Hello all!
I’m excited, and nervous, to make this slightly wordy post, but I hope to provide insight and updates into my experience with ATP and help others, as those who came before me have helped me (indirectly, through their posts). As the title says, I have an upcoming class date of August 19th to begin ACPP at the Arlington, TX location.
Currently, I’ve completed all required written exams, except for the FIA. I endeavor to take the last exam before beginning the program, but I am currently moving in and out of an apartment solo, which is taking up a lot of time. My scores are the result of the methods suggested to mostly everyone, and are as follows:
- PAR: 95 (Sporty’s)
- IRA: 97 (Sheppard for this and all following)
- FII: 96
- CAX: 99
- FOI: 98
For background, I’ve known I’ve wanted to be a commercial pilot for a while, as my dad was an airplane mechanic and my mom is a flight attendant of 30+ years at the same legacy. So, I’ve always had that aviation/airline bug in me. When I turned 16, my mom took me to a flight school at KDWH (a bit of a way from KIAH) for a discovery flight, and I was just hooked on the novelty and excitement of being in the air. Unfortunately, it was impossible for me to fly regularly enough to make efficient progress, so I put flying on hold until I could drive myself. I started over and progressed fairly far through the program, even completing a few solo x-countries, but once again, I had to put finishing on the backburner due to starting college in Austin, TX at UT.
Fast forward, I graduated in three years this past May with my B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, and I knew that while I could do something with this for the rest of my life, it just wasn’t my passion. I then planned to complete my PPL at a local flight school before ATP, but due to getting my medical certificate deferred, and getting into some difficulties with verifying my citizenship, I changed my sights toward doing the whole program with ATP, with the intent that I will completely immerse myself in relearning everything the right way and the best way for the airlines.
I do realize the costs incurred by this decision, but I am blessed with my financial situation that allows me to prioritize timing. I know ATP is a rigorous program, but I intend to give my all into it and to get everything that I can out of it, and never lose sight of how I got here or why. I’ve been reading ATP forums since 2021, and I’m truly stoked to finally have a solid reason to add something to it.
Whether you made it to the end or not, thank you for reading, and I can’t wait to get flying!
P.S. As a 5’ 4" girl, is it recommended I buy some sort of booster cushion for behind/under me? And if so, are there any recommendations? My admissions flight seemed fine without it, but if it’s something shorter people typically benefit from getting, I would happily get one. Thanks!