I never got around to posting it, but I passed my ATP written 2 weeks ago. I got a very nice passing score of 94%.
I really liked the Sheppard Air study course. The program worked well and covered the test questions. I was initially put off by the restrictions on the software (only one computer) because it seems more cloud centered than a normal program (with updating the questions from the web and having to log in every time) but after recommendations from others I purchased it. Additionally, it wasn’t cheap at $75 for the program but when you look at the $165 testing fee and the other costs below, it seems like a cheap investment.
Their claim that paper is too slow for the FAA exams is false. The database that they were using was from earlier this year (or late last year) and the printout study guide was from mid 2013. And while the printout study guide was VERY useful, it definitely had an ad-hoc feel to it where they used other people’s submissions and didn’t create it themselves. Their guidance in studying is not really helpful because by the time you are taking the ATP written test, you’ve figured out how to study for FAA written tests and what works or doesn’t for you.
Now I have 24 calendar months to followup and pass the flight and oral tests for my multi-engine ATP written. Easily done, but every expensive. I only have 30 hours multi-engine time and thus am going to have to purchase another 20 hours. Add in a Fight Review, Instrument Proficiency Check, FAA Medical, paying for a CFI, and the examiners fee I’m looking at $7000 easily.
As to scheduling the ATP training and flight test, I’m going to take a week off during Winter 2015/2016. It gives me time to fix issues when they crop up and not have to rush at the end. It also allows me to stock money away so I don’t have to crash save right before I want to do it.