Hi, KyleGoetz.
I was surprised to see you studying Japanese so hard!
By the way, I have never said あたって myself.
The word is official and formal.
And I have found it in a translated text of “U.S. President Barack Obama's inaugural address on January 20, 2009”.
I think you might have fun reading this:
“ この国の偉大さをもう一度ことほぐにあたって、偉大さ は決してはじめから与えられるものではないことを私た ちは理解しています。 ”を含む例文全文：英辞郎 on the WEB：スペースアルク
Hello, I may not understand English very well and I may lack words but I will try to understand you.
If you have questions about my post or Japanese customs, don't hesitate to ask.
I
YamaP