Part 61 Checkrides

[MJEPilot]

Went to ATP

I went to ATP so I can provide you with the type of perspective you are looking for. I finished ATP in 80 days with all my ratings and no busts. But, there was another person there who busted all but 2 rides (so, 4 out of 6 he busted). I think if you bust one or two you are alright, when it gets to be more than that is when you should start being concerned when you go for an interview. ATP runs a great program. If there were people consistently failing then word-of-mouth would get around and no would be shelling out $25,000 to go there (get my drift?). It is the best way to do it and it is a lot of fun if you get the right instructor.

 

[FlyinBrian]

Jaybird, I feel your friend's pain. I worked at a 141 school, and I was always honest with our students. You will hear schools tell you that under part 61, you need 250 for the commercial, and under 141 you only need 190. This is a half-truth. That 190 hour comes from adding together the MINIMUM part 141 syllaubs hours for Private (35), Instrument (35), and Commercial (120) ALL of these hours must be completed in a 141 syllabus. If you have 160 hours, and an instrument rating, the MINIMUM total time you could complete your commercial in under part 141 would be 250 hours. This assumes you recieve the 25% credit for previous experience. Another common example: If you have 100 hours and NO instrument rating, you will most likely have at LEAST 225 hours before you get your commercial. Also, consider that a 141 commercial syllbabus if BORING and repetitive. (120 hours to learn 3 new maneuvers) Under 61, you can have a lot more fun, go on some sweet cross countries, you will do less dual instruction, and probably save some money. I'm in no way bashing 141, just trying to tell people to investigate their options carefully, and watch out for the sunshine that schools will blow at you. Many people have 200 hours before they start their commercial, and it would be downright foolish to complete a commercial under 141 under those circumstances. Especially considering that a 141 school is capable of abbreviating the syllabus and doing your training under 61 to avoid spending too much of your money. You get the same quality, but better suited to your needs. Many schools won't tell you this (for obvious reasons.)