Build? No. But, like Dakside notes it seems to be a higher expectation than others. They don't want simple rote memorization, they are looking for "application" level knowledge. "What makes the gear go up and down?" Hydraulics .... rote. "What happens if hydraulic pump #1 fails?" The answer requires some application level understanding .... As old as these planes are, as often that things break, an above average understanding of the machine under your butt comes in handy sometimes.

Thanks for the replies!

Buy the plane fly the hours. Trust they only look at the minimums anyone saying different isn’t in the loop.

I agree that recruiting won’t care. I think the OP wants to make sure the choice they make sets them up for a successful training experience.

I think it could two ways, Buy plane:

1. Fly vfr in uncontrolled airspace for 500 hours.

2. File IFR, in and out of busy airspace, practice approaches, holds, ect for 500 hours.

Both will get him the job. The second would allow him to keep it.

I appreciate the huge response. All good advice. I’m buying the C-150 I had an annual done for a pre-buy. The seller is paying to have it IFR certified and I’m paying to ad a G/S. Supposed to pick it up over thanksgiving. In addition to flying around I have a ppl student and an instrument student lined up. I’ve been studying the ATP material and plan to buy a CRJ 200 systems study guide. An AA CA I go to church with offered to help (he encouraged me to consider re-entering aviation) I’m going to ask him to grill me in a simulator. That’s about all I know to do. I’ll sink or swim.
I really appreciate all the honest advice.

Agreed, getting the job and keeping the job two different things.

Great! Feel free to PM me at anytime!

Where can we get the memory items and flows? I don't want to just get the lists and then show up to class and find out I learned/memorized the wrong items.

AWA doesn’t send anything out in advance. During the two weeks of INDOC I worked on IAC memory items and boxed limitations in addition to INDOC stuff of course. Wait for the first week of Systems and they explain our checklists and flows the first few days. Starting on flows before that could be counterproductive to some. Then I spent those two weeks learning flows/checklists and kept reviewing the IAC and limits from weeks 1-2, expanding past the memory ones to all of the IAC and all of the limits. I never felt that those 4 weeks were not enough time if you start day 1 and do a little each day. Take one day off each week from studying- Friday night or sat.

If you want to do anything before make sure you are instrument current and proficient. Use spare time before class to tie up all personal items so as to be fully engaged for the next 8-10 weeks.

I would agree with Soxfan. I had a month off in between Systems and Cockpit Procedures. I hit the books hard during that time for checklists, flows, and more aircraft systems and limitations study. I walked into Cockpit Procedures feeling about 80% ready. There was another break between Cockpit Procedures and sim training. I kept studying. It paid off in a successful oral and checkride.