ATP doesn't carry with it private pilot privileges? I'm genuinely surprised. I would have presumed anyone rated to fly other people around for money would automatically be qualified for private aircraft.
Brad
Yes, it does. I can still fly single-engine and multi-engine land aircraft just like a Private pilot can. I have to have the ATP for the airline job. It is the "highest ranking" certificate, but it is backwards compatible, so to speak.
As the license is upgraded, the old license is surrendered. So, I am legal to fly the bug-smashers, but I no longer have a Private Pilot Certificate.