ATP written Q

[need2AV8]

I did a search but didn't find the exact information that I need.

For the ATP written there are 3 different test possibilities.

1) Airline Transport Pilot - Added rating - Airplane

2) Airline Transport Pilot - FAR Part 135

3) Airline Transport Pilot - FAR Part 121

Within the next year, I intend to be working for a 121 or 135 operation. I want to be certain about this: should I be taking tests #2 & #3 above, or will any of the three work?

 

[Valkyrie]

Your choice.

I believe it doesn't matter anymore.

I would take the 135.

 

[CorpAv8r]

It's been awhile since I took the test, but if I remember correctly, the 121 test focuses on the B-727 systems. I found that helpful for learning jet theory, wt & balance, etc. I think the 135 test uses a t-prop platform for the wt & balance questions.

It doesn't matter which one you take, but you might as well learn the jet side if that is your eventual goal.

Again, this is from memory from a long time ago. Hopefully someone will verify this for you.

 

[Shieki]

I took the test a year ago and agree with CorpAv8r. The performance section was over four different a/c; 727, 737, BE1900, and one other I can't remember. The 121 test focuses on the larger jets and also the 121 regs. The 135 test uses the BE1900 and 135 regs and omits the 121 stuff. I asked the same question to many and the reply was that if you know definitely which route you plan on going, take that test mainly to learn the regs ahead of time. I wasn't sure if my next job would be commuter or 135 so I took the 121 test as that is my ultimate goal but I'm 135 now and by the time I'm 121 I will have forgotten all that stuff anyway so I guess it doesn't matter.

 

[avbug]

The only reason for differentiating between Parts 121 or 135 is to make it easier on the person being tested. If you're flying Part 135, then you'll be more familiar with the regulation regarding that kind of flying, and the test is tailored toward you.

If you're flying under part 121, then you'll be more familiar with the regulation regarding that kind of flying, and the test will be tailored toward you.

If you're not flying for a certificate holder, then it really doesn't matter, as the test is not tailored toward you. You may take either one.

If you'll be flying Part 135 initially (probably more likely than flying 121 initially), take that test, as you need to learn those regulations.

As other posters have stated, each test also focuses on the type of aircraft that are more representative of that type of flying. It really doesn't matter, as you are given all the data necessary to solve the weight shift and weight and balance problems.

No employer will know, or care, which one you took. Your test results don't show that you've completed a knowledge exam for the 121 or 135 tests...just that you've completed the knowledge exam for the ATP. Nobody will likely every ask, either.

 

[need2AV8]

thanx

... another thing. If you were sadly desperate (like me) to get a 100% on the written, and ended up with a 95% to 99%, is there anything wrong with retaking the thing to get the 100%? Will it matter? Will an airline ever know?

I just thought it might be worth it for someone looking over the resume to see 100% vs. anything else.

 

[Valkyrie]

The ability to memorize 1070 questions doesn't make you a good pilot.

I had 96% and part of this success is that I had plenty of time to prepare it.

My instructor passed it at the second attempt with a score of 94%, but he had maybe 3 or 4 less time than me to prepare it, since he was in a hurry in order to secure a new position.

 

[avbug]

In an interview once someone asked me what the score had been on my "written" test for the ATP. I told the interviewer I didn't remember. He scoffed and raised an eyebrow, and moved on. I have better things to remember...like trying to remember my own phone number, or the way home (where ever that is).

Take it again if you like. Nobody will know, or care. Nobody will care which test you took, either, and nobody will ever ask weather it was 121, or 135.