Anyone out there get there ATP while non-current?

I haven’t flown in about 18 months and trying to decide if I should try and knock it out while non-current as I have some leave to burn before I get out. I heard people don’t always pass but not sure how challenging it is or what are the odds of failing are.

Also anyone get their ATP through ATP Flight Training (https://atpflightschool.com)? If so do you recommend them.

Thanks!

While ATP Flight Training has ATP in their name they don't do much ATP level training except for the Airbus type rating in DFW. Their web page says training through commercial multi engine/IR/CFI. An FO at work was separating and used the Houston location to get his ATP. He was the first person to get his ATP there. That being said the ATP ride is really just the instrument ride to a higher standard. If someone can teach the IR they should be able to teach the ATP.

It is going to have a lot to do with your personal skill set. If you think you can fly a few maneuvers and approaches in twin piper, you’d pass. Ask yourself things like, can I fly a piston twin, can I run a Garmin 430, can I do it without a co-pilot? Test overall isn’t difficult. Just have to warm up that skill set.

I’m not telling you what to do, or where to do it, but........

When I was on Terminal Leave after months of helping in Current Ops, I took the ATP written and FE written (yeah, I’m old) at one of those AllATP mills that tests at an FBO (FTY, I think)......no prob.....

As far as the practical, I’d steer clear of those National places...I’d find a nearby (not sure your locale) airport with a training school, and ask about if the local APD can give ATPs, and lay out your situation to him.....odds are he or she will give you a good plan for prep.....I used the OUN airport, has a big aviation school for OU.....instructor knew a DAL CA who would let me rent his BE55 for a few hours, flying the profile, then next day jumped in with APD and....TAH DAH......got my ATP..............this was almost 20 years ago, so unsure if this is still possible.......

Just sharing.........good luck!

Yeah find a smaller school who specializes in ATP's (ask around), or find a local DPE or professional instructor who knows a DPE. Don't jump into the hopper at a puppy mil. Not worth a stupid bust because they didn't prepare you right or the examiner was having a bad day.

I thought I have to take the week long course and do flight portion in a simulator due to the new FAA rules or did I totally miss the boat on this one. If I have to do it in a simulator wouldn’t I have to go to a “puppy mill” or someone who specializes in doing ATP-CTP training.

Read the regs. You don't have to do your ATP certificate in a simulator.

You have to do the written test. To take the written test, you have to complete an ATP CTP course. Assuming you are looking for a multi-engine ATP that is.

If you haven’t flown in 18 months and don’t have an ATP, but know you are getting out soon, what’s your move? I can’t imagine with no ATP and no currency/recency you’d get hired by a major, but I don’t know your stats so maybe you could. Even if you managed to do the ATP-CTP and an ATP practical (could be risky being 18 mos non-current and flying a plane you’ve never flown before), it may be difficult to get hired by a major. If I were in your shoes I’d probably line up a regional job that will pay for my ATP-CTP, type ride, currency/recency, and 121 square check, then hope to bounce 6 months later, but again that’s not knowing your stats/timeline/plan.

Safest course in that situation would be atp-ctp (through Delta or their affiliate) and then a type rating (737 etc.).

My current plan is to get my ATP-CTP while I’m still Active Duty and have use or lose leave. I also have time to study for it etc. Then do fill out all my apps. Then get re-current by the way of a guard/reserve unit and then update my apps as I get more hours. But the other option is go regionals. They just pay a lot less than the guard/reserve does and I have a wife and 3 kids to feed.