unit who had used them before. The staff there was awesome and they made sure I was ready for the check ride. I've since recommended them to 3 other folks and they've all done well. The staff and examiners have no issues and nothing but respect for the military guys and overall the entire experience was great.

MikeF16,
Since you probably know folks in the Phoenix area, check with them. There are a few ATP places,... and a ton of Luke pilots getting out that will know the info.

I know a few pilots that have used an ATP school near Luke. Two hated it, one liked it ok,... but no military hatred,... and they all got their ATP knocked out.

Glad to hear that. Hopefully what I heard was just 1 bad apple.

Any idea what they didn't like about the school?

Another option would be an ATP check in conjunction with an initial program. If you have a centerline thrust restriction and no type ratings, it might be a somewhat pricy, but perhaps better option. 1 flight practice and 1 flight check programs have always seemed shady.

I've heard rave reviews about Higher Power out of Dallas; however, as you mentioned type ratings are very pricey, plus 2 weeks of hotel, plus 2 weeks of leave. It would be great to get my 737 type but SW probably isn't going to be hiring when I need a job and I'll just do sim prep prior to a UA interview for a lot less than the type.

Mike, I went to the school in the PHX area. Sent you a PM. It's the same school Huggy is referencing. The thing people don't like is that you don't learn much and the airplane he uses isn't always reliable. Either way you're getting an ATP in 2.5 days for under 3 grand. In reality that is all a lot of people want anyway. I cannot imagine an ATP course being any easier. I have at least 8 friends from the same unit that went there as well and all were happy. It's not top notch but it'll meet your goal with no prep and little pain. It's about 8 hours of academics, one prep flight and a checkride. Started on a Friday morning and was on the road home by lunch Sunday.

Eglin Aero Club
 

The Eglin Aero Club has a C-310 and a DE on site that gives ATPs. I did mine there. It cost me about the same as the ATP flight school's advertised price, and I had no C-310 time and very little light twin time when I started. The DE's fee was $500. It took me four prep flights in the C-310 plus the checkride. The checkride wasn't cake by any means, but it was fair and there were no surprises. The DE is a good guy and a military advocate.

Also, I read on Sheppard Air's website that active duty can take FAA writtens at Hurlburt for free, but I have not tried that.

If you can use your GI Bill at Higher Power, the price is easier to swallow. They are a first class program with GREAT customer service and personality. The type rating shows the ability to complete a civilian training program even if you don't have interest in SWA. I highly recommend them if you want to feel a little more sure about an airplane than the standard "one and a check" ATP.

I didn't encounter any anti-military bias when I completed my ATP last year at AllATP (Craig, Jacksonville, FL). Mine was with ES, it was a VERY thorough check ride, but fair. What I basically expected that process to entail. Sad to hear that there are people encountering DEs with an anti-military bias. Though I guess if I encountered that in the brief from the examiner, I would stop the process right there, and work to get another examiner.

Everyone's different, and everyone has a budget...but part of the stress of the ATP may be trying to get it with 2-5 hours in a light twin. Has anyone considered maybe getting 10-15 hours in the plane instead, perhaps with a partner and going on a X-C to Key West, the Bahamas, a nice ski destination, or similar?

Cramming for finals in college sucked. Cramming for a checkride isn't any more fun. Nobody says you HAVE to try to get an ATP in 2-3 days at a crash course. If you spread the training over a month, included some friends or family, it might even be a fun and enjoyable intro to GA.

I got mine 1994 in Vegas. I flew in after a TDY, and made a weekend of it. I have planned to fly 2-3 hours a day for 3 days...not a grueling pace and with enough time to enjoy the Vegas nightlife when I was done. Unfortunately, the student in front of me busted, which meant he needed extra time, and I ended up flying 4-5 hours Saturday and about that many Sunday. so--I did sort of have to cram. Looking back, I would have enjoyed the process a lot more, and maybe even saved money (not flying fatigued...) if I had done it locally where I was based in AK and nibbled at it for a month.

Again, I understand that most guys want to just "check the box" and get it done. That said, I know very few guys who do it that way that say "yeah...that was a good time". Now that I am an airline pilot, I understand there is a always a good deal somewhere.... I'd make the training fun if there was any way to do it.

ATP in Ft Lauderdale was good (as of a year ago). The IP & a/c were OK, the syllabus and ck-list flow are pretty tight, and the DPE was a *****cat. BUT - do your written thru Sheppard Air. I did mine at ATP and Shep is MUCH better prep (done two other tests with them with a 99 on each).

Mike--
Great advice from all. I also used the local Phoenix program...super nice guy and pretty painless. I studied the night prior to my check (settings, profile, etc) and really had no problem. If I had time, I would've used Albie's approach (always great advice there, btw), but I did not. FWIW, I do not think the type rating will get you anywhere anytime soon. SWA will likely start up next year, but I suspect you're looking somewhat sooner. Besides, should you get an SWA option, the type is part of the 'agreement' anyway and it is something you can certainly add later.

Just saw Albie's note and concur in principle. In my case, I live in the area so wasn't in a hurry. My first ch-ride got WX cnx, so I had a few extra days to prep and sandbag sims. On that time-line, the ck-ride was cake. On the original date, it would have been a bit of a thrash. The get-er-done in a weekend is doable, but not ideal.

Very much appreciate the help in this thread. I've opted to go with Arizona Flight Training Center based on the recommendations here and talking with the owner. Finished my written today, once I finalize the flying portion will anybody ever ask about my score?

Anybody have any info on All ATPs out of Richmond, VA? Looking for MIL friendly options around the Hampton Roads/Mid-Atlantic region. Any info/advice would be welcomed and appreciated.

Mike--Short answer...no, not after you finish the practical. Rick's a good dude and you should be fine.

Mike - Yes.

How'd you do? :-)

Droopy

100%, I should've watched more TV I suppose. Hooray for Sheppard Air, at first I felt guilty for just studying the test but I can't see how 75% of the stuff I was tested on has anything to do with being an airline pilot. Only downside is if someday somebody asks me what the minimum floor load capacity required of my aircraft, I'll only be able to answer 115, 144, 175, or 183...

Albie brings up a good point.
About 2 months ago, I decided to go get my MEI, and to renew my CFI/CFII in the process (yeah, yeah,... I let it expire while I was deployed. I'm dumb.)

Having used a "well known, large diploma mill with an 800 number" for my ATP, I elected to go the route that Albie mentions.

I found a highly experienced local CFI with a Seminole that I worked with to get the MEI.

I doubt I paid that much more,... I know I got better instruction,... I know I got more flight time (not that I need it for a job, but more flight time is more FUN!), and... I learned a ton about flying light civil twins, and instructing in them.

It was frustrating... I do not understand why the civilian world uses certain techniques that they do (ones that I consider ****-poor). But it made me a better pilot.

Edit: Mike, nobody cares about your written test score once you have the ATP Certificate in hand.

I do know of another option, although kind of a strange one. There is an ex mil guy who works for FedEx and is VERY mil friendly with getting the ATP done. The only catch is you have to provide the airplane. He will ride on squadron aircraft if your commander will allow it or you can bring or rent an airplane to him in the Memphis area.
You will have to get all the checks in the block, he won't miss anything, but he is there to get you your ATP, not make a name for himself as being a tough examiner. He also understands the differences between military and civilian flying and the training that you have been through.
PM me for details if you want his contact info.

14 CFR Part 61 SFAR 100-2 gives you 6 months relief after returning from a deployment to renew your CFI. Sounds like the school was uninformed.

I plan on getting my SE add on with those guys eventually - just trying to find the time. And the DPE is a good guy.

Wish I'd known that - I did it at Eglin a couple of years ago for $145 ($150-10% AOPA discount). Didn't know HRT did anything like that at all...

The Air Force cut the funding for the FAA Testing Centers. I tried here at Tinker at the beginning of this year, but they said they haven't done it for over a year due to the funding cut. You used to be able to take any of the exams for free. I took my Mil Comp and ATP at the local FBO here at the cost of $300. What a racket.

AOPA members used to get a discount on the written tests, as of 3 years ago.

I recently took the ATP written as well. Studied via Sheppard Air. I didn't study as much as MikeF16, but passed regardless. ;)
Missed a few, but not too bad after only studying for less than two weeks, with a huge cram session the day prior.
Regarding the practical, we will be in DC soon for a bit and I would like to knock it out while the availability is free. Would anyone recommend a place close to DC, or would the drive to Trenton, NJ or Richmond, VA from DC be the best option?
Like many of us on here, I haven't flown civilian in years.
Thanks fellas.

If you don't mind going to Boston, I can put you in touch with the best deal out there to get your ATP. PM me if interested.

I agree with you and Albie. Using the post-911 GI Bill, I just did my ATP here in San Diego. Instead of a cram session, I did over 25 hours in the Piper Seneca over a couple months and actually learned a thing or two about GA along the way. I'm thing about my CFI/MEI next.

Any new updates on this thread? It seems as if after Maine and Jersey went away, there are few "good" spots to go for the ATP. Interested in Boston, any more information?

All ATP In Atlanta
 

Dated info but did the ATP in 2000. Early 20's instructor hated MIL pilots stealing "his" Delta job. Did minimum instructing and max *****ing and criticizing! The DE was very bored and not paying attention to my check ride. Was oblivious to things that he criticized and considered failing me. I was very unimpressed, but ultimately passed.

I would recommend what AlbieF15 said! Even used him to prepare for my airline job!!! He give Good
advice!

550pilot, I can't PM you but have all the info for the good deal in Boston.

PittsDriver, I am working on these posts so I can PM you. Hope to be able in a day or to. Looking forward to the info.