Going to ATP

[TerryN-FL-608]

Hello Matt,

Today I just got approved for a loan and am ready to start at ATP in October. Just to introduce myself, I also work for ASA. I am a ticket/gate agent in GNV. I have worked there for 3 years this August. Wonder if you ever flew their before. I also worked on the ramp for a few months. I've done some training at the local FBO and have accquired approximently 13 dual instruction hours. After my first lesson, I was totally sure this was for me. I've asked many pilots and a lot of them recommended ATP . I'm planning on taking a personal leave of absence with ASA during my training at ATP. I'm doing the 90 day program in JAX. I was wondering if you could give me some tips and advice. I appreciate your time. Thank You.

[ASA Matt]

Hey Terry,

Thanks for the intro--it was beginning to feel kinda lonely around here! Welcome to the forums!

As a current ASA employee, I'm sure you are already quite familiar with the inner workings of a regional airline. I'm also sure that over the course of your almost three years with the company, you've been witness to both the highs and lows of such an operation. While I personally have never worked the gate or the ramp at ASA, I am rather confident that, if you're still interested in the industry, you'll love being in the cockpit!

The hard part is done. You've done your homework and decided that ATP fits your needs. Assuming you live in Gainesville (yes, I've been there, however, being a UGA graduate, I'm not a fan of the place!), ATP's Jacksonville location sounds like your best bet. JAX also is home to ATP's headquarters, chief pilot, and in-house examiner. These are all things that will make your experience there both stressful and rewarding.

Since you already have a little time "behind the wheel," you'll have a bit of head start. I'm not saying that you'll be able to take it easy the first few weeks, but you'll have an idea of what to expect prior to your first flight lesson. ATP's program is going to be faster and more intense than anything you've ever experienced so a few hours under your belt will be good.

My initial advice to you: prepare as much as you possibly can before your start date in October. What do I mean by this? Get the private written test out of the way if you haven't already done so. Read through the text books and other materials sent to you before your first day of ground. The key to success in this and other ATP programs is being one step ahead at all times.

PLEASE, feel free to post any specific questions regarding your training, ASA, the industry, etc. Thanks again for the post! Talk to you soon!

>ML

[TerryN-FL-608]

Hey Matt,

Thanks for your expeditious post. Thanks for the advice. I've been reading up a lot on the other posts, and many other coaches say the same thing about getting the private written out of the way. To do that, would I need to go to my local FBO? And who would I have to ask?

Also I plan on doing the 60 day private pilot in addition to the 90 day airline carrer program. Do those both include the living accomodations in the price? I believe so, but I just wanted to make sure.

[ASA Matt]

Terry,

First, you need to make sure you're prepared for the written test. ATP should include in your course materials some sort of prep-course for the private written. Set a timeline for study with a firm date of when you want to take the test. This will ensure that you take the process seriously and study in a time-effective manner.

When you're ready to take the test, find a testing center near you. There are two companies (that I know of) that administer FAA writtens: CATS (all ATP locations are CATS testing centers) and Lasergrade (links to both websites below). They are usually located at FBOs and other aviation related centers. You simply walk in, pay a fee (about $90), and take the test. When you are finished, the results are printed, authenticated and handed to you. Once you start with ATP, you'll take the remainder of your writtens there.

As for housing, yes, it is included in the price of both programs. Definitely a nice feature of ATP's programs. Let me know if you have more questions!

http://www.catstest.com/

http://www.lasergrade.com/

>ML

[TerryN-FL-608]

Hey Matt,

I would have posted earlier, but I couldn't access the forum. I guess some technical difficulties. Anyway I just toured the JAX facility at KCRG. And after visiting, I am so ready to get going. I would start earlier but because of prior commitments I will be starting October 6th. The good side though is that it gives me just that much time to study and get myself prepared. I've got my deposit payed today as well and should be getting that box 'o book soon. Tommorow I will be getting my 1st class medical, I've already got my 3rd, so getting my 1st shouldn't be a problem I guess. I was told I could move into the apartments about two days before class starts. I'm just wondering at what date I should request my start leave from ASA. I'm so excited that I've told everybody at work. I will be studying for my PPL written and try to knock that out soon. Hit me back when you get a chance.

-Terry

[ASA Matt]

Terry,

Good to hear that you're ready to go! Don't be afraid to bust right into that "box-o-books" and start reading--especially the private written stuff.

As for the medical, I'll be surprised if you're able to tell the difference between the 1st and 3rd class physicals. The physicals in general vary so drastically from one medical examiner to the next, it's hard to know what to expect. If you had no problem getting your 3rd, I don't foresee any problems. As long as it's convenient and the price is right, just get it done.

You shouldn't need more than a couple days to get situated in the apartments. I showed up a day before training started and spent the afternoon grocery shopping and talking to my roommates. Definitely spend as much time preparing at home as you can. You may give yourself a week or so between leaving ASA and starting at ATP. Whatever is financially feasible. Keep me posted!

>Matt

[TerryN-FL-608]

Hi Matt,

I just got the "box-o-books" last night. I must say wow that was quick. lol. I like the hat. pretty sweet. I already have the Jeppesen textbooks when I trained at bit at my local FBO. I guess I'll put my old ones up for sale on Ebay or something. Please let me know if you have any suggestions. I started watched chapter 2 of the video today. I like it, it is very informative and easy to understand. I'm right now going over the white book which contains the FAA knowledge test bank questions. I'm reading them and highlihting the correct answers. So far it's been pretty easy. Also let me know if you do fly into GNV. Thanks.

[ASA Matt]

Good work with the books, Terry. The best way to use those video courses is to go through the corresponding questions as you watch the video, which it sounds like you're doing. When you're though the whole thing, take a few practice tests (the course book should have something like that) and see how you do. Glad the videos hold you're interest--that's a good sign! I had the old VHS King videos which got a little dry at times! Only missed one question on the test, though, so I guess it worked! Keep me posted and I'll let you know if I get down to Gator Country! Headed to 'Nole Country today!

>Matt

[TerryN-FL-608]

Hey Matt,

I just got the King School Private Pilot DVDs. It's really helpful. Definetley gives me a better understanding on subjects I'm a little "iffy" on.

I was wondering about the apartments. From what I understand, the apartment is fully furnished. When I'm at home and studying, I usually study at my desk. Will a desk be provided or would I have to bring my own?

Ah... headed to TLH huh? How could you lol.

-Terry

[ASA Matt]

Ha! Sounds like you'll be enjoying the same John and Martha presentation I enjoyed--just on these new things called "DVDs!" The King programs are very well done. Follow their step-by-step process and you'll have no problem whatsoever.

The apartments are either two or three bedroom, roommate style. They are fully furnished with everything you'll need to live (rather modestly, of course) for the few months you're in training. It's not a Martha Stewart design, by any means, but they're perfectly comfortable. As for the bedrooms, there will be two twin beds, a bedside table or two, and a dresser. No desk (that I know of). I would typically study on my bed, at the coffee table in the living room or at the dining room table. All depends on your tolerance for distractions. Whether you like to study by yourself or not, I think you'll find yourself studying with your roommates more often than not. Quizzing each other is really the best way to learn things (I found, anyway). If you're a hardcore desk guy, then, by all means, bring a desk. I've seen students do this in the past and some even left them in the apartments! Whatever you want!

>Matt