ATP and FE written tests?

[whereamI]

Allright, so my question pertains to the expiration of either the ATP or FE written exams. They are good for 24 months unless you are employed by a 121/135 carrier as per the FAR's. Now, must you be employed with the same carrier the entire time after your written has "expired", or can you move on to subsequent 121/135 carriers and still have it be valid? I ask because I have a FE exam I took nearly three years ago, and I have since changed carriers after the 24 month expiration date. Still flying 121, just not the same company as when I took the test, or since the 24 month expiration date. Basically, do I need to retake the test in order to work the panel at FedEx/UPS.

 

[A Squared]

Allright, so my question pertains to the expiration of either the ATP or FE written exams. They are good for 24 months unless you are employed by a 121/135 carrier as per the FAR's. Now, must you be employed with the same carrier the entire time after your written has "expired", or can you move on to subsequent 121/135 carriers and still have it be valid? I ask because I have a FE exam I took nearly three years ago, and I have since changed carriers after the 24 month expiration date. Still flying 121, just not the same company as when I took the test, or since the 24 month expiration date. Basically, do I need to retake the test in order to work the panel at FedEx/UPS.

Why not read the regulations? They are pretty clear on the matter and that seems like a better method of getting the answer than soliciting opinions from people who may or may not know. Be aware that you're asking 2 different questions, the ATP and FE requirements are governed by different regulations, so are not necessarily the same.

Another question you might ponder is: would fed-ex or UPS *prefer* that you had passed the exam within 24 months?

The answer to that one might be more relevant to you, and can't be found in the regulations.

 

[whereamI]

Yeah thanks, I wasn't really looking for unsolicited opinions on the matter all though I guess I didn't really make that clear. It just so happens that I don't have access to a FAR/AIM at this time, and was debating the question with a fellow pilot who had a differing viewpoint. It has been too long since I have read that particular reg., so I guess I will look it up when I eventually make it home. Cheers.

 

[A Squared]

>>>>>> I don't have access to a FAR/AIM at this time,

You can find the Regulations on the net at:

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title14/14tab_02.tpl

The reason I suggested reading the regs is because this question comes up pretty often, and it almost always gets at least 3 different answers. Anyway, here's the relevant regs

ATP:

§ 61.39 Prerequisites for practical tests.
(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;


Flight Engineer:

§ 63.35(1) The applicant—

(i) Within the period ending 24 calendar months after the month in which the applicant passed the written test, is employed as a flight crewmember or mechanic by a U.S. air carrier or commercial operator operating either under part 121 or as a commuter air carrier under part 135 (as defined in part 298 of this title) and is employed by such a certificate holder at the time of the flight test;

(ii) If employed as a flight crewmember, has completed initial training, and, if appropriate, transition or upgrade training; and

(iii) Meets the recurrent training requirements of the applicable part or, for mechanics, meets the recency of experience requirements of part 65; or