Career Pilots- Days 1 and 2.. :)

[Tram]

Well guys... Myself, Flugmaschine and ole SATX areall in Dallas.. Living the ATP life.. hehehe..

Well... Myself and Flugs have been here for 2 days... Hard to believe it's only been 2 days.. the amount of knowledge you gain, in a short period of time is craaaazzzy..

Anyway... for those of you who are thinking about doing the program.. based on the amount of stuff i have assimilated in the last 2 days, i would suggest comming as prepared as you can.. If you show up with the supplement memorized and all the writtens (maybe minus the FOI) your indoctrination into atp will be much smoother.. Ohh yeh.. get a 1st class medical.. Ask me how I know... Ohh well.. anyway..

Day 1:

Show up.. 8am.. do the paper work... get a few assignments... cut free at about noon to go home and digest both lunch and the workload.. not bad.. We had some quizzes to take and a few checklists to memorize.. went back up to the aeropuerto and sat in the plane and did some familiarization stuff.. SATX and Capt. Bob came out to say hello.

Day 2:

Show up.. 7am.. quizzes, get more assignments, today we got the multicheck ride profile.. done by 10am.. slow day.. for us.. busy day for the instructors.. we hung around the airport.. sat with Mark (who FINALLY Flew some more.. ), Adam, Casey, Ole' Merlin..Ohh btw... did you get to take your ride??? and a few others for a bit.. shot the breeze, talked ambient temps, you know.. umm.. career pilot stuff.. anyway, we came home and worked on the check ride profile.. went back up to the airport for more familiarization stuff.. Wound up catching some military guys going through their atp check. watched a b1 pilot fly some missed approaches, holding, etc in 0/0 conditions.. the sim is tricky. also sat through a pre-pre-check ride brief.. Procedures for tomorrow are memorized and ready for regurgitation tomorrow in the sim.. Here we come Pete!

Both Travis and myself have only "been here" for 2 days... me since really saturday and travis since late sunday... We both agree it feels like we've been here a week.. Both loving it so far though!

[CaptainMatt]

cool... Good Luck! Keep us updated when you can!

[BushPilot]

Great information on your first two days-gives me some insight on what I need to get prepared. After passing my interview on Saturday April 24th @ Phoenix , I'm looking to attend the beginning of August.

Good luck the rest of the way, keep us updated-as long as time allows .

Hey Cactus Cutter, you still looking at an August 2nd start date? I know you said you were working on your PPL, then probably taking July off to do some studying for the ACPP. If you're getting out there early let me know, I want to get out there maybe a week ahead of time, maybe we could grab a couple brews.

[Cactus_Cutter]

Hey BP!

Yes still in the ETA of Aug 2nd in PHX. I might get there a few days early depending on how far I drive each day. Either way "roll out the beers" I get a feeling after we start it will be DRY for a while to keep within school & FAA regs.

I leave in a week for JAX for the 85 hour PPL so I might be off the internet grid after that for a few months unless ATP allows to use computers to log onto JC.?

Right now I am in "instrument hell" and trying to absorb everything & learn something for my IRA and FII writtens. I would like to get at least the CAX done if not (FIA and FOI) before I go to PHX.

Hey Tram (or anyone else):
Does ATP allow to check into housing a day or two early before start date to get settled in?
Also how difficult is the CAX/FIA/FOI written compared to the instrument writtens? (Trying to plan a study strategy)

Thanks!

[Bumblebee]

It shouldn't be a problem to get checked in a couple of days prior to your start date. My roomates for the PPL program did. Just call the office and advise them of your plans. I don't know what the current policy on computers is, but we were able to surf in our "spare" time
Good Luck, and congrats on starting the program!

[MissedApproach]

Is IWA the primary ATP phoenix location or are there others?

[Tram]

OK guys-

How about a day 3 update?


Hmm.. let's see.. what did we do today?

Got to the airport at 7am and met with Pete.. Sat down, went over some paper work, filled out some more paper work.. turned in some quizzes.. then it was off to the sim.. before the sim, pete worked us over with some "power settings" in different procedures.. Power on and off stalls, steep turns, etc.. cruise settings, etc.. very busy day today..

However, tomorrow is SATX's checkride! I'm sure he'll nail it.

Mine is scheduled for Tuesday.. At this point, I have 0 hours in a seminole. but that's no biggie, SATX has around 3..

Day 3 - Check
Checklist complete...

[Tram]

Ohh yeh..

I got all the writtens minus the FOI out of the way, if your gonna leave one for getting here.. leave the FOI.. I checked into the apartment on Saturday, started Monday... So yes you can check in alittle early..

[Cactus_Cutter]

Thanks Tram (and everyone else) for the info! I'll keep the FOI written for last.

[Cactus_Cutter]

[ QUOTE ]
Is IWA the primary ATP phoenix location or are there others?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes. Williams Gateway Airport is ATP's PHX location.

[MissedApproach]

Tell me when you come out and I'll show you guys around!

[BushPilot]

[ QUOTE ]
Tell me when you come out and I'll show you guys around!

[/ QUOTE ]

Check your PM's.

[SATXaviator]

Update day 11

Finally have some high speed internet access...

Jeff has descirbed the first few days with great accuracy. I know that today him and Travis had thier first ride in the seminole...feels good to finally get into the plane and do some flying..right guys.

Well after day (11) I have taken half a checkride. I was able to complete my orals, but the weather has not been on myside. So everyday we have a checkride scheduled and everyday I have had it cancelled. I am still waiting on the Multi Pvt ticket, but I have started my Instrument ground and simulator sessions. I have one word..multi-tasking. The instructors and students here in Dallas are great...teamwork is the motto here.

Well it Friday night...time to head over to Cheddars for some adult beverages.

[Tram]

Hey guys-

Well.. Days 4 and 5 have come and gone..

Day 4 was a good day.. Lots of sim time getting ready for the check ride..

Day 5 (today) was flying day.. Finally got in the wind!! Man, the seminole is a sweet little plane.. I can tell the cross countries are going to be alot of fun..

I logged 2.0 and Travis got like 2.5 and got to play in the clouds a little, it cleared off for me..

For those of you who do enroll into ATP...

Here's a heads up on something else you will want to know..

1. Inflight engine failure checklist
2. gear down before landing checklist

If you know this inside out, like the back of your hand, your house on a dark night, etc.. You will be well ahead of the learning curve... Those two things are first day stuff that you will use alot..

Anyway, it's time for bed.. hopefully, if the weather holds, we're going flying tomorrow!

[Tram]

Yeh, Mark.. You remember the fortune cookie? Looks like it came true..

Anyway, I think Mark got his ride out of the way today, and probably as I am writing this is Multi-engine rated... Travis takes his tomorrow and I am on Tuesday.. Been sitting around the apartment today doing nothing but preparing for the oral part of the checkride..

let's see.. day 6 was bad wx so we did some ground stuff.. went to the mall for lunch, came back and did some more ground stuff.. I think.. shoot,all the days are blending into 1 big day, i'm not sure when I did what.

Let's see.. today is sunday.. day 7 for me.. 83 left. I went up for about 1.3 hours today for pattern work.. I think everyone in Arlington decided today was the day to fly.. There were numerous planes in the pattern and here I am buzzing around doing engine out manuvers..

Went something like this..

Take off.. get a few TnG's out of the way, normal landings, then we moved onto short fields.. some were a lil' short.. some where a lil' long.. That seminole doesn't go very far when you cut the power.. Get back in the pattern for some single engine action.. first one goes alright, 2nd one, 5 planes decide to get in the mix.. I'm comming crosswind, someone's behind me (Adrock and Merlin in the 172) then there's a plane trying to come downwind, as I'm turning downwind.. I think make a silly call TRYING to ask if the plane on the 45* has me in sight, so I don't fly all the way to the crash site, well I fumbled the call.. then about 3 different people radio back to tell me they have me in sight, so I have no idea who is who, what is what, etc.. ok, turn final and there's someone sitting on the runway, i commence a go around.. So, now there's a TravelAir taking off on 16, there's a Cessna who has just taken off turning cross wind and then there's me, zipping along in the 'Nole attempting to get a mouthful of the Cessna in front of me, I turn cross wind and am trying to slow up to keep from eating on the cessna, Adrock and Merlin are behind me again, doing engine outs, and ask me to shorten my base, no sweat, now i'm all up on the cessna... well, we got back on the ground in 1 piece.. i got to fly the busiest pattern i've ever flown into day, on 1 engine in completely unfamiliar, BUSY airspace.. Man, what a work out..

Bring on day 8!

[Merlin]

That was great, wasn't it?! Yep, the weather cleared, the wind died down and it's a Sunday afternoon... boy howdy, time to go flyin!

Just wait until you're doing the VOR 34 approach, the pattern is full AND they're using runway 16. It was very helpful to have that extra set of eyes in the back seat.

BTW, I passed. All done. erased my name from the board today!

Later,
Jeremy

[rhs]

[ QUOTE ]
BTW, I passed. All done. erased my name from the board today!

[/ QUOTE ]

Congrats! You gonna get your resume in? Or are you looking for a flying job elsewhere?

[Tram]

Were you on your ride during the "free-for-all?" Or did you fly later today? Either way, congrats on the pass!!

[Merlin]

Nah, I was burning off the last 0.6 of time TRYING to practice the power-off 180 in same day conditions. We only only got one clean shot at it in 4 landings because it was soo busy. The checkride was about 2 hours later and the pattern was relatively clear for it.

I was really suprised that the TravelAire was still sitting on the runway when you guys were on final... their behaviour is usually really good. We were midfield downwind watching the whole thing.

ATP already has my resume. Im sending them an updated one tomorrow. Unfortunately, they just hired a new class last week so I have to wait until a new class is hired (hopefully not too long). If I dont get picked up in the next class, every local flight school will have my resume the next day.

Jeremy

[AdrockAviator]

Ladies and Gents,
You are looking at above the new confident graduate of ATP. Congratulations MERLIN! I can only hope the rest of my students (while working at ATP) will be half as good as he was. He did everything I asked of him and more. I have faith he will be a great instructor for ATP or for any other flight school. I'm just glad the weather finally cooperated for you MERLIN. Mark, Travis and Jeff........keep on flying! Remember fellas, being a pilot is a license to learn! Enjoy.

[Bumblebee]

Jeremy,
Congrats on making it through a demanding program. Not everyone has the will to do it! Fortunately your instructors are top notch and class acts. I believe we met while I passed through Arlington on my x-c (your photo looks familiar). I also put my resume in at ATP two weeks ago this coming tuesday. Meanwhile, I have picked up fill in work at a local FBO doing check-outs, intro and photo flights. (I'm not taking full time students yet, just filling in the gaps until I see what happens with ATP). I hope to see you in FL.
Good Luck!
Dale

[SATXaviator]

Well guys the weather gods have finally been satisfied. I had to sacrfice Casey for the good weather...he was the only virgin I could find at the airport..(just kidding) KC.

I have passed my first of 7 checkrides and I am now multi-engine rated. I am sure as I am typing Travis has also joined the ranks and Jeff it is your turn tomorrow. You guys are sharp so I am confident of a successful outcome for you!

We have a new arrival here in Dallas...We all want to welcome Smokey1 to GKY. This place is just crawling with JCers. The guys at ATP must be very glad they decide to advertise with Jetcareers...the aviation "no spin zone" unless of course you stall first

Time to head off to the airport to see what on the schedule this week.

Mark

[SATXaviator]

Great job Jeremy!!!!!! Hope you get to instruct here in Dallas...btw thats for the tuturial on PAST...it helped me be clear and concise in my orals.

Mark

[Flugmaschine]

All right. Now that I have a couple days off and actually have access to a computer, I'll throw in a little bit. This is a great program. Maybe I'm just on a little natural high because I passed my M/E Private ride today, but the instruction here is very thorough. I'll add something to Jeff's list of things to know before you come- the whole first 17 pages of the Seminole supplement they send you. If you have the time, memorize it. Don't just read it...commit it to memory. Then read the systems stuff in the POH. There is plenty of time to prepare for the checkride, though. If there's any doubt about the quality of instruction for those of you considering ATP, banish them. These are the finest instructors I've ever seen. That's it for now. Congrats to Merlin and SATX!

[aloft]

[ QUOTE ]
This place is just crawling with JCers. The guys at ATP must be very glad they decide to advertise with Jetcareers...the aviation "no spin zone" unless of course you stall first

[/ QUOTE ]

Now if they'd just offer a JC discount....