Fast Track Prep

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Brian.W.18

New Member
Hello I am going to be starting the fast track program that ATP offers in September and have been browsing for things to do to makes things easier on myself. I see a lot of "I wish I would have prepared for my writtens before going" after browsing these forums so I figured I would ask what this means and what I should be reading. Also as far as location is concerned I originally was looking at Daytona but after what I have seen it seems like Phoenix and Arlington are the best choices. Any information would be appreciated keep in mind I have 0 flight time.
 
Hi Brian, Welcome to the forum. When people are referring to the "writtens" they are talking about the written exams that the FAA requires you take for each grade(private pilot, commercial pilot, airline transport pilot, etc).

This link from the FAA http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/airmen/test_guides/ tells about each of the tests and what they encompass. Since you have zero flight time you will be starting with your Private Pilot License(PPL). Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Knowledge Test Guide - 2011. Here is the test guide for that. Towards the bottom it gives some of the resources you can use.

I didn't go to ATP so I don't know if you buy the textbooks ahead of time, but there are several textbooks that cover much of the information for each test. Some of the ATPers will probably reply with more specific information.
 
I don't mean to sound harsh, but I would do a bit more research on the industry. Maybe you have, but if you are not aware what a written is, are you aware of the difference between a 141 and a 61 school? How old are you and are you aware of the new regulations pertaining to being hired by an airline, flight time and age requirements? I assume the airlines are your goal as you are going to ATP.

Not trying to dissuade you, ATP is great at what they do, pumping out pilots quickly. They also will sell you on the dream and not tell you the reality.
 
I am 23 and have been looking into being a pilot for about 3 years but due to limitations not very seriously until this year. I'm sorry if the question was misleading I was really asking which writtens I should be studying for rather than what a written is.
 
Best program that I've found for preparing for written tests is the software at www.checkride.com

Not an ATP student myself, but I'm guessing the more studying you do before arriving, the better off you'll be. Should be studying for all the licenses you're looking at getting out of them.
 
I started the "read everything I could" approach but after the first 3 chapters of any book a lot of the information was contingent on having some flight time and wasn't of much use so I was looking for some direction as to what to read specifically
 
Brian.W.18 said:
I am 23 and have been looking into being a pilot for about 3 years but due to limitations not very seriously until this year. I'm sorry if the question was misleading I was really asking which writtens I should be studying for rather than what a written is.
Click to expand...

Ahhh understood. Sorry, I shouldnt have assumed.

Anyway, I didn't go to ATP but the progression is the same everywhere. Private, Instrument, Commercial. When you take the instrument written you can also take the Instrument Ground Instructor written, they come from the same question bank.

Airplane Flying Handbook is a good starting point. As is Rod Machados Private Pilot book.
 
Is it beneficial to read the entire FAR and an aviation weather book I also purchase or would the "important" points of these be covered with ATPs structure?
 
Do yourself a huge favor and read all of the threads related to ATP and flight training. This forum is very helpful and folks on here have “been there and done that” so they will be able to answer any questions you may have.

I also recommend taking a few flying lessons if you have not already done so. This will help you see if you even like flying before jumping into a very aggressive program, such as ATP.

Remember - There is a LOT of information to learn, even for the Private. Try not to just memorize the information but learn how it is actually applied in the real world.

My recommendation it do all the research you can about what you are getting yourself into. Don’t rush into anything. Make sure your have considered all other options. Make sure you understand the time and financial commitment required. Make sure you don’t have any false expectations. Don’t have shiny jet syndrome aka SJD and remember that it take a LOT of real world experience to become a good Pilot. Getting all of your rating is only half the battle. Getting real world experience is another. Don’t forget about the 1500 hour rule coming up next Aug. Keep safety as your number one priority. Fly safe and enjoy the ride.

Cheers.
 
I have certainly looked into other options but to be honest ATP was what I was looking for, a structured total immersion envirment to be completed as soon as possible to get "caught up". I'm not expecting to have hours and ratings handed to me I intend on working around the clock for the next 5 months at a premium price to get to where I wish I was. If I was 21 I would probably go through an FBO or another self paced program. At this point I'm placing the highest value on time without have to sacrifice to much quality.
 
ATP Cessna Supplement and buy the ASA Private Written Prep on iPad. If you already placed the deposit you should be able to get access to the ATP app.
 
Couple quick questions for those who have completed the actual program

Are there things I will need to be reading on my own external from what ATP advises me to or is it a pretty good layout?

Are there other certifications/courses I will need to pursue on my own once I complete the program if my goal is to fly commercially?

If I was to devote the next month solely to studying is that enough time to prepare for all the written exams or should I shoot for a later start date? Right now I'm looking at September I would finish out July at my current job and spend all of August preparing.
 
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