Hello everyone,
I just enrolled at Trenton from zero time. I have taken a few lessons in the past but have never been able to make it a priority and now I am finally able to do that. I am 31 years old, married with 2 kids and have been working in cranes and rigging for the last 8 or 9 years. I finally have had enough of it and I am taking the leap! My wife is fully supportive which is huge. I am looking forward to my start date which is August 1. United Aviate really stands out to me right now but I see most of the airlines have similar programs. One of my close friends is a captain at Delta so he is pushing
Endeavor but what are your thoughts? I have bought most of my gear except for a yoke mount for my iPad, I am still undecided on which one to get.
Thank you!
Chris,
First congrats on the start date! Huge first step towards your career. As for the programs as you point out they’re like opinions, everybody has one. Thing is the shortage is actually increasing in intensity almost daily and every airline is trying to one up the next. If it were me I’d focus on training and after you’re licensed, rated and building time, see who’s offering what. Could be very different than it is now.
Adam
Chris,
Welcome to Trenton! The advice I can say after interviewing a few airlines is to be open-minded. Everyone has different experiences and paths that they take. What works for someone may not work for another. When the opportunity pops up, you will know what is best for you and your family.
I was just talking with a Part 135 Learjet 60 operator at Trenton the yesterday that handed me a business card and said “we’re hiring, you should apply” after I told him my hours. I thanked him and will ensure to keep contact as aviation is a small community and you never know what a connection could link to later in a career for myself or even another colleague or student.
For the iPad mount, I like my yoke mount. It doesn’t overheat my thigh, plus when it comes to disorientation, I feel that the less head movements I make, the more focused I can be on my instruments. Some like a kneeboard, some have window suction cups, others use a yoke mount. You will definitely want it to be secured to something.
I will be leaving the Trenton location near the middle-to-end July starting my new adventure with Republic Airways in August. I wish you the best success and experiences you’ll have in the Delta. The controllers are fantastic, if you get a chance try and work a tower tour to meet them - they’re all super nice and fun. I go on a regular basis and enjoy my short visit/conversations.
Brady
Welcome to ATP, Chris!
Thank you for the introduction. I agree with the others. You need to do what is right for you. You will be much happier than if you do what others tell you to do.
Makes your own assessment based on your wants and needs and go from there. Consider where you want to live/be based, what aircraft you want to fly, upgrade times, scheduling work rules…those are the kinds of things that play a big part on our quality of life.
Me, I live in base, 30min from the airport. I’ll admit, Seattle isn’t my favorite place in the world, but I’m happy here. Granted I was also lucky, but I’ve had a great career. I flew the ERJ for Horizon for almost 5 years, upgraded in 2, and now at Alaska on the 737. This was my dream, to fly for a major airline and be home-based. Sure, Delta is an obvious alternative. Some would argue that Delta is far superior. In many ways they would be right. But I considered my personal preferences and I am very happy with my decision. I suggest that you do the same.
Tory
Chris,
Congratulations on the start date and thank you for letting us know.
My advice right now is simply to focus on your training and worry about the airlines later. I know it is tempting to think about now, but the airlines will still be there once you have qualified and by then you will have a lot more knowledge to make your decision off of. At the end of the day, the best airline is the one that works best for you. I would recommend finding an airline with crew bases near where you want to live someday.
In the meantime: Get Ahead By Taking FAA Knowledge Tests Before Starting ATP / ATP Flight School
Chris
Chris,
Welcome, and congrats on your upcoming start date. Taking the leap is the hardest part. I know it’s exciting to think about which airlines you want to end up at but right now, focus on what’s right ahead of you. By the time you finish the program you will be qualified for dozens of different pathway programs. The one thing that can determine if you get in, your success in training. So for now, focus on one step at a time. First up getting some written exams done and preparing for your start date.
Along the way, feel free to talk to those pilots ahead of you. See what advice they have to help you be successful and hear what programs they decided to pursue. Eventually you’ll figure out your own priorities and what place best aligns with them.
Hannah
Thank you everyone,
I am studying hard for the PAR Knowledge test currently, I hope to get that test done by next week and then start right away on instrument. I am using a mix of Dauntless test prep and Sportys Study Buddy and it seems to be pretty simple. Are we able to take the knowledge test at the ATP location? It is listed as a PSI test center but I forgot to ask when I was there if I can take the test there before my first day. If not I will go to the other local PSI.
Thank you
@ChrisEngler Check with your TSS at that location but yes, you should be able to schedule a time to take your PAR before your start date. You just need to bring the endorsement or proof of a few good practice tests and an instructor at that location could sign you off.
Hannah
Chris,
Right now our location (Trenton) has suspended operations awaiting PSI license verification. You will want to find a center closest to you if you’re able to take the written ahead of your start date. Please reach out for assistance in scheduling your Airmen Knowledge Test if you need help.
Brady
Thanks Brady,
Who would I reach out to in order to get an endorsement? I have been scoring in the 90’s on all the Sportys practice tests so I want to get the test scheduled.
Thank you
Just because you can’t take your test there temporarily doesn’t mean they won’t help you take it elsewhere. Just bring proof of a few good practice tests to the Trenton location and an instructor can sign you off. The TSS could probably point you in the direction of the closest PSI testing center to use in the meantime.
Chris,
Congratulations! I’ll be starting in Trenton on July 11th so I look forward to meeting you!
Perfect! Good luck Jon, I can’t wait for August 1. Hoping to have the instrument knowledge test finished in a week or so and at least get started on Commercial. Are you local to Trenton?
Awesome!! I’m getting to close to taking my private test. I want to start studying for instrument soon to get it done before I start or atleast get a lot of the studying done by then. I’m about 30 minutes away from Trenton. I live in Flourtown, PA, so not too bad. Are you local?
I am in Williams Township Pa so about an hour away.
Good morning everyone,
My start date is creeping up ( August 1 ) and I have one question. Is it worth buying the electronic E6-B flight computer? I have completed my PAR, IRA, IGI and FII without needing it but CAX has a few questions that it would help for but if it is not really used outside of knowledge tests I will just use the standard flight computer. And thanks again to Brady for the help in getting my endorsements to take the written tests, that was a big help. I’m disappointed that you will be gone before I start. Good luck next week!
Chris,
If you’ve gotten by without it this far, seems to me you’ll be fine without it. If you have the money and want another gadget in your flight bag, by all means. It’s helpful but not necessary. I had the basic paper one provided in my materials box from day one until 1500 hours. It was better to teach with it than an electronic one.
Hannah
Chris,
You can always download an E6-B app to your phone to have just in case you need. You can’t use it for writtens but they work well.
Adam
Chris,
Save your money on this and just do your best with the manual E6B. You will have very little use for an electronic E6B once you start flying.
Chris
Chris,
You will use your E6-B for flight planning and sometimes during a flight. The examiner will need to see that you know how to use one and they will be needed for nav log adjustments.
I used a manual E6-B during training. If you are going to buy an electronic one or download a digital one just don’t forget how to use the manual one.
Tory