ATP Written Expiration

[Bandit_Driver]

I took my ATP (135) written back in 2003. I have been continuously employed as a 135 or 121 pilot until my recent furlough. Does my furlough expire my written exam?

[desertdog71]

Originally Posted by Bandit_Driver

I took my ATP (135) written back in 2003. I have been continuously employed as a 135 or 121 pilot until my recent furlough. Does my furlough expire my written exam?

I thought it was good for 2 years or until you get the Actual ATP rating.

[VDEE7]

It's been a while since I read about this but as far as I remember, I think it said it remains valid if you're actively working as a135/121 Pilot!

[Captain_Bob]

If it was current when you started there... then you are good to go...

I'm not 100% certain of how a furlough affects it... but if you still have a Seniorty Number there, then you are still on the books... so it may not be an issue *IF* you go back to work for them and upgrade with them.

If you are going to work anywhere else... or you decide to go to your local FBO and get your ATP... then yes... it's officially expired.

FAR 61.39

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section, an applicant for an airline transport pilot certificate or an additional rating to an airline transport certificate may take the practical test for that certificate or rating with an expired knowledge test report, provided that the applicant:

(1) Is employed as a flight crewmember by a certificate holder under part 121, 125, or 135 of this chapter at the time of the practical test and has satisfactorily accomplished that operator's approved—

(i) Pilot in command aircraft qualification training program that is appropriate to the certificate and rating sought; and

(ii) Qualification training requirements appropriate to the certificate and rating sought;

Bob

[CFIse]

Originally Posted by Bandit_Driver

I took my ATP (135) written back in 2003. I have been continuously employed as a 135 or 121 pilot until my recent furlough. Does my furlough expire my written exam?

I don't know for a fact, but I don't interpret the regulation the same way some people have.

Once 2 years had passed you have an expired ATP knowledge test, it doesn't matter who you work for or what you do. HOWEVER - at any point in the future, providing you meet the requirements outlined in the regulation, employed at a Part 121 or 135, passed the training requirements, you may use the expired knowledge test during your application for the ATP practical test. The ASSUMPTION being that ATP practical test will be administered by the company as part of routine, or more likely, upgrade training.

In theory, I believe, as long as you meet the requirments you could also take that practical test in an FBO aircraft with a local DE, but you'd have to prove the existence of your empoyment and your training, and find a DE who know what they were looking at and knew how to submit the appropriate information to the FSDO with the application - and that just seems like a lot more work than just re-taking the knowledge test.

That's what I think - but as always, bottom line, you need to check with whoever is actually going to administer the test because, as far as you're concerned, they're the bottom line on the issue.

[Bandit_Driver]

Well I finally got an answer from the the Feds. 61.39 B does apply and as long as you are employed by a 121 135 or 125 air carrier the expired exam may be used. If you switch jobs after it is expires it is still valid for upgrade training at your new carrier. Higher Power, FTI, etc can honor the expired ATP written for 737 types and ATP checkrides.

However, Compass airlines will not honor any expired writtens. They are basing their decision on an outdate reg that has the words has been "continously employeed".