To ATP or Not To ATP
11-07-2023, 08:10 AM
#1
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Apr 2012
Posts: 27
To ATP or Not To ATP
Hey Friends,
I've got an app in with a Part 135 operator (biz jets) that keeps pushing out hiring. I'm currently a software engineering manager in my 40's, making good money, and not in a rush at all. This IS the job I want. I have no interest in the airlines, and it's right in my hometown. The company does pay for ATP/CTP and ATP, however there is no guarantee I'll get an interview or a job. If this doesn't pan out, I'll probably just keep doing what I'm doing until another opportunity that fits what I want comes around.
Here's the question: should I just spend the money and get the ATP on my own? Will there be any benefit in terms of getting hired there or somewhere else? Or is simply being eligible good enough?
I've got an app in with a Part 135 operator (biz jets) that keeps pushing out hiring. I'm currently a software engineering manager in my 40's, making good money, and not in a rush at all. This IS the job I want. I have no interest in the airlines, and it's right in my hometown. The company does pay for ATP/CTP and ATP, however there is no guarantee I'll get an interview or a job. If this doesn't pan out, I'll probably just keep doing what I'm doing until another opportunity that fits what I want comes around.
Here's the question: should I just spend the money and get the ATP on my own? Will there be any benefit in terms of getting hired there or somewhere else? Or is simply being eligible good enough?
11-07-2023, 01:31 PM
#2
Disinterested Third Party
Joined APC: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,211
I'll say this: there was never a pilot shortage, just a brief hiring boom. There will be those that will tell you that times have changed, and you're in demand if you can fog a mirror, and there's no need to show up to work qualified.
Not long ago, you were expected to show up qualified. That's the norm. It's coming back as the hiring boom dies away.
You're more employable with qualifications. Less without.
It won't cost you anything to apply. If they hire you, they hire you, and they qualify you. If they don't hire you and you don't want to work somewhere else, then it doesn't cost you anything.
If they don't hire you and you do want to work somewhere else, then you have a decision to make.
The hiring boom isn't over yet, but it's growing cooler.
Not long ago, you were expected to show up qualified. That's the norm. It's coming back as the hiring boom dies away.
You're more employable with qualifications. Less without.
It won't cost you anything to apply. If they hire you, they hire you, and they qualify you. If they don't hire you and you don't want to work somewhere else, then it doesn't cost you anything.
If they don't hire you and you do want to work somewhere else, then you have a decision to make.
The hiring boom isn't over yet, but it's growing cooler.
11-09-2023, 04:12 PM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2021
Position: We Need To Talk About Your Flare
Posts: 610
You could split the difference (at least to start) and get the ATP written out of the way. Spend, no, invest the time and money to improve your qualifications. See if that helps to open the doors you wish. The written is good for 2 years. If you still do not get any calls after that, you can reconsider the idea of paying for, no, investing in yourself again by getting your ATP cert.
Not to sound rude, but having a company pay for one to obtain their ATP is a luxury. Market forces, pilot supply and demand, usually dictate when a company is willing to pay for an applicant to obtain their ATP.
You could always do what many others do and apply to a regional - let them pay for the ATP and leave. You wouldn't be the first. But you would also be contributing to the reason why new-hire contracts are bound to spread.
Not to sound rude, but having a company pay for one to obtain their ATP is a luxury. Market forces, pilot supply and demand, usually dictate when a company is willing to pay for an applicant to obtain their ATP.
You could always do what many others do and apply to a regional - let them pay for the ATP and leave. You wouldn't be the first. But you would also be contributing to the reason why new-hire contracts are bound to spread.
11-10-2023, 09:14 AM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2011
Position: A320 FO
Posts: 907
Have you met the chief pilot? Take him/her out for lunch or a beer. You are specifically targeting one job but have a stable income while you wait. That is an enviable position. It also will really help if you can convince them that you truly have no interest in airlines. Most people say that during 135 interviews but it's rarely true. That fact will make you more competitive.
After a nice sit down with management, maybe they will tell you that it will be easier to get hired with the ATP. Maybe there is something else you could do to make yourself more competitive.
Stop just firing off applications and hoping if this is the job you really want. Just go down there and ask to meet with the chief. If that doesn't work hang out at the airport until you see a pilot that works there and ask for help.
After a nice sit down with management, maybe they will tell you that it will be easier to get hired with the ATP. Maybe there is something else you could do to make yourself more competitive.
Stop just firing off applications and hoping if this is the job you really want. Just go down there and ask to meet with the chief. If that doesn't work hang out at the airport until you see a pilot that works there and ask for help.
11-12-2023, 06:35 AM
#5
Line Holder
Joined APC: Mar 2017
Position: TBD
Posts: 88
The ATP written is actually good for 60 months. I got polished up in a Seneca for my checkride and got finished for not that much money. I landed a job at a LCC, so definetly think it was worth spending a little extra money in my situation. I'm in a similar spot with a good career.
11-14-2023, 08:57 AM
#6
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Apr 2012
Posts: 27
Have you met the chief pilot? Take him/her out for lunch or a beer. You are specifically targeting one job but have a stable income while you wait. That is an enviable position. It also will really help if you can convince them that you truly have no interest in airlines. Most people say that during 135 interviews but it's rarely true. That fact will make you more competitive.
After a nice sit down with management, maybe they will tell you that it will be easier to get hired with the ATP. Maybe there is something else you could do to make yourself more competitive.
Stop just firing off applications and hoping if this is the job you really want. Just go down there and ask to meet with the chief. If that doesn't work hang out at the airport until you see a pilot that works there and ask for help.
After a nice sit down with management, maybe they will tell you that it will be easier to get hired with the ATP. Maybe there is something else you could do to make yourself more competitive.
Stop just firing off applications and hoping if this is the job you really want. Just go down there and ask to meet with the chief. If that doesn't work hang out at the airport until you see a pilot that works there and ask for help.
And yes, I am targeting this specific job and shared that with him. This is a great local company looking to hire locals - and they have high employee satisfaction. This is the only application I've submitted!
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