Should I get my ATP?

[freightdoggie]

Situation is I have my ATP written done and was wondering if I should go ahead and pay to go to All ATPs and finish my rating. I currently am in a freight position where they will pay for my type/atp in one year. I want to get on with a fractional though, which I am trying to do now, I know, a lot of others are too. I have friends at both EJ and FLOPS, EJ requires you to have the ATP. Basically its a cash problem, I can put it on the credit card and get it, but should I? or Should I just try for FLOPS / stay in my current position.

I know it is basically up to me, a personal decison, just wanted to see your thoughts. Thanks

 

[Timebuilder]

If I make enough money this year, I'm going to finally take the written, do a little flying to clean the rust off, and take the ATP ride with a DPE. Just for the fun of getting to fly again.

Talk to your friends at the specific carriers to see if this is worthwhile for you. I'd hesitate putting this on the plastic unless there is a real viable reason that improves your chances of being hired sooner.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

2500+ hours and no ATP??

I hear ya about the cashshortage and everything...but you will raise a whole lot of eyebrows without having it....nevermind that the other 2000 applicants will.

99% of them (us) are (were) as poor as you but had the ATP.

If you are serious about this career - get your ATP at 1501 hrs. It truly is a bull$hit rating as far as skill, but you simply have to have it. People will wonder...Why no ATP?....and saying I couldnt afford it does not count (though it may be true)

Opportunities pop up at the strangest times in this biz, and it would $uck to lose out on a great one because you didnt have a dumb, cheap rating like the ATP.

Every single professional pilot has one - so should you!!

Good Luck!

 

[350DRIVER]

I agree with Gulf once again, d@mn he!! must be starting to freeze over. With 2500+ hours of time you need to get the ATP, bottom line. I would not wait and take a chance since Flight Options and the other fractionals are very competitive present day and you need to make yourself as marketable as possible and do whatever you can in your power to make your resume look equally as impressive. All of my friends in recent times who have gotten hired at the different fracs have all obtained the ATP prior to even interviewing. I think with your experience combined with your flight time/job that there is no excuse why you shouldn't have the ATP. This should be a relatively small investment and painless task since you are (or should be) up to speed on multi-engine flying, knowledge, experience, etc. I see absolutely no reason to delay this any longer than it has already gone.
If I were on the interview board and someone came to me with your flight time + experience and no ATP I surely would question them and simply ask "why"?


Just because a company doesn't require the ATP does not mean that one should not get it, you are more marketable with one and it will allow you to match the other applicants who do have it. Many of the more standardized programs have 2 and 3 day courses set up so you can get it rather quickly.



good luck,

3 5 0

 

[COEX-FO]

If I were on the interview board and someone came to me with your flight time + experience and no ATP I surely would question them and simply ask "why"?

Well you could get 'stuck' like me, Hired at COEX in 2000 without the ATP and was expecting to upgrade (ATP and Type at the same time) within a couple of years. Here it is mid way through 2004 and I have almost 4000 hrs and no ATP. That's the WHY, in my case.

Of course if I decide to interview where one is required I'll just go get it. I just wonder what flying that small twin will be like as compared to the RJ, the only thing I have flown for the last 2500 hours

 

[Gulfstream 200]

well heck, there ya go.

If your goal is to fly an RJ for COEX - save your few bucks and skip that ATP!

 

[ms6073]

I currently am in a freight position where they will pay for my type/atp in one year.

Not sure if this is kosher or will raise flags with employer, but seeing as you are flying 135 right now, why not hone the skills while flying the line and then ask for an ATP ride on your next PC instead of waiting for the type ride?

 

[Timebuilder]

Looks like enough people here think you should get it!!!

 

[freightdoggie]

Thanks guys for the advice, you reinforced what I know I have to do, but have been putting off. I scheduled to do it the beginning of July, 2 days and it will be a done deal.
I appreciate the good advice as always...
fly safe