Here are just a
few of the basics requirements for the ATP License. Well discuss whats
entailed in each of these requirements later in this section.
You must be
able to read, speak, write, and understand the English Language You must be
able to obtain a 1st class medical certificate You must be 23 years of
age You must hold at least a commercial pilot license with instrument
rating You must have 1500 hours total flying time You must have 500 hours
cross-country flight time You must have 75 hours of actual or simulated
instrument flight time You must pass the FAA ATP written exam You must
pass the ATP Oral and Practical Exam
Training
The training
for your ATP will be nothing new in terms of maneuvers or procedures. The only
difference is the practical test standards are higher. The tolerances are
tighter because at this point you are a professional pilot with a considerable
amount of flight time and therefore should able to fly like one.
Training primarily focuses on
polishing up your instrument flying skills it the multi-engine aircraft you will
use for the check ride. If you do the training on your own it can be as little
as 8-10 hours of prep. If you work for a 135-charter operator or 121 air-carrier
it is usually provided as part of a FAA approved upgrade or transition training
program.
Testing
The test for the ATP as mentioned
earlier is fairly straightforward. Its a demonstration of your multi-engine and
instrument skills held to a higher standard. By the time youve reach this
milestone the flying is the easy part. The aeronautical knowledge,
decision-making, and responsibility of the ATP license is what the license is
all about.
The FAA
Written
The written test for the ATP like all other
licenses and ratings is an 80 question computerized test. The questions consist
primarily of part 135 and 121 regulations, hazardous materials, high altitude
and high-speed aerodynamics, and transport category performance data.
The FAA Oral
Exam
The examiner will focus his or
her questions on the areas appropriate to the type of company your are currently
flying for, ie part 91, 121 air carrier or 135 charter operator. You will also
discuss your aircrafts systems and limitations. However the primary
objective of the oral is to determine whether you are fully capable of the
duties and responsibilities associated with the ATP license. As the pilot in command you
and you alone are responsible for the safety of your crew, passengers, and
cargo aboard your aircraft as well as the reputation of the company
you are flying for. This is what sets the ATP license above
rest.
The FAA Practical
Exam
By the time you pass the written
and oral for the ATP the flight will be a breeze. If you work for an air carrier
or charter operator the flight portion can be conducted in a multi-engine
aircraft or flight simulator if available. The advantage of the simulator is
that the examiner can test anything and everything without compromising safety.
During the flight test you will perform instrument approaches (both engines
operating and one engine inoperative), abnormal and emergency procedures, and
basic maneuvers such as stalls and steep turns.
Costs
The costs for the ATP license
vary. If you choose to get the ATP on your own you need to budget at least 5-10 hours of flight time in
a multi engine aircraft. Some companies and flight schools offer a package deal for obtaining your ATP. This
includes written test preparation and flight training to get you up to speed in
their aircraft. These courses are pretty quick and painless compared to training for other
licenses or ratings. Some can even be done in the course of a few days. If
youre lucky to work for a part 135 charter operator or part 121 air carrier then the
cost to you is nothing. Your investment is the time and energy in
training and preparation for your check ride. Be sure to contact one the fbos or schools on
our websites to learn more about he availability of training for the ATP in your
area.
