Pilots: how much of the FARs do I need to memorize for my ATP certificate?

Question

From what I've heard, they grill you like a tuna steak on the oral portion of the ATP checkride. Can I get away with memorizing just the text or will I be asked to match the text with the exact FAR section and subsection?

This is like trying to memorize the Bible word-for-word. Those of you who have earned your ATPs deserve to be canonized.

Answer 1

You don't have to memorize any FAR word-for-word. You must basically know what it says and how it applies to your operations.

Answer 2

Well by the time you go for your ATP check ride you should know you stuff back to front so the check ride and oral test should be just a formality! Best way to tackle it is to just keep on reading all the different FAR's on a regular basis throught your aviation career and build on that knowledge in the work place.

If you find the oral test too hard for the ATP certificate you can come to Australia where currently there is no oral test or flight test for the ATPL

In Australia it is simply a matter of gaining 1500 hours on a certain aircraft type and doing a 7 part ATP theory examination. Still hard work passing those exams but at least you get out of the flight test!

Answer 3

Bow down before me my son. I don't recall much of an oral on the FARs during the checkride. Once you've passed the ATP written you've pretty much covered it all. Concentrate more on instrument procedures and large aircraft performance.