So then that begs the question, what the hell do you need an ATP ASEL for if you've got ATP AMEL?
Well, he is after the Comm ASEL, not ATP ASEL, which is pretty rare because it has little utility. But if you are asking why not be happy with just the Multi ATP, I remind you about what I wrote above. Flying the line for an airline is nothing like the flying in the military. It IS a flying job. It can be a very good job. But on leaving the military many of us did not find the challenge or variety in airline flying to replace what we got out of the military. Flying the big silver astro jet is a JOB. Flying my classic tail dragger and a variety of other single engine aircraft is not a job. On any given flight t I am far more likely to get satisfaction out of flying an airplane older than me, and less complex than the car I drive to the airport, than flying a trip for the airline. Getting the ASEL preserves the ability to completely experience flying at a personal level, where, when and how you want. And more importantly for any airline guy, it makes you eligible for a survival, part time, change of career, or retirement flying job that requires an ASEL. I am off to the airport to go flying. I plan on seeing how slow I can fly out to a dirt strip for some touch and goes and short field take offs. Then I'll pick up some oil for an oil change. And no, I won't be in a uniform, watching the clock for an on time departure, waiting in line for 20 minutes to take off, turning off the seat belt sign, or talking to a single air traffic controller. But I will be flying, and loving it!
