Should I get my AME before scheduling an admissions flight? If so, do I need to be referred by the flight school to get this scheduled?
No. Wait until after you do the flight. What if you don’t like flying in a small airplane? If you decide that this is something you would like to pursue as a career, before putting down a deposit, obtain your 1st class medical. FAA website has an AME locator to find one nearest to you. No referral necessary.
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McKenzie,
An AME is a Dr like any other. You make an appt just like you would your dentist. They’ll advise you that you need to register online with the FAA but that’s a simple process.
I’d wait as Sergey said. No point in spending the money if you hate it.
Adam
Any of you guys know how long it usually takes to get the medical from booking appointment til finish? (Assuming I don’t have any issues.)
It depends on the doctor. The one I go to is a walk in, first come first serve basis.
Zeph,
The AME will issue the medical on the spot at the end of your exam.
Adam
The appointment takes about an hour, depending on how chatty the doctor is. If you don’t have any issues, your medical is issued at the end. If further testing is required, the AME will send your exam to the FAA. That could lead to a 6-12 month delay.
Tory
So realistically I could get a medical within a week of the intro flight, and start at ATP within a month?
Zeph,
If there’s an available slot at the location you want sure. You also need to make sure you have the funds in place if you’re going to be financing.
If you’re serious about starting quickly you need to be talking to ATP admin and check when the start dates are at the location you want and again get working on the financing if necessary.
Adam
Zeph,
Yes, but the financing application process usually takes a bit of time as does securing an available start date. We recommend that students complete their admissions flight 90 days prior to their intended start date.
Chris
Thanks for the answers Adam, Chris. I’m moving back to the US and self-financing so I just hope to have as little downtime without income as possible. Hopefully I can get everything sorted out in a month or two.
Side question, intro flight + medical is all I need before starting?
Zeph,
Generally that is all you need, although we do recommend working on the written exams if time permits.
Also, be sure to check with the admissions department as they are more attune to the process than we are.
Chris