ATP Practical Test

[Jeff]

I just passed my ATP written yesterday, and now it's time to start brushing up for the practical test. I'm not worried much about the flight portion, because it's fairly easy to work out any kinks before the checkride. However, I would like some advice on what to expect on the oral. Do I need to really study FAR 135, the helicopter maintenance manuals, etc.? BTW, I'll most likely be using a 300 CBi for the checkride. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

~Jeff

[Gomer Pylot]

For an ATP oral, you need to know the aircraft systems inside and out, by heart. On my oral, the examiner asked very simple questions - "Tell me about the fuel system. Tell me about the powerplant system", and so forth. When I had told him enough to convince him that I knew the systems, he stopped me and asked another question. Know the performance charts backwards and forwards. Know everything about the aircraft, and know that you know it.

 

There were no questions on Part 135 or anything else. It's a test on the aircraft, pure and simple. If you want a full ATP, the aircraft will have to be equiipped for instrument flight, because the ATP assumes and requires an instrument rating, and almost the entire flight is done under the hood, the only exceptions being some VFR work, such as slope landings, quick stops, etc.

[rotorwish]

My ride was right out of the PTS (Imagine that). Systems and the associated emergency procedures. Went right down the PTS for the Oral portion. Know the RFM. The ride was long - but it takes a while to do 2 non-precision and 2 precision approaches in a R22. A great expirience and something of a professional, independent evaluation after doing this pilot thing for a little while. Well worth the effort. Enjoy!

[cavloh]

I just passed my ATP written yesterday, and now it's time to start brushing up for the practical test. I'm not worried much about the flight portion, because it's fairly easy to work out any kinks before the checkride. However, I would like some advice on what to expect on the oral. Do I need to really study FAR 135, the helicopter maintenance manuals, etc.? BTW, I'll most likely be using a 300 CBi for the checkride. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

~Jeff

My ride was in a Bell 412 with an Inspecter that had only been in 212s..and s61s S58s.ect...RFM, RFM, and study the RFM...did I say study the RFM???...if you are reasonably familiar with IFR then you should have a decent ride if you study the RFM....AND a good point made previously, KNOW the performance and WT/BAL charts....did I say study the RFM? Also, later in your career when and if you go for a Type rating, you will find that it does NOT matter which A/C you take your initial ride in, but the same old KNOW the RFM still exists..but at that time you will have greater knowledge...

Good luck and remember...The ONLY perfect Pilot I met was imperfect.....

Roger

[Jeff]

Well, I passed my ATP checkride yesterday. Pheew! I put a lot of work into it, and I'm glad it's over with.

 

~Jeff

[rotorwish]

Congratulations- Do you already have the "What's the next challenge anxiety?" I guess we can get airplane ratings to take a break and do something easy

Edited October 4, 2008 by rotorwish

[JDHelicopterPilot]

Couldn't be more right about the plane thing being a nice change of pace and easier.

 

Jeff, congrats. I too am hoping to get my ATP done this year.

[Jeff]

Thanks!

 

I am after the airplane ATP next. I haven't flown multi in a couple years, so I'm going for the single-engine first. Once I come to terms with LEMAC, MAC, %-MAC, etc., I will take the written. Those are W&B concepts I have never come in contact with until about a year or so ago. I don't ever use them, so it'll take some studying.

 

Thanks again for the support.

 

~Jeff

[spencer]

Well, I passed my ATP checkride yesterday. Pheew! I put a lot of work into it, and I'm glad it's over with.

 

~Jeff

 

Jeff, congrats on the pass again . Additionally really good flying on Thursday and give me a call when you want to finish up.