Hi,
I was told by an experience pilot that I should get a SE ATP instead of going for SE instrument, SE commercial. Once I have the SE ATP I could add on a ME license and in that way I would be able to apply for regional airlines.
Is that right?
Thanks for the help
73
Since per 14 CFR 61.153(d)(1) you must already hold a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating to be eligible for an ATP, I don't see how you could do what that person suggested. Also, under the rules established for ATP-ME a few years ago, if you do get your initial ATP with a single engine rating, you still must meet all the experience requirements for ATP-ME, complete the 61.156 ATP multiengine training course, and take the ATP ME written before taking the ATP-ME practical test. There is no longer a “short-cut” to the ATP-ME by getting an ATP-SE first.
This is the fellow who has a Colombia Commercial and Instrument for single engine only. He could apply for a U.S. ATP based on that and then go through the whole multi engine gauntlet later. That would be just a bit easier, since he would only need to take the single engine ATP exam, instead of Commercial and Instrument exams. Also, only one practical test instead of two. Given exam prices, that would be a significant saving.
Kristian Kortokrax:
This is the fellow who has a Colombia Commercial and Instrument for single engine only. He could apply for a U.S. ATP based on that
i don't think he can do that. 61.153 says the commercial and instrument used as the basis for ATP eligibility must have been “issued under this part”, i.e. Part 61. His Colombian certificate wasn't issued under Part 61. Or is there some exemption allowing a foreign commercial certificate for ATP eligibility somewhere in FAA Order 8900.1?
61.153(d)(3) “Holds either a foreign airline transport pilot license with instrument privileges, or a foreign commercial pilot license with an instrument rating,”
Thanks – I missed that one. But he'll still have to take the ATP-SE written before doing the ATP-SE practical test, and then do the 61.156 ATP ME ground course and then take the ATP-ME written before doing the ATP-ME practical test.
What if he gets the SE ATP, then adds on a M/E rating at the Commercial level? He should then be able to get on as an SIC with an airline and then complete their ATP ME program and eventually get an ATP ME. I'm sure there are many low time pilots doing this with a Commercial, Instrument.