Airline Transport Pilot

Scenario

A scenario will be given to the applicant at the time of testing. It is not a requirement that a flight is planned or filed with ATC unless actual IMC conditions exist at the time of the flight portion of the practical test.

A variety of scenarios may be used to conduct the test but, as an example, expect to discuss a flight between two points such as KFLG and KEGE. The scenario will allow the discussion to encompass the required items of the ACS.

For ATP applicants, expect to discuss real and simulated weather conditions. Simulated emergencies during the scenario will develop discussions on a variety of systems of the aircraft used for the flight test.

It is highly recommended that ATP and/or type rating applicants thoroughly review the latest version of FAA-S-ACS-11 prior to the practical test. It has valuable information that will benefit the applicant in preparation for the practical test.

Additional Testing Details

Make sure you bring your username and password for IACRA. This will be needed to have you sign your application once I have verified your identity in the program.

Have your FTN with you.

Don’t forget your government issued ID with photo, medical (3rd class or Basic Med minimum), Pilot certificate(s), and SODA if you have one issued.

Logbooks—Be sure to total all pages using only ink (if required). Pencil will not be accepted. The FAA considers your logbook as a legal record. Putting tabs or markings in your logbook so the examiner can easily identify and validate the requirements of §61, Subpart G will definitely speed things up. (if required! For ATP most of this is not applicable. Call me if you have questions) Marking or annotating all endorsements will also facilitate the process.

Insure you have all aircraft maintenance logs or records with you. For ATP/type rating practical tests, you need to bring the MEL/CDL if the aircraft has one approved by the FAA. This will be used during the oral portion in a scenario or may be used in real-time if an unairworthy condition exists at the time of the practical flight portion.

Be prepared to discuss real-time and scenario weather for the practical test. Electronic methods (i.e. ForeFlight, FlightPlan.com, or FAA weather) works very well for efficient test discussion.

Performance data will be calculated based on the aircraft POH at the time of testing using the precalculated weight from the weight and balance.

Use my weight of 210 lbs. in your weight and balance calculations. You may have this completed prior to the test.

Bring any ATP-CTP course completion certificates if you attended a 14 CFR Part 141 or 142 school. This is only needed for AMEL. ASEL and additional type ratings added to an existing ATP do not require this.

Many questions come up, and unfortunately I can’t answer all of them here, but I’ll try to help out by describing a couple items that are frequently asked.

The general conduct of the practical test will be to meet and go over all the admin aspects such as insuring you have all required personal and aircraft documents, AKTRs (if applicable), etc. This normally takes some time so being extremely familiar with the aircraft records and having your logbook annotated will greatly increase the efficiency of the practical test.

Remember, you are the PIC during the flight. I’m just along enjoying the ride. If an actual emergency occurs, I’ll certainly help but I want to see you handle it. Try to always be the PIC. What examiners look for is your ability to make decisions and act on them, especially for an ATP test. Don’t worry about whether or not your decision is what I would do or what you think I want you to do, I just want you to make decisions and do what you feel is the right thing.

Summary

I’m sure you will still have questions so please do not hesitate to contact me at any time for clarification! My goal is to ensure you are as prepared as you can be so you will feel at ease during the practical test.