I Know I'll Forget Something...

This will more than likely be my last update prior to commencing ATP on the 12th of January at the KLZU Atlanta location. In fact this update is more so for the future ATP students than anyone else. I figured it might be beneficial for some if I fill you in on what I've been doing since passing my FAA writtens and what exactly I'm planning on taking with me to ATP in the hopes of being as prepared as possible.

As you all know I've taken my FAA written exams in order to lighten my stress and load while at ATP. I highly recommend that you take as many of he exams before attending the 90 day Career Pilot Program as well, as it will allow you to focus in on your flying and studying solely for your Oral Exams and Practical Flight Tests with the FAA examiners/inspectors. The extra free time has also allowed me to focus in on learning the systems and specifications of the Piper Seminole, as I'll be tested on these on my first day. Your first checkride will essentially be another Private Pilot Checkride except this time it'll be in a multi-engine aircraft vice the single-engine you are already rated to fly. I've been studying everything from the V speeds of the Seminole to the hydraulic and electrical systems, as well as the standard and emergency operating procedures. As well, my Career Coach Ken whom some of you may know, advised me to start nailing down ATP's VFR and IFR approach procedures using a computer flight simulator (using Microsoft Flight Simulator X). I felt that was very good advice as ATP does require alot of pilot and copilot callouts that you as a single-engine private pilot or student pilot would not normally be used to during normal local FBO training.

One last thing I thought might help was to leave a list of things I'm getting together to take with me. Hopefully this may help some of you think of things you may have forgotten about or would like to take as well. If you think you've got something that I may want to add to my list please let me know!

New Brightline Flight Bag (see video below!) • Normal flight bag gear (knife, first aid kit, leatherman, comapss, waterproof matches, white light flashlight, fire starters, extra AA/AAA batteries) • Electronic E6-B CX-2 Calculator • Sunglasses (Rx for me) • Foggles for IFR training • Headset • Logbook • License and First Class Medical • Red light flashlight with clip for in cabin use • Back-up VFR GPS • Piper Seminole and Cessna 172 Pilot Operating Handbooks • all 20lbs of study material ATP sent me • Food and snacks for week 1&2 • Bed linens, clothes and toiletries • Jacket and gloves (winter time of course) • Kneeboard • Backpack or carry-on stlye luggage for overnight cross country flights • CHECKBOOK and CASH for ATP and FAA Examiners • Ipod • Digital Camera • Cell Phone • Laptop

Think that's it... but as the title of the post itterates I'll probably forget something.

Anyways I hope most of you future ATP students found the post helpful and please check back strating on the 12th as I will be updating the blog as much on a daily basis as possible. Please feel free to leave comments or questions.