Maybe airlines ask to see how well applicants can explain an applicable FAR to them. You're being hired to be a Captain someday - you'll have to explain things to an F/O...From my research most if not all ATP folks spend time as CFIs to get to min levels or more for the regionals...

-LAFF

Not to side track too much but if you are in the AF now why not start flying. Join the Civil Air Patrol or a flying club..

Clearly, neither of these alternatives are as cost-effective as ATP.

Wonder how much he got paid for that infomercial. He should be selling oxyclean..

Vagabond,

As I recall, we had to solo the T-41 (Cessna 172) in less time than that. Of course, there were mitigating factors: 1) The instructors made no more money by giving a student extra rides. 2) There was a plentiful supply of students and a T-37 class scheduled to start on a certain day, so they washed out guys who would surely have soloed given a little more time. 3) I think they skipped lots of instruction that a civilian student would get -- FARs, navigation, etc.-- concentrating on just the basics.

So it probably wasn't the same course that you're taking, but it was a real solo, followed by a dunking in a cow tank full of green, slimy water.

Are you you weren't following a Japanese syllabus? Don't worry about you how long you took to solo. Different airports are complicated and maybe you just didn't "get" something. You have now soloed now so you press on.

It is all experience and that is what counts. You should try different instructors however to see if you find one you like better. It's your money. It's your training.

I'm stationed in DC and with my security clearance I don't want to risk any negative attention. For me its not worth it at this point in my career. I can wait.

-LAFF

Huh? I did lots of flying in the DC area, and I never had any 'negative attention' cast upon me.

Tom, I'm glad it ain't 1971 anymore!

I've made my decision to not fly in the DC area. I'm not going to rationalize it for you. You made yours - I'm glad it worked out for you.

-LAFF