Thanks for the reply guys!!

I'll get with my local DPE and see what he can do for me. Sounds to me like an "interpretation" issue with whoever is giving you a ride.

Speedbird: Yeah, it was 300 smackers at ALL ATP in ATL back in 2007.

Thanks again folks!

There seems to be a lot of confusion and different interpretations of the regulations regarding the ATP written. First, you ATP written expires after 24 calendar months. Period. It doesn't un-expire or anything! However, the regulations state: “Is employed as a flight crewmember by a certificate holder under part 121, 125, or 135 of this chapter at the time of the practical test.” The part that confused me and thought would make me ineligible is the “and has satisfactorily accomplished that operator's approved”, in this case when I would upgrade to Captain at my regional.

My ATP Written expired in March and I wanted to get my ATP in April, Pt. 61 at a local FBO. I did some research and talked to the DPE and called my local FSDO to confirm and see if I can use my expired written exam or if I would have to re-take it. After about a week of waiting and the FSDO confirming with OKC, I got the green light from the FSDO and my DPE and was told I was good to go, as long as I have a seniority number on file with my airline, I am still considered to be employed by a Pt. 121 carrier.

The issue you will run into is with IACRA. The system will reject your expired written exam. Luckily my DPE knew what he was doing and had dealt with this before. Instead of using IACRA, we completed a paper 8710, attached a copy of my furlough letter and my expired ATP written. It will definitely help if you have a DPE that knows what he is doing. I thoroughly researched this before I started my ATP and wanted confirmation from the FAA in OKC. So, it can be done if you have it all together, do some research and know what you are doing. I’ve heard some stories of regional FOs going to ALLATPs and trying to do this and got denied. I don’t know why? I really didn’t want to re-take that stupid test, as I though it was actually the hardest and most time consuming part of the whole process of getting the ATP. If you do have to re-take it or need to take the ATP written, I highly recommend the Sheppard Air program ($75). It is the same thing as the ATP program, but you won't pay $300 and you can study on your computer at your own pace.

You don't need to go to ATP. Just buy the latest Gleim ATP studyguide with CD and go over the test. It's not that hard if you take a couple of days to go over them thoroughly. I highly recommend everyone who meets the ATP requirements to get their ATPs now while they have the time. It will help you get your next job.

Wow, u can actually fly 121 without an ATP........... am sorry i just had to.

Yea you can because according to the regs FOs are just gear swingers for the PIC and can do their flying under their supervision. There's a whole 2 pages dedicated to sics in the FARs.

Use Sheppard air.. Blows All ATP away.

This means I can take my ATP practical, but is it like the airlines where you have to take the practical WITH the airlines with your expired written...bc im pretty sure the AF doesnt give out ATP's..... so I can go to a regular DE?