Hey guys,
Thanks for all the information. It certainly does settle one’s nerves a bit.
I got my PPL back in 2004. But have only been up as PIC once since when I was trying to get current again immediately our current lockdown. What does ATP look like if I have my PPL but am NOT current? I imagine that the instructor I get paired with will get me current first then onto the instrument. How much time does getting current usually take?
Jeremy
Jeremy,
If that’s what you imagine you may have to adjust your imagination a bit. If you want the credit ATP gives for being a current Private Pilot you need to be one. There is no time allocated to get you there. Now if you haven’t flown since 04’ the onus is on you to get your knowledge up to speed. As for the flying ATP can and will start you early and allow you to purchase some additional flight time to get you current, but again Day 1 of the Career Pilot Program WITH credit for your Private means you’re ready to go. If you’re not that’ll be an issue.
How much time you need depends on you? It comes back faster for some then others.
Adam
Jeremy,
You will need to be current and that means having more than just a BFR in the logbook. Call the admissions department and talk to them as they can likely offer you a program to get you back to where you need to be.
In the meantime, I would start seriously start studying the PPL Oral Exam Guide.
Chris
Jeremy,
Unless the admissions prerequisites have changed you technically don’t need to be current, BUT you would save yourself and your CFI the headache if you were both current and proficient. When you start the Credit for Private Program instrument training begins immediately. It’s unrealistic to squeeze PPL training into your instrument lessons. I’ve done it. It’s not enjoyable for anyone. In fact, it’s very risky because when it comes time to train for the commercial license, your PPL knowledge needs to be sharp. If not, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
I strongly recommend being current and proficient before you start. Dont forget to retain your PPL knowledge too, even after commercial as you will need it for CFI and thereafter.
Tory
What’s a BFR?
Alright all the more reason for you to get one. Biennial Flight Review.
Tory
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Seriously you REALLY need to hit the books!
Adam
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Yeah. It hit me right after I clicked send. So It sounds like I wont be able to get a BFR from ATP.
I’ll call admissions and explain my situation. I already applied for the loan and have been reviewing PPL information for the past few months. Im using things like Boldmethod and my old books, mainly from Jeppessen. My biggest concern is being able to keep up with the rigorous workload. And since ATP’s program is so accelerated, and you’re responsible to learn so much on your own, Im having second thoughts.
Thanks for your help,
Jeremy
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Keep in mind, training at the airline level is just as quick. That’s why ATP designed the accelerated program. If you can’t keep up at ATP’s pace, what makes you think that you can keep up at the airline’s pace?
Tory
Jeremy,
Not to rattle you any further but Tory is dead on. As he said ATP was created be airline pilots to train airline pilots. The rapid pace is not to rush you out, it’s to prepare you for what’s to come. That’s why long before there was any pilot shortage ATP students were getting hired while others were not. Because the airlines knew the ATP grads could get through training. Sure there’s a pilot shortage and everyone with a pulse gets an offer but it’s pointless if you wash out of training.
You can either run from it and hope you’ll get through the airline training when it comes or you can prepare for it and start to develop the work ethic and mindset to be successful now. Your call.
Adam
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Jeremy,
You can get a BFR from ATP. I just spoke with Eric in the admissions department about your situation. He asked for you to contact him directly so he can speak with you about your options to get up to speed.
Yes, ATP is an accelerated program, but no more so than the airlines. Going through an accelerated program like ATP will prepare you for the airlines. If you are unable to make it through ATP, you will most likely also be unable to make it through airline training. ATP trains the way the airlines do, just like the military does.
Call Eric to discuss your situation. In the meantime, get in those books!
Chris
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Thanks guys. I just spoke with Eric and found our conversation encouraging. My issue has always been having to work, sometimes two jobs, while training which was pretty tough. But this time around I’ll be able to focus as I’m in a better situation financially. Plus, I figure if I don’t give this a shot now, I’ll be living with regret. So, I scheduled an intro flight for this Saturday. Still waiting to hear back from Sallie Mae regarding the loan. And I’ve got to find an AME that will schedule me for a 1st class medical.
Thanks for all your feedback. I really appreciate it.
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Jeremy,
Great. Let us know how the intro flight goes.
Chris
Hey guys,
The Intro flight went well! Im definitely rusty, but it felt great. I’m trying to find an AME that is making appointments right now. I have called several but haven’t found any yet that will give me an appointment. Also tried applying for a loan with WF to compare what Fannie Mae is offering. And I’m continuing to hit the books.
Thanks for all your help,
Jeremy
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Jeremy,
I am glad the intro flight went well and that you enjoyed it. Keep calling people on the medical, somebody must be doing them and the situation is improving.
Let us know how else we can help you.
Chris
I’ve been hearing that the FAA is working on making a 90 day extension of validity for medicals during this time or something like that. I tried looking around to confirm that but have found nothing. Is this something that y’all have heard as well or is this just wishful thinking?
Basically if your medical expires between 3/31 and 6/30 you’re ok but that’s all.
Adam
Dang I couldn’t find this on faa.gov but I totally disregarded the tabs on the left hand side 
. Thanks, sorry for the trouble, and have a good one!
-AJ-
No trouble at all.
Adam
Tory,
That is what concerns me the most. Keeping up with the coursework at ATP and at the airlines. I was a smart kid, honors and AP classes, but I have always had difficulty with the discipline aspect.
Jeremy