Got my PPL (part 141) at my University with 44 hours. I’ve flown 3 hours since then. While I’m legal to fly, it’s been 6 months since I’ve flown and don’t feel proficient.
Two questions:
Is it possible to start at zero time even if I have my PPL?
If not, is the $205 per hour at ATP to get me the required time, is that just plane rental, or do you go out with a CFI to fly and prepare for instrument training?
Thanks in advance.
Jacob,
Yes, you can start the program from the zero time option, you will pay the same amount, fly out all of the hours and simply skip the PPL check ride.
If you go the $205 per hour route, that includes the aircraft rental and the instructor. You will use that time to begin your instrument training.
Feel free to ask any other questions that you may have.
Chris
Good evening. I’m in a similar but different boat. I received my PPL from a Part 141 school in 2019 but I left to go work as a navigator on a cargo ship. I have flown around 50 hours since 2019. Reps at ATP told me I can add time to the beginning of the instrument course to get familiar with the aircraft and to get current. I am more worried about all of the book knowledge from PPL that I haven’t been using everyday. I know I am a good studier and I won’t have a problem hitting the books and giving 100 %. The only thing holding me back at this point is that I’ll get bogged down after being away from the game for so long. Any insight or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for the long post. Have a wonderful day all.
Jack,
I’m a little confused by your question? You say “I am more worried about all of the book knowledge from PPL that I haven’t been using everyday” and then say “I know I am a good studier and I won’t have a problem hitting the books and giving 100 %”.
Sooooo what’s the problem?
If it gives you any comfort I started ATP with my PPL and hadn’t flown for almost 10yrs. Know what I did? Studied!
Adam
Hey Adam. Thank you for the reply! That does give me some comfort! I guess I was wondering if anyone else had been in a similar situation. I’m looking forward to starting soon. It’s good to know that someone else was in similar shoes.
Jack,
Studying ahead of your class date will be critical. It will just take time. If you’re worried about the flight proficiency you can schedule a few flights or a flight review with a local CFI before beginning. Starting instrument training, you will have one flight of TOLs and then jump right in to Instrument. You need to be as proficient and knowledgeable on your Private knowledge and skills as the day you passed your checkride.
-Hannah
Jack,
I had about a year and a half break between obtaining my PPL and starting at ATP. Just make sure to stay up on the studying (completing the written exams will help with this) and maybe schedule a couple of proficiency flights at your local school.
Chris
Jack,
While flying is perishable, I believe once you go back to studying (even PPL material) that it will come back to you quickly. It hasn’t been too long since you’ve been current so the knowledge really hasn’t changed much.
You seem concerned with getting bogged down, so here’s my insights. ATP already has a few hours dedicated to familiarizing you with the aircraft. I came in with my private and only flew 6 pack instruments, so I dedicated that time to an avionics transition. I think you’d be fine.
hope that helps,
Lucas
Thank you all for your replies. It’s much appreciated!
Of course, that’s what we’re here for! Let us know if there is anything else we can do to help.