Mil to ATP under the new system
 

So I'm one of those guys who never paid attention to the all the folks talking about prepping or being prepared for the transition from mil aviation to commercial. Now that I am considering it, I find I'm behind on understanding the requirements (esp w/ the 2014 changes).

So four questions:

1. I have a private license (since UPT, but never used), about 1300 hrs fixed wing time (including all the ATP reqs [XC, instrument, ME]) and 1400 hrs rotary wing. Does my helo time count towards my 1500 hr ATP requirement?

2. To get from my current state to ATP in hand I'll need to first get my commercial, then the ATP-CTP, then take my ATP and eval? Are there places that can package that all together for me (and if yes, is that smart)?

3. Of the listing of places the FAA has certified for the ATP-CTP, several aren't avail (must be a student to use Embry Riddle) or still awaiting certification. So it seems that after a year of the new rules there are really only 3 places in the US to get the CTP. Are any inherently better than the others?

4. Surfing through these forums, i see a general consensus that I should seek a military friendly ATP program, not to get a free ride, but so the check pilot understands why I don't have a log book, or that all my flights counts as XC, and other issues that many have complained just aren't understood by an evaluator in random city USA. Thoughts?

Thanks to anyone with words of wisdom to offer.

Is there a military aeroclub on or near your current base? They would be a good source of information on where you can take care of the ground requirements.

Also- don't forget the post-911 GI bill as a source to pay for your ATP. (If you haven't transferred it or used it elsewhere). Higher Power Aviation has a program that takes you all the way through a 737 type rating, and they accept the GI Bill. I didn't use their program, but if nothing else it may be a place to start looking.

1. Yes. Read up on the applicable sections of Part 61 to break it down.

2. No. Part 61.73. You qualify for a commercial, instrument rating, and type rating where applicable. You may need to take a written test first - ask your FSDO.
And then, yes: you still need the ATP-CTP course separately for an AMEL ATP.

3. Don't know.

4. I disagree, you should be fine. Study up on what is required, and the rest will fall into place. You've already prepared for enough in your flying career, preparing to take an ATP checkride should be a snap.


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I think your rotary hours count, but you only need 750 as a Mil pilot for the Restricted ATP. As for #2, you can go from no ratings direct to ATP, skipping private, commercial and instrument. I know several. Mil guys who did that and now fly for an airline with an ATP, but can't rent a Cessna on the weekend. I can't speak to #3, but as for a mil friendly evaluator, some guys are worried about having an examiner who's not big picture or, more importantly, taking the evaluatee's limited understanding of a light twin they've never flown before and will never fly again, as a lack of skill or knowledge required to hold an ATP. That's not every mil dude's perspective, but one I've heard a lot.

I know its 750 TT for us Mil. guys but all that 750 doesn't have to be Mil. correct? it can be a combo of Mil. and civi time to get the R-ATP?

Of the 1500 hours, you need 50 MEL and 250 PIC in airplanes. The hello time is fine.

61.153(d)(3) says you can skip the commercial.

There are currently 5 approved stand alone CTP programs. The E-R programs are part of a degree program and Air Wisconsin and Express Jet are in house. While the ABX Air program sounds like an airline, it is really Sporty's Aviation, a pilot shop and flight school in Ohio. I know nothing about any of them.

You're not the first person to do this. Try to find someone in your sqn who's done it or some reservists with feet in both worlds.

Just Fly,
You simply need to take the FAA's Military Competency written test to earn your Commercial Certificate. If you are an instructor you can also take a Military Competency CFI written test and earn your Instructor Certificate. These tests are both very easy to pass with the help of some study aids. I recommend Sheppard Air. They have a great study program and their website will explain exactly what you need to do to get your tickets all the way up through ATP. Many base Education Centers offer the FAA written testing for free. [URL="http://www.sheppardair.com"]


Very few of the CTP courses have been approved by the FAA. I attended ALPAs Pilot Shortage Conference today and they report that the FAA has over 60 applications for companies awaiting the FAAs endorsement. So I don't think you will see many more programs added any time soon. AEROSIM offers an ATP/CTP course and an ATP particle prep course. The ATP/CTP course will run you about $5000 and the practical prep course will add an additional $3800. However their website does not advertise their practical prep course. You'll need to call or email to get the info.

Just curious, why are you leaving the AF? Do you expect to go directly to the Majors or looking for a Regional job? I also heard today that there is a shortage of Helo pilots across the country. Your skills will be very valuable both in and out of the Air Force.

Meet our first ATP CTP student | ExpressJet Airlines

I think you should get your Commercial certificate in hand via doing a written test, as posted earlier. Then, get hired by ExpressJet. They do the course themselves, and you come out an ATP. See link above.

If you're intent on going to straight to the majors, then yeah, you (generally) need the ATP ticket in hand. Perhaps you GI Bill could cover the CTP course somewhere.

Tolpin -- leaving mil at retirement...could do a few more years but the writing is on the wall and I'm in a flying billet now which I don't think I ever will be again. I'd like to go straight to a Major, but I'm prepared to go to a regional if that's what the market has to offer me. My helo time is now 15 years old, so not thinking I can exploit that experience as readily as my fixed-wing time.

All -- Although I'm currently flying, its not much (2-5 sorties a month) and I'm overseas. On a near-term trip to the States I'm thinking of doing my CTP one week then an ATP prep (+ hours) and my check the second week. Is there any good gouge out there on what an ATP check ride consists of (maneuvers and ground eval), and I guess more importantly how "big pic" is that ride? The genesis of my question is am I assuming too much risk trying to bundle all of those events into two weeks, especially since I've not been flying much recently. I know that's a broad questions, but looking for folks feedback.

If you're Instrument current and presently Aircraft Commander qualified in a US military airplane, you can almost certainly handle an ATP checkride in a light piston twin, after a few training rides.

The modern problem is the CTP, that allows you to take the ATP knowledge test. I've no idea how long that course takes. Ask the training provider; I'm sure they have a set schedule/curriculum.

But the ride itself--you can be trained and ready for that in about three days, using a simple aircraft. Try 1-800-ALL-ATPS. They have many locations in the CONUS.