ATP Certificate (10 hour)

[JUSTFORGRINS]

Who on the forum has gone through the ATP Certifcate 10 hour course?

I am considering the ATP Certificate program early 07 in Phoenix, AZ.

What have forum members seen for these questions:

1. Typical candidate? military transition, instructors moving up for flight schools, freight dawgs, old guys with lots of time and money??

2. How much multi time high.... low (under a hundred)?? Time in seminole??

3. Emphasis on oral questions. Systems or IFR charts or scenarios (lost comm, emergencies)

4. Flight portion. Yep gotta do the "standards", but typical length (hours) of flight test?, where are the engine failures typically done?

5. Things about Phoenix location. People who have done the course in Phoenix, anything or anybody that stands out (bad or good)?

Thanks....

Any answers will be appreciated!!!!

[Captain_Bob]

Wow... You are definately looking for the gouge!

I used to teach the ATP at both the PHX and DFW locations. So here's my responses:

1. For the 2 day program: Typical candidate was Military Transition... probably 80%. Followed by freight dawgs, foreign pilots, high time CFI's and then business men. My first stundent ever was an F-16 Captain with 2500 hours. Switch the order for typical 10 hour program candidates.

2. Typical Multi time really ranged from 50-2000+. Most of the high time Multi-guys were Military and foreign airline pilots. Most of the military guys never even stepped foot in a piston until day 1 of training. A lot of the foriegn airline guys had some senaca time, but overall... the only ones who had any time in a seminole prior to the ATP training were typically the high time CFI's.

3. Oral questions... take a look at the PTS and you'll see where the emphasis lies. It will be 95% aircraft systems.

4. Yep... standards... pure and simple. You are basically under the hood for 90% of the ride. Typical length always depended on the Examiner... we had around 9 different ones in PHX and 2 in DFW. But overall... I'd say between 1.0 and 1.7 in the aircraft. Look at the PTS again and you'll be able to know where the engine failures will occur. But basically... you'll most likely get an engine failure on takeoff, out during manuevers (like a SE hold), as well as one prior to an ILS since you have to do a SE-Precision approach.

5. The PHX location... like most others... changes in culture about every 6 months with new instructors coming in and old ones heading out. The DE's are by no means standardized either. Some are Airline Pilots, some are old Freight Dogs, some are just career CFI/DE's. So... you best defense is a solid couple of training flights, some solid time in the SIM, full knowledge of the PTS and the Seminole Systems (which you will study prior to showing up for Day 1), and being Instrument Proficient on arrival... not simply instrument "current"... Proficient is the key. Training IMHO is best in the winter time in PHX. It's sooooo much nicer since you won't sweat your A** off in the cockpit.

It's an intense few days for the 2 day program... and it is geared primarily to the military folks. It's their style of learning, and it's success is what built ATP as a flight school. For the 10 hour program it's a little bit more laid back. You get more ground, and more flight time. This is geared for those who may need to hone their instrument skills or are uncomfortable with GPS or it's been "a while" since they've been in a twin, in addition... those who like to be "uber" prepared for the oral.

Hope that helps... understand that it's been just over two years since I instructed for ATP. But... the planes and the PTS are still the same.

Bob

[JUSTFORGRINS]

Cap'n Bob..


Thanks soooooo much for the info!!!!! I may think up a couple more
questions so you can raise my fear level

[JUSTFORGRINS]

Cap'n Bob..

You nailed the course content square on the head....... I just completed the 10 hour ATP course at Phoenix. Passed it!!

Your advice is right on the nose. My instructor at KIWA (Phoenix) was Brian Marsh. Excellent instruction... excellent, efficient prep for oral/ride. I would recommend his instruction, although I suspect he will move on soon.

From what I saw, good maintenance on aircraft, good weather during winter and appears to be good core of instructors.

Thanks again for your notes

[Captain_Bob]

Hey there Grins...

Congrats!

I'm really glad things worked out for you... (and that my memory was fairly accurate for you.)

Oh yeah... Welcome to JetCareers!

Bob

[SDpilot]

I had Brian for my 90 day ACPP... he is a great instructor. Got me through my instrument in 3 weeks!

[sigpilot]

I went through CFI school with Marsh, he should be outta there soon!