TC ATPL to FAA ATP at Rochester FSDO

[avi8er]

Hello guys,
I have gone through most of the posts on this topic and got some idea for conversion to FAA ATP. I am going to apply for the first step of verification in Oklahoma and will select Rochester FSDO in the application.

1.Interested to know if some one has recently gone through the conversion process in Rochester and how was the experience?
2.Plus, is there any paticular inspector to ask at the time of setting the appointment who is familiar with the conversion process? And any waiting time for appointment?
3.Is there any facility in Toronto to to write to FAA Air Law exam, before going to Rochester?
4. Can you take the written exam while waiting for the verification letter from Oklahoma?

Any info./input is appreciated.

[chipmunk]

3.Is there any facility in Toronto to to write to FAA Air Law exam, before going to Rochester?

Not sure - I wrote at Air Richelieu near Montreal.

4. Can you take the written exam while waiting for the verification letter from Oklahoma?

Yes.

There is no set order for completing the medical, the written, and applying for/receiving the verification letter, as long as you have all three done by the time you get to the FSDO. One tip is to make sure the copies of the licence you sent in to the FAA matches the one you take to the FSDO - i.e. if you get a new medical in the interim, some FSDOs may have an issue with it, because now your medical date has changed. Same thing if you get a new license sticker (you're not supposed to anyways, but don't cover up an old sticker with a new one.)

I had two colleagues that used the Albany FSDO and had no problems (they're very familiar with the process) and I would assume the same with Rochester since they're close to the border too - haven't had any feedback about them though. I used DFW and they were quick (10 minutes, plus another 10 trying to get the printer to work) and incredibly helpful, even though I was expecting issues with them not typically handling this stuff.

Also, if you ever have any questions or issues, the folks at Oklahoma are quite helpful over the phone.

[avi8er]

Thank u, chipmunk, appreciate your input.

[Jim la Jungle]

You can also do the conversion exam in Mississauga at the Canadian Business College. You have to register and pay the exam with PSI/Lasergrade first. 1-800-211-2754

Hope this helps

[Jack In The Box]

Does anyone have any advice on what material specifically to study for this exam? I'm trying to get my conversions done as well.

[Colonel Sanders]

Order the ASA FAA Airline Transport Pilot test prep book
from Aircraft Spruce & Specialty part # 13-01301:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/b ... spilot.php

Study Chapters 1,2,6,7 and wx differences in 8.

[Cap'n Tripps]

Does anyone have any advice on what material specifically to study for this exam? I'm trying to get my conversions done as well.

Gleim has an online TC ATPL to FAA ATP conversion prep course. Kind of a PITA, helps to have a second screen available. The notes that are included are pretty good though.

$50

https://www.gleim.com/products/productd ... School-ATP

Pretty much only covers what you need to pass the conversion exam, not much else.

Good Luck!

[Colonel Sanders]

Small point: the FAA reorders the questions on the
actual test. I went throught the prep book and had
more or less memorized the questions and answers
after a couple of passes and then noticed this on the
real test.

Just a little heads up for you.

I think I was done in 15 or so minutes and got 90%.
I don't remember what the pass mark was, but if you
study - and there are plenty of resources - you will do
fine.

[Ramjet555]

When I came to Canada in 1988, while doing charter work,
I did the essential ground and air work to pass the written
and when done, got another charter job.

5 years later, the wife wanted to work in the USA or other places
where an FAA license was essential.
In those days, there was no easy way,
you did all the exams, ATP, Instrument, instructor etc.
and a IFR ride in a single and a twin to fly both.
I did the twin, ATP instructor and when booked with
the FAA in Rochester, we discovered that I needed a cert
that said I could fly in a single, so up with Bill Law
and did a single engine IFR check ride and got me ATP single.

Next day John, the instructor trainer, got me a ride with
the FAA inspector an what a ride.

After that came back, did a few hours on the ground
and 3 in the air, then did my initial Class 4.
The fact I had few thousand hours instructing did not help
me get a job, it was impossible back then.

Now, attitudes have changed, experience is recognized.

I found the USA experience to be valuable, made me more
appreciative of the US aviation rich culture and history.

Some things in instructing in the US have not changed in dam near
100 years.

If you are thinking of going south to Rochester,
you have picked probably the best places I know of.

That is if you are referring to Rochester Air
for John and you will be in very good hands.

I'm heading back there shortly renew my US FAA Instructor rating
and looking forward to the experience.

I could not recommend John more highly.

He has got to be one of the most experienced Instructor trainers around
and he still uses his 35mm slides, which have been very effective for
many decades.

Hopefully when I get it done, I might even do some work
south of the border just for the experience of working
in that different environment.


Ramjet