Spin-up Training for ATP-to-Regional-to-Major
 

First, thanks to all for the vast amount of information posted here. I've learned much.

I'm retired AF and haven't been in the seat for about 10 years. I'm spinning up to take the ATP-CTP and Written in about 2 months. Plan is then to apply to the Regionals, build a few hundred hours and then try to jump to the Majors. I am right about at the required 1,500 hours for my ATP Cert.

In prep for this transition, I'd like some input regarding flight training to knock off the rust beforehand. Options are Cessna platform w/ G1000, Diamond platform w/ G1000 or a Cirrus w/ their G1000 (which from what I understand is like a G1000 on steroids). I could also just try to find a basic Cessna or Piper platform and get some stick-n-rudder time. Any thoughts on which might be the better training platform and could help in the transition to the Regionals?

Additional item, what about a mix of Single-Engine and Multi-Engine sorties? There are a few Barons around. Is Multi-Engine flying prior to the Regionals helpful? Any other thoughts?

Thanks for your reply.

The ATP CTP course is a really spin up trainer for the airlines. They told me have fun because it's the one time where you can't fail anything while you're in a sim. As for renting airplanes, I wouldn't spend a lot of time and lose seniority over trying to fly a Cessna. Maybe a few hours if you wanna get some muscle memory back. Review IFR rules. Right now in the Regional world, the only way to wash out is to have a bad attitude and lack of eagerness to learn. The most difficult thing in training is the single engine ILS I'm not to sure if spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on a baron will help you out that much though.

My biggest recommendation is to go to a regional that has AQP training for initial because that is train to proficiency (you won't fail for being 20 feet off on steep turns).

I say spend too much time and money in before because of the ATP CTP program. It was like going to airline training before going to airline training. Get in, get your currency, get on to a major. Seniority is everything

MrBogardi -- Thanks for the info. Yes, from what I've heard the ATP-CTP is relatively low threat. Seems like an Airline CRM course with some SIMs thrown in. However, it's better not to look like a complete baffoon. Particularly since one might show back on their radar in a year asking for a job.


I'll research the Regionals and look into their particular training programs.


Thanks!

Why waste money paying for single-engine piston time? Maybe take a few hours, get an IPC, then go fly freight in BE-99s for Ameriflight or something along that line. Those ops require 1200 TT, 500 xc, 200 night, and 75 inst and you don't need the ATP rating. However, it will make you super sharp and proficient. Must more than putzing around at 90 knots in a "glass" cockpit C172. Also, you'll need a couple thousand hours of turbine time with at least 1000 PIC to be competitive at the majors. Many charter outfits are hiring SICs as well. I'm also retired AF enlisted, but fly for Skywest. The hiring is the best in decades. Get on it and best of luck!

MidnightHauler - Thanks for the words. How is Part 135 time looked at by the Majors vs Part 121 time with a Regional? Wouldn't that track you for a Cargo career (UPS/FedEX)? I meet the Quals for the Regionals and all my time is Multi-Turbine, about half is IP.

I don't really see why you would need any appreciable time in a cessna to prepare you for a regional. Flying a single piston is not indicative of the flying you will do at an airline.

Between the CTP and initial you'd probably end up at around 30 hours of time plus another 30 on IOE. 60 hours in the actual acft(or a close equivalent).

Maybe get an hour or 2 and do an IPC, anything further is a waste of money at best.

With your background (assuming fighters given your total time?), you just need recent professional turbine time of some sort. Any sort is fine. The more the better of course.

Possible fringe benefit of a regional would be showing that you can cheerfully sling gear for a civilian despite having been a senior officer in a past life.

UPS/FDX would prefer international heavy time or fighter time, if they prefer anything. FDX is more into fighter guys.

Fighter and Trainer make up the time. Recency is my issue. Any benefit to learning the G1000? My F-15 and T-37 were mostly steam gauges.

I'd say probably not. Most of the acft you will fly 121 have less advanced avionics than a g1000. I suppose a scan in a g1000 is more similar to your typical PFD in a 121 acft than a steam scan would be.

Like I said, maybe do a couple hours. You'll get reps during CTP and training for whatever regional you decide on.

ACEssXfer - Copy all. Thanks for the advise! Although I might try getting a sortie in the Cirrus just to try it out. Kinda like window shopping at the Ferrari dealer. Can't afford one but a test drive would be fun!