It seems a lot of people are wondering about this class so I thought I would post my experience to answer some questions (or create more). Just started today, so I will post the highlights each day while they are fresh.
I am taking the class through ATP Higher Power in Dallas. They also have classes in Atlanta and Phoenix. I think for right now Dallas is the only one you can use your VA benefits at. They did mention today they are working on opening classes in Las Vegas and Miami as well. The cost is $5000, with $500 put down up front as a deposit and the rest due the morning of the first day of class. Another point mentioned, if you go through the ATP-CTP course, they will take $1500 off the 737 type rating if that is the route desired. I signed up about a month ahead of time and the class was only half full when I called. They said there were eight spots, but there are 13 people in my class right now. Requirements for the class are a commercial multi-engine and instrument and a proof of US citizenship. They tell you that ATP-CTP is a requirement to take the ATP written, but does not prepare you for it. They get you setup with the Sheppard Air Gouge as part of the deal. Overall Ashley was who I communicated with and was very easy to work with.
My class is mainly military. Four Navy, one Marine, two Air Force, one pure civilian, two foreigners (?) and two that were recently hired with GoJets. In addition, we have two FAA guys auditing our course which I will get too.
Day one, first slide is a picture of an airplane with the forces of lift, weight, thrust and drag. I instantly regret not taking the test two years ago.
I can pretty much sum up that the first day consisted of nine hours (you betcha) to say if you are in a stall, lessen your angle of attack. I shit you not. I expected at any moment to the instructors to say our next evolution was in the pool because I was in API again. The media was either the Nat Geo Air disasters shows, or some videos from the eighties with the test pilots from Airbus, Boeing and McDonnell Douglas doing their best larry, moe and curly impression. They did show the Air France 447 and Colgan Air Flight 3407 (the Nat Geo version) mishaps, the latter being the impetus for the course. It was a stark reminder unfortunately that there have been people flying you around that probably aren't qualified to do it.
The interesting part is I chatted with one of the FAA guys. I asked him why are we taking this course as a requirement for the ATP written if the material is not part of the test. He explained that congress essentially forced them implement the course before they had time to overhaul the test. He did mention how they (the FAA) are not happy with the current test (that it is outdated, using 727 numbers etc.) and they have a current bank of approximately 15,000 questions they are going through right now. He said they expect the new test to be in place around OCTOBER time frame. To me that is big news for anyone on the fence. In addition, he said that by 2019, all training curriculum will have more advanced handling characteristics type events in place to teach the basics of flying. Again, pretty sad it has come full circle like that, but I think that is something we have probably taken for granted in the military
I am taking the class through ATP Higher Power in Dallas. They also have classes in Atlanta and Phoenix. I think for right now Dallas is the only one you can use your VA benefits at. They did mention today they are working on opening classes in Las Vegas and Miami as well. The cost is $5000, with $500 put down up front as a deposit and the rest due the morning of the first day of class. Another point mentioned, if you go through the ATP-CTP course, they will take $1500 off the 737 type rating if that is the route desired. I signed up about a month ahead of time and the class was only half full when I called. They said there were eight spots, but there are 13 people in my class right now. Requirements for the class are a commercial multi-engine and instrument and a proof of US citizenship. They tell you that ATP-CTP is a requirement to take the ATP written, but does not prepare you for it. They get you setup with the Sheppard Air Gouge as part of the deal. Overall Ashley was who I communicated with and was very easy to work with.
My class is mainly military. Four Navy, one Marine, two Air Force, one pure civilian, two foreigners (?) and two that were recently hired with GoJets. In addition, we have two FAA guys auditing our course which I will get too.
Day one, first slide is a picture of an airplane with the forces of lift, weight, thrust and drag. I instantly regret not taking the test two years ago.
I can pretty much sum up that the first day consisted of nine hours (you betcha) to say if you are in a stall, lessen your angle of attack. I shit you not. I expected at any moment to the instructors to say our next evolution was in the pool because I was in API again. The media was either the Nat Geo Air disasters shows, or some videos from the eighties with the test pilots from Airbus, Boeing and McDonnell Douglas doing their best larry, moe and curly impression. They did show the Air France 447 and Colgan Air Flight 3407 (the Nat Geo version) mishaps, the latter being the impetus for the course. It was a stark reminder unfortunately that there have been people flying you around that probably aren't qualified to do it.
The interesting part is I chatted with one of the FAA guys. I asked him why are we taking this course as a requirement for the ATP written if the material is not part of the test. He explained that congress essentially forced them implement the course before they had time to overhaul the test. He did mention how they (the FAA) are not happy with the current test (that it is outdated, using 727 numbers etc.) and they have a current bank of approximately 15,000 questions they are going through right now. He said they expect the new test to be in place around OCTOBER time frame. To me that is big news for anyone on the fence. In addition, he said that by 2019, all training curriculum will have more advanced handling characteristics type events in place to teach the basics of flying. Again, pretty sad it has come full circle like that, but I think that is something we have probably taken for granted in the military