Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
Who Is Required to Hold an ATP?
Per AC 61-138, In part 121 operations, each pilot in command (PIC) and each second in command (SIC) are required to have an ATP Certificate. Part 135 operations requiring the PIC to hold an ATP Certificate with an airplane category multiengine class rating are (1) commuter operations using multiengine airplanes with nine or fewer passenger seats (Scheduled 135), (2) on-demand operations using multiengine airplanes with 10 or more passenger seats, or (3) turbojets. Part 91K operations require all PICs of multiengine turbine-powered fixed-wing airplanes to hold an ATP Certificate.
Do I need an ATP?
All part 121 and 135 operations require their pilots to hold an ATP certificate. Some carriers will hire someone without the certificate but will complete the requirements before training is completed. As hiring becomes more competitive, this option may not be available.
Here is the training process explained for you:
- Attain CMEL (Commercial Multi-Engine-Land) certificate
- If you have completed military pilot training, you qualify for this already. Simply complete the “Military Competency to Commercial Pilot/Instrument” written test and submit the required forms via IACRA. Sheppard Air has a thorough breakdown on how to go about completing this process.
- Military testing locations often offer this test for free. Contact your nearest Education Office to find out where you can take the test. Use this site to find a testing facility near you.
- Contact a local FSDO or DPE to complete the filing of your paperwork.
- If you have completed military pilot training, you qualify for this already. Simply complete the “Military Competency to Commercial Pilot/Instrument” written test and submit the required forms via IACRA. Sheppard Air has a thorough breakdown on how to go about completing this process.
- Complete an ATP-CTP program
- This typically involves a 7-day course that includes 30-hours of ground instruction and 10 hours of simulator training.
- Multiple training locations can be found listed by the FAA or in the Links page
- Complete an ATP written exam
- Military testing locations often offer this test for free. Use this site to find a testing facility near you.
- Complete ATP practical flight exam (aircraft or simulator)
Use your GI Bill for the ATP. There are some flight schools that are approved by the VA to train, and your GI Bill will pay for it (or at least up to the allowable amount). Find a school that accepts the GI Bill and they will explain how it works. DO NOT sign on to a program, expecting the VA to pay for your schooling, unless you get clear approval from the VA before hand. There are a lot of stipulations and you could be denied.
What are the ATP Requirements?
- Be of good character
- Be at least 20 years old
- Already have a Commercial Pilot certificate and Instrument Rating or meet the requirements of these
- Have a 1st or 2nd Class Medical Certificate depending on flying as PIC or SIC
- Pass the ATP written test
- Complete an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certification Training Program (CTP)
- Pass the Practical test
- Hold a minimum of 1,500 hours that Include:
- 500 hours Cross Country time
- 100 hours Night time
- 50 hours in the Class (multi-engine) of airplane being rated
- 75 hours Instrument time
- 250 hours as PIC
What are the Restricted ATP Requirements
Military members are allowed to attain a Restricted ATP (R-ATP) if they have met the required minimums.
- Be of good character
- Be at least 21 years old
- Already have a Commercial Pilot certificate and Instrument Rating or meet the requirements of these
- Have a 1st or 2nd Class Medical Certificate depending on flying as PIC or SIC
- Pass the ATP written test
- Complete an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certification Training Program (CTP)
- Pass the Practical test
- Hold a minimum of 750 hours that Include:
- 200 hours Cross Country time
- 100 hours Night time
- 50 hours in the Class (multi-engine) of airplane being rated
- 75 hours Instrument time
- 250 hours as PIC