Get ATP now or later?

[your_dreamguy]

Hello,

I've heard of some pilots who've joined the commuters and corporate with a Commercial certificate. These pilots did their ATP checkride with their company training.

Does anyone know exactly how that works? For example, does an FO upgrading to captain schedule an ATP/Type ride?

Anyway, the reason I'm asking is because I have about 90 more hours before I have enough hours to take an ATP checkride.
Do you think I should spend my own money and get my ATP ASAP or should I try and get on some place and do something like an ATP/Type when upgrading from an FO to captain?

Right now, I'm leaning to spend my own money because maybe having an FAA ATP can help me get a job overseas or will make me look more attractive when applying for jobs here in the states.

Your 2 cents?

Thank you.

 

[CesnaCaptn]

An ATP will make you a little more competitive when applying for jobs. If however, you are hired at an airline without one, the ATP checkride will be incorporated with the type ride when you upgrade. I was just told recently by a checkairman at my company that, in addition to the regular type ride, all I will have to do is an NDB approach on the sim ride.

 

[AZaviator]

I'm in a similar situation and have been debating on whether or not to get my ATP rating or not. I decided not to get it. The main reason is that I haven't come across a job that I wasn't qualified for due to not having an ATP rating. An ATP rating will make you more competative, but if your goal is the airlines or something along those lines, I think I'd wait and get the ATP rating when you upgrade.

Just my $.02

 

[350DRIVER]

I don't think it matters if you have the ATP or you don't to join a regional or 135 charter outfit (applicable to most operators). Most of the pilots I know just take the written to enhance and "brighten" up the resume. At the appropriate time when you are able to upgrade to captain then the type ride will also act as your ATP ride. This way your employer pays the cost and you will be set. Our pilots do this in the DO-328 jet as well as the Sabre fleet and the BE-300 & BE350.- If I were you I would just be patient and let time take it's toll and before you know it you will have the much coveted ATP. On the other hand in today's not so "perfect" industry the more marketable that you can make yourself the better off you may be.

Does anyone know exactly how that works? For example, does an FO upgrading to captain schedule an ATP/Type ride?

The training department takes care of this and the Type ride required to upgrade will also be your ATP check ride. The "exact" procedure and way of doing this varies from one company to another. Flight Options for example types you right from the start when you are hired on as a SIC however last I heard ALL new hires were put into the BE200 or 8 or so rotations so this could have changed. Our company check airman is authorized to give type rides in the Sabre, 300, & 350 so this avoids the FSI or Sim Com route and makes for a quicker transition. Your "future" employer will handle all the details, just make sure that you have the written done. (even this isn't a "must"- just my suggestion)

Do you think I should spend my own money and get my ATP ASAP or should I try and get on some place and do something like an ATP/Type when upgrading from an FO to captain?

I would say that it really would depend on who you are trying to get on with. Some companies want you to have the ATP however many others don't care since you will be hired on as a "SIC"-

C H E E R S

3 5 0