How was the flight test?

Is the oral as tough as they say? I'm starting on mine now. S/b done by
Jan.06

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Thx, {|;-)

Victor J. (Jim) Osborne, Jr.
"Doug Vetter" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

Just figured I'd let everyone know that after 19 long years, I managed to
pick up my ATP last week. Many thanks to Ryan (of fergworld.com fame) for
providing the ATP resources on his site, as well as answering several
questions via email that helped me get the ball rolling many months ago.

The written was far more difficult than I thought it would be. You really
need to study for it because it touches on every conceivable subject and
because some test-taking technique is involved. I found many questions
had VERY similar answers. Round too much on one of the flight planning
questions and you'll pick the wrong answer...guaranteed.

The oral exam was essentially that for an instrument rating, with Part
135/121 regs thrown in (the part the examiner grills you on depends on
which written you take). The examiner himself recommended people pick up
the ASA Instrument Oral Exam guide because his questions came directly
from there. I missed a few and I didn't have that book. Hmmmm.

The practical amounted to a multi-engine instrument checkride to tighter
tolerances. You're expected to "make a plan, brief the plan, and execute
the plan". Of course, that's good advice for all pilots -- not just ATPs.
And in general, you're expected to have a certain polish at this point.
Communications, aircraft control, emergency procedures...everything needs
to be done "comfortably". No jerky control movements, no missed
checklists, etc. Not necessarily hard, but the devil is in the details.

My examiner was cool in that we did the checkride in solid actual
conditions. That was a lot of fun. It was also my first time doing
single engine work in actual with the rain beating on the window. Now all
I need is find a nicely equipped Seneca or Baron in NJ I can fly...I mean,
I like the 172, but I'm actually not looking forward to flying it to
SimCom in Memphis next month -- it's just too dang slow. :-)

Anyway, check out the full article by going to my site (note that
dvcfi.com is now dvatp.com) and click through:

Aviation-Articles-Miscellaneous-ATP Certificate

Hope you enjoy reading it.

Safe flying,

-Doug

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Doug Vetter, ATP/CFI

http://www.dvatp.com
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