ATPL or CPL

[Canozzy]

Hi

This is my situation.

I'm currently a 737 Captain in Australia.
I am a Canadian Citizen
I learned how to fly at Mount Hope in the mid 90's

I will be going back to Canada in September next year, back to Hamilton, Ontario and I am going to convert my licence, but am trying to decide if I should completely convert my ATPL or just my CPL.
The reason I'm considering just the CPL is due to the time factor. And the fact that if I get a job in Canada, I'd only get an F/O job anyway, so the ATPL seems overkill.
Anybody got any advice?

Regards

[767]

Im only a flight instructor, but if I were you I think I would go for the ATPL. Unfortunately it is true that you may ONLY get a FO job in Canada when you start. I hope it works out for you, and I hope you don't have to take a pay cut.

[straightpilot]

Without any doubt, I would encourage you to go for the Canadian ATPL! I have one, so that's living proof that anyone can get one

They both have the same medical (category one). You're going to have to do the same flight test (class 1 multi-ifr in a little piston twin). The only difference is the ATPL written tests, which aren't rocket science. Smart people take the prep courses, which spoon feed you what you need to know. I've never taken any prep courses, I just read a book and show up. You alreadly know everything except the weird Canadian regs.

CAR 421.34 applies:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/r ... htm#421_34

(1) you need to be 21. This is not a particularly difficult requirement to meet.
(2) you need to do a category one medical: see lightning, hear thunder. Check.
(3) you need to write three written tests: SARON, SAMRA, INRAT. Study the regs, take the courses.
(4) you need to have 1500 hours, etc. No problem for you.
(5) do a multi-ifr flight test (two holds and an approach). Piece of cake.

btw, welcome to Canada! I hope you don't mind the cold (heh heh)

PS Apply to Wetjet and Scare Canada. Both would be lucky to get someone like you walk through the door! The pay in the right seat is going to suck for a few years, but that's just the Canadian Way.

PPS Once you get a Canadian ATPL, you can get an FAA ATP pretty much for just showing up. Transport and the FAA have a personnel licensing bilateral agreement. Get both.

[Canozzy]

Thank you guys. With todays news, I might be moving to Canada next week.

[Big Pistons Forever]

You would be crazy not to get the ATPL. With your time you would only have to write the exams and do an IFR flight test.

[AJV]

(5) do a multi-ifr flight test (two holds and an approach). Piece of cake.

2 approaches and a hold. 1 precision and one non, and an engine failure, you may be able to do it in the sim. Call Russ at Compass West in Victoria, he will know and be able to help.

[ptc]

I say go for the ATPL...you will have to write the INRAT, SAMRA and SARON and then complete an Instrument flight test which for the initial issue of a Canadian ATPL has to be done in either an aircraft of certified simulator (I do not think a Red Bird counts).
I also seem to remember but cannot find the rule that says a foreign applicant for the ATPL must also complete the Commercial flight test.

[Canozzy]

Thanks guys.

I'm sure I as always going to do the ATPL, just needed a bit of a push.

Cheers.

[AJV]

To obtain a Canadian (ATPL-A), the following requirements must be met:

(CARs - Part IV, Subpart 1, Division VIII, Section 421.34).

1. Complete the medical examination requirements in accordance with the Medical Standards for Civil Aviation Personnel Licensing and be in possession of a Category 1 Medical Certificate.

2. Proof that the experience requirement is met.

(CARs - Part IV, Subpart 1, Division VIII, Section 421.34, Para (4)).

An applicant should be able to provide Transport Canada with a log book of their flight experience for review.

3. Meet the knowledge requirements by successfully completing the following written examinations: SAMRA, SARON and INRAT.

(CARs - Part IV, Subpart 1, Division VIII, Section 421.34, Para (3)).

4. Meet the skill requirement by successfully completing a Flight Test.

(CARs - Part IV, Subpart 1, Division VIII, Section 421.34, Para (5)).

An applicant for an ATPL-A shall successfully complete a flight test in a multi-engine aeroplane (excluding centre-line thrust) which is suitably equipped for IFR flight in controlled airspace.

5. Complete the standard administrative requirements such as submitting proof of foreign citizenship and age, provide the foreign licence and log book for evaluation, submit a licence application form and pay the appropriate fee.


so basically it is an IFR ride for the flight test. Call Russ and tell him your situation and he will help. They have a couple of barons and you can brush up in the sim.

[AJV]

mount hope? so did you hold any Canadian licences?

[wotai139]

It's like asking...I have a master's degree in physics and planning on working as physicist. Should I convert my master's degree before I look for a job or just use my bachelor's to find a job?

Obviously get your ATPL because the difference in your job prospects will be enormous.

[Canozzy]

AJV

Unfortunately none that count. Thanks for the info.

Cheers.

[machooski]

Unfortunately none that count.

How so?

[Canozzy]

Hi All.

I finished my training in Australia. I guess it was a bit disingenuous to say I "learned how to fly at mount hope" as I only did around 60 hours at Peninsulair before I left in 1996. I still carry my Student Pilots Permit in my license.

Thanks for the info every one.

Cheers.