If your goal is to work for SWA then going the type rated ATP on the 737 is the way to go... Honestly flying a 737 is easier than flying a Twin Seminole. I agree that this ATP-CTP is a joke... waste of time and money.

I got my ATP before the rule change and I couldn't agree more even then. My C-130 checkrides and annual sim refresher training were far more involved than my 8 hours (including check) in a Seminole that I'll likely never step foot in again.

I'm caught in the ATP-CTP boat and have that all scheduled, but it seems like the game has changed for the practical. Where are all the cool kids taking the practical nowadays?

At a regional is the cheapest and one of the lowest threat places to do it, while checking a few boxes...

Oddly enough, my light twin check ride was extremely involved. I had the misfortune of signing up for a program that until about 1 month prior had been a 'pay the fee, get the degree' kind of place (as it should be). They got busted by the FAA, the primary examiner lost his credentials, and were under major scrutiny. I had a full-up ground eval along the lines of 'ok, you're a molecule of hydraulic fluid, explain the landing gear system...' Awesome, I can now built this POS twin that flies like a dump truck, that I will never fly again. I guess light twins get some kind of harmonic going if you don't get the RPMs just right. Of course with my 3 hours of practice I was like the new student who lets the ATIS run for 10 minutes straight but never hears it. My examiner is in my crap because I'm not fixing it and all I can think is who friggin cares?

Air America in Daytona Beach FL. Can't beat the price and very big picture.


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Fully agree. Quick and cheap. I don't know how the new rules affect it, but when I took it with them, they had it set up so you could get it done in two days and about $1000. I paid a little more because I didn't think I was ready and wanted to take one more training flight. The IP said I was ready and was just be wasting my money. However, you will need another $700 cash for the DPE, could be more by now? There were a couple other ex and and current military guys taking it when I was there. A B1 and a UH-60 pilot. Neither had ever touched a light twin, and did fine. I stayed at the Quality Inn just outside the airport for about $60.

One more thing about the DPE. It won't be a Santa Claus ride. He will hit "everything" in the PTS. Make sure you get the a/c manual from them and go over every system, engine, prop, fuel, electric, gear, etc. My oral took longer than the ride.

Multi-Engine ATP - Course Pricing | Air America Flight Center

Air America was interesting. Hex1972 recommended it to me and a buddy of mine and I spent a week down there. Including airfare, hotel, rentals/instruction and $800 cash for the DPE (yes $800) it was arbout $3100. The DPE was a pain in my ass, but big picture. Feel free to pm for details. We were there in early Feb.

Two years ago my ATP check was $500 for the DPE. These examiners are pulling in, what, at least $200k a year easy? Maybe closer to 300?

Most of the post are old and things change very fast in aviation. I have the ATP written completed and only need to practice in a twin and take the checkride. Does anyone have a recommendation on where to train and test? Quality over price, and the ability to fly everyday until completion are most important.