ATP-The Ultimate IPC

A good friend of mine is a physician and a pilot. (No, there isnt a Bonanza in his hangar; he happily flies a Mooney Ovation.) Ive always found him to be a very safety-conscious pilot. He gets an IPC every six months and does other periodic training. When he wanted to do something different, I suggested he get an airline transport pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating. (ATP-SEL) Why? was his first reaction. I dont need it for the kind of flying I do.

lbencini-tibo

Sunday, February 04, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

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Single pilot jets

Key Takeaways:

The ATP-SEL certificate, though having limited operational applications, significantly enhances a pilot's aeronautical knowledge, proficiency, and confidence, mirroring the benefits of a commercial certificate.
Obtaining an ATP-SEL requires substantial flight experience, including 1500 total hours, with specific minimums for cross-country (500 hrs, no landing required), night, and instrument time.
The ATP-SEL knowledge test incorporates Part 135 regulations, while the practical test demands commercial-level airmanship maneuvers (like stalls and steep turns) performed under instrument conditions, alongside stricter precision standards than an instrument rating.
Pilots are encouraged to research the ATP-SEL requirements and consider pursuing it to elevate their flying standards, even if not for professional piloting roles.

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Agood friend of mine is a physician and a pilot. (No, there isn’t a Bonanza in his hangar; he happily flies a Mooney Ovation.) I’ve always found him to be a very safety-conscious pilot. He gets an IPC every six months and does other periodic training. When he wanted to do something different, I suggested he get an airline transport pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating. (ATP-SEL) “Why?” was his first reaction. “I don’t need it for the kind of flying I do.”

An ATP is required for Part 121 (scheduled and non-scheduled airline) and most Part 135 (commuter and on-demand) operations. However, 14 CFR 121.159 explicitly forbids the use of single-engine aircraft in Part 121, so an ATP-SEL has admittedly limited incremental uses.