pilotrod

Just wondering if anyone knows any thing about ATP's Regional Jet Standards Certification program? http://www.atpflightschool.com/progr...standards.html

I wonder if it would help get an interview with a regional? I am 45 years old and have been told the regionals like older guys because there is no chance of upgrading to the majors. I would be content working at the lower wages of a regional until age 60. I retired from banking 5 years ago, and have always dreamed of a career in aviation. I have 1070 tt 70 multi. no turbine time. Comercial multi instrument. Most of my time is in my A36 bonanza.

I know some flight schools make unrealistic promises in order to get your money, just wondering if this is more of the same.

ERJ135

Hey, I guess that sound pretty cool. Could give you an edge in an interview. Just be careful of the paid for training that puts you in the right seat of an RJ with like 500hrs (not very popular among fellow pilots). It does not seem like one of those programs. But, you seem like you have pretty decent qualifications I would suggest getting another 30 or so hours of multi. They all want to see at least 100hrs multi. good luck!!!

JayDub

In the link you provided, I missed where it said you took anything away from the program. i.e. a type rating, actual time in the A/C, etc. Without anything tangible, all you will get is a cool (but expensive) video game. If you have the cash, spend it getting your CFI.

If you have a ton of cash, buy yourself a twin and get an MEI. A good multi opportunity is hard to come by, and you can get a lot of valuable experience checking folks out on your bird. Your money would be a whole lot better spent.

Respectfully,

JayDub

CoATP

Push to get 135 minimums and freight dog for 6-12 months. That will get up your multi time and build some experience. It will also get you a chance to see if you like this industry.

SkyWestPilot

I wouldn't waste your money! You'll learn all the same stuff when you get in new hire at the airlines. $5995 can buy you a lot of multi time that will be a lot better for you than that RJ training class.

jack

Co ATP WHERE DID YOU GET THAT PICTURE. THATS THE REASON WHY PILOTS DONT HAVE ANY MONEY.

PSAChiefPilots

Most everyone who goes through this program, or one similar, gets Interviews through the 5 or 6 airlines who hire from them. It helps guys who did their ratings the hard way (through a FBO and not a pilot "Factory") get some structured training. No you do not get "actual Aircraft" experience in the CRJ, but you get a lot of things they you may have not seen before... ie. Glass Cockpit, Autopilot, Automation (FMS), Speed of A/C, CRM (two man crew), Etc. It's not in a full motion sim but an FTD with visuals which is probably the next best thing which you do actually fly the manuvers and approaches unlike our IPT's which you just sit in and Push buttons. I don't recall anyone who has attended these programs have difficulty in training but I can think of quite a few who did not have similar experience who are "No Longer Here!" Buying Multi time is not going to help you, Buying time doesn't give you real worl Experience, I can't believe no one's jumped on that one saying "you are not paying your dues." It's amazing to me how many guys I see on these forums squaking about they can't get hired, and wondering why the "System is passing them by", or "You shouldn't go to these programs" and their's a waiting list to get in to these classes and most guys get Interviews with multiple carriers right away and the Naysayers are on the forums every night writing the same thing while the guys who took the programs are studying in class... three simple words "When in Rome"

Ok, now for the darkside, You are going to get a ton of guys who start sqwaking about PFT and Go instruct or go fly freight...I will put it into prospective, I have an old hot rod that I wanted to put a flame paint job on, All my Buddies said "don't do it, everyone does flames." I had a friend tell me "it's your money, it's your car, do what you want to do to it, Unless your Buddies are paying for it!" And he's right, you being "retired", you are in a much different place then alot of guys starting out, you probably have the money and just sitting in that FTD working with the other student and the Instructor, you may decide right there that it's not for you...Better to spend 5 or 6 thousand then to sell your soul and mortgage everything and realize you don't like Being an "Airline Pilot"

Their are plenty of guys who have done the latter (mortgage everything) and hate it. It's not for everyone.

Good Luck,
PSACPSP

Rama

I think its a waste of money. You really need strong instrument skills to make it through any sim. Procedures are important, they are easier to learn and can be studied on your own if you can get the manuals. Being able to shoot different approaches, enter holds, procedures turns, etc. automatically without having to think about will help you more than anything.

bhndthecns

I know several guys that have gone through the RJ course - they are all now at various regionals. ATP has pilots from several airlines come in and teach you and your partner about the advanced systems and tools on much more complex aircraft than what you are currently flying. A check-airman comes in at the end of the week and gives you a sim eval...so don't think that you just pay the money and go have a ton of fun to walk away with a nifty certificate. It is a very fast paced indoc into Regional Jets, but you come away with an enormous wealth of knowledge. Also, if you're looking to get into an airline fast...ATP has agreements with several regionals that recognize the level of instruction recieved. Getting to know some people at ATP is very easy, and can be very helpful!

loudgarrettdriver

What are you gonna kearn there that you wouldn't learn in ground school.
Just buy some FMS software that's all you need. HAHAHAH