The "CIRC APCH-VMC ONLY" limitation is how UAL gives type ratings since about 2003. In 2001 when I upgraded on the 737 we actually did an IMC circling approach in the sim on the Maneuvers Val part of the check-ride. Thus no limitation for that type of mine. The B-757, B767, and A-320 that UAL gave me did not have that as part of the syllabus and thus the limitation. It's not a problem as Op Specs at UAL require 1000 - 3 for circling approaches anyway.

Just talked to Airline Apps on phone. Said if you have you ATP number and got it before April of this year, not to worry about that message.

Do you have the number for Airline Apps? Can you share it please over here or PM it to me? Thanks.

Also, weren't the previous requirements listed as "must hold a Commercial Pilots License with 1500 Total time and ATP written." I would have assumed that the reason for this was that they would be able to issue you the ATP during your check ride.

But now I believe they want you to go get the ATP on your own, and then apply. Meaning they wont issue the unrestricted ATP with your check ride even if you meet all the requirements for the unrestricted ATP when you interview and get hired.

Correct me if I am wrong please. Thanks!

I don't know whether or not they'll issue one, but I can assure you their app stack is full of ATP's.

ALCON:

The "restricted" ATP is a relatively new creation, as a result of the 1500 hour rule that went into effect on 1 Aug of this year. As a result of a law passed after the Colgan Air crash, Congress mandated that ALL pilots flying in Part 121 operations had to hold an ATP, even FO's. Previously, an FO could operate on a Commercial ticket. However, as a result of ALPA efforts, a "restricted" ATP was created by the FAA to allow pilots who received training from either 1) an accredited 4-year aviation university (example: UND), or 2) the military, to obtain a "restricted" ATP with less than the full 1500 hour requirement.

The stipulation being put out is that, for the purposes of being accepted as an applicant to United, you have to have an unrestricted ATP...i.e., not a "restricted" one. I would imagine that all the Majors will put this word out in the near future...the only place I can see accepting "restricted" ATP holders will be the Regionals.

If you have an ATP, and you don't already know that you have a "restricted" one, I'm pretty confident yours is the "unrestricted" variety, and hence, you have nothing to worry about. The VMC circling limitation is not it...I have an unrestricted ATP with that limitation on it.

Also, this answers the question why the past minimum of a Commercial ticket is no longer acceptable.

For the armchair FAA lawyers out there, I'm sure there is some minor detail or two in this explanation that I've left out...my purpose was not to quote chapter and verse, but to answer the general question being posed on this forum.

Now, we could talk about whether the 1500 hour rule was an appropriate answer to the event that precipitated it, but that's a whole different discussion...

So has anybody else noticed that minimums are now only 1000 Turbine Fixed Wing with ATP? Used to be 1500TT with 1000 Turbine and ATP. Anyone know why?

By default if you have an ATP, you have at least 1500 hours.