RickJohnson

Didn't see a thread specific to the new guy coming in looking for advice. I'm completely new to 121 operations - coming from general aviation, nothing commercial. What advice can anyone give us newbies to help us out? I have the ATP-CTP coming up in February, then starting FO training afterwards. I've posted elsewhere and received advice on studying Sheppard Air for the ATP - any other recommendations? Best strategies to pass ATP and FO training? What can we expect our days to be like at both? Any recommendations on how to survive? And pass! I'm looking forward to joining the airlines and paying my dues in the regionals! Thanks to everyone for posting info here. From a newbie perspective, this has been a wealth of knowledge.

Swakid8

When's your class date?


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PleaseComplete

Show up to class, study what they tell you to study, ?????, Profit

chrisreedrules

In addition to studying for your ATP/CTP, spend time studying and reviewing your limitations and immediate action items. Those are the 2 things that you will be expected to know from day 1 until you leave PSA. They can make/break a check ride or recurrent training. Can’t emphasize the above advice enough...

Rotorwashed

Tbh the fact that you're even making the effort to find this stuff out indicates that you'll be fine in training.

Only two things to do really. Remember that the ctp class is entirely separate from your training and is all about passing the atp written. Do Shepherd air, the in class time does not cover anything relevant to the test whatsoever and is more of a formality/primer for 121 ops.

Second, just make sure you come to your training class with the limitations and flows memorized. The flows don't have to be perfect, it's sort of hard to visualize it until you're sitting in front of a mock cockpit anyway. Just get the general idea. If you do this, training will be much easier. It's 100% possible to show up day 1 with no prep and pass, but those guys were stretched pretty thin between going to class, and then studying back at the hotel. They were stressing out about being able to keep up the pace of training. Don't put yourself through that. Meanwhile, I barely opened the books to study during training because I already got it done. It's alot more enjoyable to come back and crack a beer with your Sim partner then come back and crack open the books because you're behind.

I'd be willing to bet you'll be surprised how simple it is when you get there. I stressed out about it, got there, and realized it wasn't actually that bad, and the horror stories were just propagated by people who didn't put the work in on their end to prepare.


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PSA Recruiter

The only thing that I will add is to be sure not to forget everything that you have learned as a pilot up to now. If you have time, go back and take a look over basic instrument or commercial topics if you are weak in those areas.

I am hesitant to give you too many things to look at, because if will overwhelm you and is not 100% necessary, but if you have a long wait and want to be well prepared, here are a few things you can do.


Jeppesen has a great video collection (free) on how to use their charts. That is worth a few hours of watching. FREE Aviation Charting Webinar Event Series - Fly Like an Insider with Chart Clinic Confidential | Jeppesen

If you have never flown a turbine airplane, then Turbine Pilots Flight Manual is a good resource. Just getting a basic idea of how turbine engines work, bleed air/hydraulic systems, TRU's, and the like will help things a little bit.

Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot is a great book for looking over airline rules and regulations.


Again, don't stress out and try to memorize all of these. Study before hand (limitations and memory items!), be ready for the ATP written, and go in with a willingness to learn.

ekohler

I'm heading to class at the end of Feb so here is what I’m doing..

1) Jepp videos referenced above
2) Purchased Jepp charts manual
3) Studying Shep for written - Planning to be done studying before class starts.

4) Flying as much as possible to include fast as possible approaches and holding
5) Planning a few sim hours in a G1000 panel before starting class
6) Buy - Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot – Fantastic resource as mentioned above

Rotorwashed

I second the turbine pilots flight manual, not as something to study, but something to just read casually just to get a taste of what’s coming


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RickJohnson

Thanks for all the great tips! I appreciate it.

Quarryman

Also, do not argue with the instructors. This isn't flight school where the local CFIs are sitting around jaw jacking about the best way to do a lazy 8. In ground, you'll hear "PSA Pay, PSA Way." Do it the way the schoolhouse tells you. Arguing is the quickest way to get sent out the door. Previous 121 guys are susceptible to this problem so you have an advantage. You are nothing and know nothing at this stage. Once you get on the line, you'll figure it out how it's done. The good thing is you'll have good people working with you who will show you how the real world works. This can be said for any airline, really.