Introduction

[MikeN-OR-508]

Hey Todd,

I'm busy as well, Building a bridge right now at my Temp job...LOL....

Unfortunately this means some night work for me for a little while, for some reason the traveling public wants a bridge to ge them to work...SO I've spoken with my CFI, and we will cram on the weekends for flight time.,,flying Sat. this week as a matter of fact..

Ok, now some more experience questions..

I see alot of career coaches telling folks to get as many written tests out of the way as you can , before getting to ATP.. I don't yet have my FAR/AIM book, But I was wondering what are the requirements to take any of the written tests in advance..I will also ask my CFI, but wanted your experienced opinion. I will try to find the answer online as well.

I know the industry is in tough times as of late, but I know from my prior airline experience with AS/QX, nothing will stop air travel. The reality is before WN came to the N.W.; I remember charging $500-600$ from PDX to LAX RT. The low-cost carrier has came and gone, 1 after the other ; so all in all pilots retire, the military is retaining the pilots, and the market will recover. Heck it looks like today DL fired Pinnacle, So you guys might be picking up more flying yet!!

I don't have my final plan in effect, with finaincing, ect.. But,

What I really would like to do, if at all possible, is to complete any written tests, that I can legally do, and spend my time at ATP, Just flying, sleeping, flying, and more flying...This is probably will be the foundation of my desired plan,,,What I can and can't do as far as the writtens, prior to getting to ATP.


Anyway I have to go to work tonight , So gotta split....

Take care....Mike

[SkyWest Todd]

Hey Mike,
Good luck on the bridge! That sounds interesting.

As far as the tests go... They seem to be a dark cloud that drops down on you with mountains all around without your IFR rating. The practical stuff (flying) is fun and the bookwork tends to fall behind if you don't keep up with it. That's really the biggest concern for the CFI. Several students get the hang of flying, sort of like driving a car but if the driver doesn't know the rules of the road, he'll eventually get his drivers license suspended or be involved in a crash.

The flying will make more sense as to why you do what you do in the plane based on the science and rules of the flight. That's one side of the coin, the other side of it is that you won't have the "gloom" of.... I've got to study so I can pass that test, it seems to keep you down. If you have the tests taken, and truly learn what you study, you will be able to relate that knowledge to the practical experience, it will all come together and be a better experience.

I would for sure get your Private Pilot knowledge test taken within the first half of your training. I'd study and take the IFR test prior to going to ATP. You will need to be endorsed by your CFI to take the test. He will probably base his endorsement on either a verbal test or have you take some practice tests prior to taking the Instrument Pilot Knowledge test.

I would at least have the Instrument test taken prior to ATP just to lighten the load on your study time there. At ATP, the written tests are included in the price of the program so if you take your test prior, KEEP YOUR RECEIPT. I think they will reimburse you for the cost of that test.

Your time at ATP won't exactly be flying and sleeping. There will still be ALOT of studying to prepare for the orals and learn what and why they are teaching you. An average day will be a couple of hours of flying, probably 4 hours classroom with your instructor and 6-8 hours of study and memorization for the phase you are working on. Sometimes I flew my students twice per day (morning and evening) if they were up to it, depending on how the knowledge was coming along.

This industry is obviosly fluid and has to mold to the needs of the people and the finance of the airline. People and pilots will come and go but the airlines will continue to move a certain number of people from point a to point b.

In a nutshell, focus on your PVT for now. Take the written by the time you solo or shortly there after. Take your Instrument Knowledge test prior to going to ATP. Study and know the material that ATP sends you. (Info/limitations/systems on the Seminole and your Multi Engine Rating information ie. critical engine etc)

It may seem a little overwhelming at times but it will all come together at the end. How do you eat an elephant???? One bite at a time.

Gotta get some sleep. Flying from Huntsville, AL to Denver early in the morning.

Talk to you later,

Todd

[MikeN-OR-508]

Good Morning Todd,

For me it's morning, working these nights are killer!! Leaving for work shortly 8:00P. The plan is coming together, slowly but surely. I'm trying to shorten the time at an ATP school, without the old pay-check, and make it do-able.

So here's the question. If I were to have the SEI, MEI, and some time built here in Oregon, does ATP have an A-LA-cart type scenerio that could work for me. The issue here is the on-going financial reponsibilities, that does not allow for being gone first 90 days, with no pay-check, without selling everthing I own. This would be a viable option in a better housing market, but I can't allow to take this much of a hit selling my home and acreage. Plus nothing is selling around here at ALL.

On another note, being Denver based, Are you getting the trips you want? I guess I never asked if Skywest types all new pilots in all the RJ's as well.??
Any new flying ofr Skywest; ie, routes ect??

Well Sir that's enough for now..Take care and will talk to you soon....


Mike

[SkyWest Todd]

Hey Mike,

I know the feeling of working nights. It reminds me of my Law Enforcement days.

ATP doesn't really have an A-LA-cart type scenerio for the training. You may want to call the 800 number and confirm that (just in case something has changed). There are two basic entry levels, no experience which you would get your private license prior to the career pilot program. Or the career pilot program which takes you from you pvt to all cfi ratings.

You should probably call them and confirm that one in case something has changed. As a side note, all the flight experience you get will help you through the program.

ATP also offers the self - paced program which will take you 10 months or less. That program allows you to maintain a job while you go through the training.

Any trip is pretty much what I want in Denver. I'm just getting off reserve so I'm not too picky. I think it takes a few years to get picky in what sort of trips you fly.

At SkyWest, your training will be for a SIC rating in whichever plane you fly. The CRJ rating is based on the 200, we then do differences training on the 700 and 900 and are qualified to fly all three.

Have you looked into the self paced 10 month program?

Talk to you later,

Todd

[MikeN-OR-508]

Todd,

Yeah I looked at 10 month program, thinking I could commute from OR, but no housing looks to be a problem. Just to trying to find all the angles. Yes I had emailed ATP, and no answer as of yet. I'll attempt a phone call when I get off shift in the morning. Mean-while I will continue flight training, and get that written done for the PPL. Talk at ya soon....

Mike

[SkyWest Todd]

Hey Mike,
Try calling 1-800-ALL-ATPS and ask for James he will better be able to answer your Ala Carte questions. Keep plugging away at your private and let me know if I need to help you get ahold of James or I can have him call you.
With working the night shift etc. It may be better if you call him.
Keep working at it and keep your chin up!
Todd

[MikeN-OR-508]

Good Morning here at 1845...

I will try to call ATP tomorrow A.M. before I crash pad it.. We will see what they have to offer... In the mean-time , here is a couple ?? for ya.:

I'm having a FarnsWorth color test done at my normal annual eye exam, just to have it done for my own knowledge. So if I have some document from the eye Doc, approving the test, how or what do I do with?? Or do I need to have fllight M.E. perform this test.?? It's free for my annual under my insurance, so I figured what the hay.

Second, I met a corporate pilot some weeks ago, here at SLE FBO, and he mentioned some-thing about riding along when I had time, GREAT!! I thought, What fun, But I failed to ask how and when could I use this to my benefit for future logging hours?? I believe it was a Falcon , sweet airplane!!

Bottom line if the ATP thing is not able to work for my situation, I WILL continue my Dream at all costs, Just locally I guess. When My daughter is off to college next year, there will be nothing to hold on to here, since she is going out a state.

And most importantly, your advice and inspiring story, is GREATLY Appreciated!!

Fly Safe,

Mike

[SkyWest Todd]

Hey Mike,
I would complete the Farnsworth Lantern test with your doc and have him write a letter that you have passed that color vision test. Take it with you when you meet with your AME. That may be sufficient for the AME, however, your AME may want to see you demonstrate the test as well. I'm not sure.

I had the same problem with color vision. My AME gave me a letter and said that it would work for any future color vision tests for my 1st class medical.

As for the "riding along" in a corporate jet. The way I understand it, you would need to be type rated to log the time. If the plane requires a 2nd crew member, you could log SIC time. You would want to check the regulations and look that one up for yourself so you're not taking someone elses word for it.

If you keep pursuing the career, it will all work out. Sometimes flying jobs just sort of fall in your lap and sometimes the one you want seems to be so far out of reach that it gets frustrating. One way or another, if you get your license and ratings, it will come together.

Were you able to get ahold of ATP on the 1800 number? Are you flying this weekend?

Talk to you later, Todd

[MikeN-OR-508]

Todd,

Yes, I did speak with James in great detail. Pretty much they have changed alot about the program, but unfortunatley they will be unable to help. The only training that would be a guarantee, I believe is the CRJ 200 FTD, as a head start.

In the mean-time I'm flying Saturday, solo pattern work, and then when the boss approves my pattern work, little discussion, then a short x-country to CVO and Back. Basically I bought a block of single engine time (Much-cheaper), and I will also Block purchase the SEI airplane as well. I also have a pre-test for the PPL, and WHEN I pass this , going to take the written ASAP. LAST WORK NIGHT!!! Whew Hoo.....More ltr...

Mike

[SkyWest Todd]

Hey Mike,

How did the Saturday flight go? Did you do your X-country? I have been off for about 3 weeks and have to go back to work tomorrow. I'll end up in Nashville and Chicago for the 4th of July. Last year, I watched the fireworks from the plane going into Atlanta.
How's the PPL pre - test comming along? Sounds like you are moving forward. All of the flights you are doing now, gets you one step closer to getting paid to fly!
Have a great 4th of July!
Talk to you later,
Todd