DCA pros/cons

[H46Bubba]

The Line up checklist is divided into two portions. The first is to be completed as you are holding short. During that portion you verify that your flaps are set and checked into whatever posion you require for takeoff, then verify that your carbheat is off, and then verify that you compass and heading indicator are alligned. The second portion is to be done once cleared on the runway. That portion is your basic "lights, camera, and action" items. Mixture: rich, transponer: On/ALT, Landing light on, Time Off: Note, then checklist complete.

[flyguy]

How is that different than the pre-takeoff check?

[Wannabe2]

the pre-takeoff (actually before takeoff) checklist is basically checking flight controls, runup and departure brief.

[flyguy]

Okay I see. We check the flight controls and the first part of what you guys call the Line Up check in the runup, and the second part of your Line Up ckeck is what we call the Pre-Takeoff check. I guess it all accomplishes the same thing though, and I agree that except for the "pushback", they are all good checklists to use.

[blee256]

Udub,
This would be my suggestion, go to ATP and get your multi/com add-on for like 1700, and then go to DCA for your CFI stuff. By saying this I probably piss off DCA admin by telling you to go ATP for multi add-on, and I piss off my boss at ATP for telling you to go to CFI class at DCA. But as a peer I think this is the best route IF your goal is to get on with DCA so you can get that "guaranteed inteview". I didnt attend DCA but i have no reason to doubt that they are a great school and you will get quality training there.

I know the big draw for going to the academies is the possible CFI job at the end, so good luck. But know that there are plenty if good FBO's and other schools that are looking for CFI's right now, so dont limit yourself to DCA because you think thats the only way to get your hours.

[JAM]

Interesting note:

At Comair, we don't even have a "pushback" checklist. The pushback is accomplished during the "starting engines" checklist.

The line-up checklist is divided into two parts here as well, the second part being "after cleared for takeoff." This serves to accomplish those thigs that are only appropriate/last check before advancement of thrust for the takeoff.

It goes (may not be verbatim):

Transponder.................................ON
Packs & Bleeds...........................AS REQUIRED
----------------Cleared for takeoff------------------------------------
Anti-Ice........................................AS REQUIRED
Lights..........................................SE T
Takeoff Configuration.....................OK
Lineup Checklist...........................COMPLETE

[Wannabe2]

Man, I can't wait until I am doing that checklist..... 18 months or so i figure.....

[H46Bubba]

Me too! I got a little bit farther to go than you Wannabe2, but I'm right behind you! I love being out in one of the practice areas and hearing a DCA graduate come up on 123.5 as he's flying over at 30,000 in a Comair CRJ. I've heard two CRJ's from Comair, someone in a CHQ EMB-140 and and ASA CRJ. Definitely a motivation, while you're out in the practice area in a 172.

[ERJ-135]

Do you really think you have a chance at Comair if you did not get your CFI or other Certificates at DCA?

[Wannabe2]

Yep, if you have your CFI and other certs you can still attend and basically audit the ratings you already have. (Basically go thru the courses and complete all of the items that are included in the TCO) I am not sure but I think you have to do CFI and CFII to get an interview with the school and get hired as an instructor. I have a job for a couple of days in the records room while I wait for my first student and I was updating some files on guys that did that very thing (came in with CFI). There were a lot of them that have done it that way.