FE Written

[IfIHadABoat]

Howdy yall,
Would it be worthwhile for me to do my FE written exam? I know only a few people are flying 3 seaters nowadays, but I imagine I would learn a few things so what do you guys think. I wouldn't be doing it for specifically getting on with those airlines, just for strive for while instructing.

Also, I have read in the FARs how to get the actual rating but it still confuses me, could someone clear that up a little? My question concerns the actual flight and oral.

Thanks in advance,
Boat

 

[CUEBOAT]

I wouldnt waste the money on the written unless you intended to get the actual rating. It is very similar to an ATP written. To get the actual certificate you must take an oral and a flight, usually done in a sim. The only one worth getting would be the turbo-jet rating I think it cost around $5000.

 

[Falconjet]

I agree with Cueboat. You don't do yourself any good having the FE written unless it is required by a company that you would like to apply to. The information in the test is very similar to the ATP info, with perhaps a little more weight and balance, cargo shift, and performance chart reading questions. Plus, the written is only good for 2 years, so if you don't actually go ahead and get the rating (which does entail training, an oral and a sim check ride, at least at FedEx) you will have to take the test again if you want to keep it up to date. Again, I see absolutely no reason to consider this until you are ready to apply to a carrier that requires it.

Just one opinion.

FJ

 

[IfIHadABoat]

Thanks guys. I was looking for advice from people that knew more about it and I got it, thanks again and I'll save the cash.

 

[Captain4242]

You may want to think about taking it. I know that UPS and FedEx still require it. The book costs about $25, and the test $80 or 90. The test itself is really no different than any other written you've taken; a big test bank. In no way can it really hurt to have this written exam with you, even if you don't later use it.

 

[b757driver]

You may want to do it for the heck of it - just to keep your hand in so to speak and it's good practice for the the technical interview.

Having said that, there are only a handful of operators (some mentioned above) that require it before they will even look at you. I did the written test three times in the 90s when all the majors required it and my tests slowly expired. Did taking them do me any good? Sharpened the brain, yes but it did not open any doors for me.

My advice would be save your cash unless you want to apply to the likes of Fedex or UPS and you know that you you have a better than 50-50 chance of getting called for an interview. Otherwise, frankly, it's a waste of time and money. Most people look for a return on their investment and this "qualification" is bottom of the list. Just my two cents worth and having been there, done that etc. Hope it helps make your mind up - either way.