That is quite the pickle. If I were you, I would evaluate trying to get turbine time at 91/135 environment. Eventually you could go straight to a national or LCC and skip the regional's all together.

If I was running a 121 hiring/training department, I'd make an ATP knowledge test part of the application process. Those that pass show that they'll probably pass with minimal instruction, so they will be provided the instruction and go on to be successful most likely. Those that don't pass will save money from being invested and leading to a possible failure.

Good thing you don't run a training department.

This is true, however it looks like the written is still required regardless of anything in 61.160. I do not see anything in 61.160 that gives any relief from the written test requirement.

61.153 seems to say that one has to "qualify" to take the written now.

Here is a quote of 61.153 from Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.

"§61.153 Eligibility requirements: General.
To be eligible for an airline transport pilot certificate, a person must:

(a) Meet the following age requirements:

(1) For an airline transport pilot certificate obtained under the aeronautical experience requirements of §§61.159, 61.161, or 61.163, be at least 23 years of age; or

(2) For an airline transport pilot certificate obtained under the aeronautical experience requirements of §61.160, be at least 21 years of age.

(b) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft;

(c) Be of good moral character;

(d) Meet at least one of the following requirements:

(1) Holds a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating issued under this part;

(2) Meet the military experience requirements under §61.73 of this part to qualify for a commercial pilot certificate, and an instrument rating if the person is a rated military pilot or former rated military pilot of an Armed Force of the United States; or

(3) Holds either a foreign airline transport pilot license with instrument privileges, or a foreign commercial pilot license with an instrument rating, that—

(i) Was issued by a contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation; and

(ii) Contains no geographical limitations.

(e) After July 31, 2014, for an airline transport pilot certificate with an airplane category multiengine class rating or an airline transport pilot certificate obtained concurrently with an airplane type rating, receive a graduation certificate from an authorized training provider certifying completion of the airline transport pilot certification training program specified in §61.156 before applying for the knowledge test required by paragraph (g) of this section;

(f) Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of this subpart that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought before applying for the practical test;

(g) Pass a knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas of §61.155(c) of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought;

(h) Pass the practical test on the areas of operation listed in §61.157(e) of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought; and

(i) Comply with the sections of this subpart that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought."

According to paragraph (e), it looks like the ATP CTP is required prior to "applying" for the written.

According to paragraph (g), the knowledge test is required in order to be eligible for an ATP.

If I'm interpreting this all wrong, please advise and assist.

Thanks!

That sounds great but the problem folks in the training department are the ones who already "know everything" not the ones willing to learn.

It doesn't sound great or bad, it's the logical thing to do in business. As far as being willing to learn, exactly what does that have to do with anything here? Exactly how many regional airlines expect you to study material and show up knowing the aircraft limitations and other rote memory items? Pretty much all of them. This is no different. I expect that airlines will do the ATP written program (but possibly make you pay for it/sign a contract), but only if you demonstrate to them you can pass it when given the knowledge test.

Datsun,

That's all correct. BE90 was unable to take the written before August due to the age requirement. Now that me meets it for the R-ATP he still needs to pass the new written. But to do that he needs the ATP CTP.

James I agree, the atp test isn't that hard, it would be a great gauge for study habits , I think sheppard air still sells preps for certain airline writtens that are pretty much based on the atp written.

I think they did a total rewrite of the test, so its kind of unknown how hard it is or isn't. I definitely wouldn't want to be the guinea pig.

Not surprising. Assuming the data is correct, I'd guess:

1) Everyone who possible could (IE had the time), rocked the test prior to the deadline, and essentially drained the pool of test takers

2) Everyone who missed it is hanging tight because they'll assume any airline that picks them up will have some kind of CTP course set up (which, eventually, they'll have to).

Net result is not many taking the test right now.

Nu