We have helped a number of pilots acquire an Airline Transport Pilot certificate. The process of acquiring this certificate is highly individualized. If you are interested in preparing for an ATP certificate at East Coast Aero Club, please call one of our locations for additional details.
Overview
To achieve an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, a pilot must undergo a series of rigorous training and qualification steps. The ATP certificate is the highest level of pilot certification in the United States and is required to serve as the pilot-in-command of scheduled air carriers’ aircraft. Here is a detailed breakdown of the flight training required:
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: You must be at least 23 years old.
- Medical Certificate: Hold a second-class medical certificate issued by an FAA-authorized medical examiner.
- Language Proficiency: Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
Prerequisite Flight Hours
To qualify for the ATP certificate, you need to accumulate a significant number of flight hours:
- Total Flight Hours: At least 1,500 hours of total flight time.
- Cross-Country Flight Time: At least 500 hours of cross-country flight time.
- Night Flight Time: A minimum of 100 hours of night flight time.
- Instrument Flight Time: At least 75 hours of instrument time.
- Pilot-in-Command Hours: At least 250 hours as PIC, including 100 hours of cross-country flight time and 50 hours in airplanes.
Ground School and Theoretical Knowledge
ATP candidates must also complete an in-depth ground school program covering a broad range of subjects essential for operating large commercial aircraft:
- Air Traffic Control Procedures: Understanding of airspace structure, flight clearances, and air traffic control communications.
- Meteorology: Study of weather patterns, analysis, and how weather affects flight operations.
- Aircraft Systems and Performance: Knowledge of aircraft systems, limitations, and performance characteristics.
- Flight Planning: Skills in calculating fuel requirements, weight and balance, flight routes, and alternate airports.
- Regulations: In-depth knowledge of FARs (Federal Aviation Regulations), especially Part 121 (airline operations) and Part 135 (charter operations), along with knowledge of ATC clearances, flight planning, and crew resource management (CRM).
ATP Written Exam
After completing the necessary ground training, you must pass a FAA ATP Knowledge Test, a comprehensive written exam that tests your knowledge on subjects such as:
- Advanced aerodynamics
- Aircraft systems
- Flight planning
- Weather analysis
- Regulations
- Instrument flight procedures
Flight Training
In addition to meeting the flight hour requirements, you must undergo formal flight training with an FAA-certified flight school or training provider. Training typically includes:
- Cross-Country Flight Operations: Advanced cross-country flights that test your ability to plan and execute flights over long distances, including the use of advanced navigation and communication techniques.
- Multi-Engine Flight Training: Because ATP pilots typically fly multi-engine aircraft, you must complete training and proficiency checks in aircraft with more than one engine. This includes engine-out procedures, emergency handling, and performance at altitude.
- Instrument Flight Training: You will complete extensive training under instrument flight rules (IFR), which includes flying solely by reference to instruments in conditions where visual references are limited (e.g., flying in clouds).
- Flight Simulator Training: Use of flight simulators is common to practice emergency scenarios, system failures, and other complex flight situations in a controlled environment.
- Pilot-in-Command Time: As part of your ATP training, you must gain experience as the PIC, demonstrating leadership and decision-making abilities in a variety of flying conditions.
ATP Check Ride
After completing the flight training and meeting all the flight hours and theoretical knowledge requirements, you must pass an ATP check ride, a practical test with an FAA examiner. The check ride will assess your ability to operate a multi-engine aircraft safely and competently, covering the following:
- Aircraft handling and performance
- Advanced maneuvers (e.g., stalls, steep turns, precision flight maneuvers)
- Emergency procedures (e.g., engine failure, system malfunctions)
- Flight planning and navigation
- Instrument flying (IFR operations)
Type Ratings (if applicable)
If you plan to operate specific types of aircraft (especially jets or large aircraft), you may also be required to obtain a type rating for that aircraft. This involves additional training specific to the systems and handling characteristics of the aircraft you will fly. Most ATP candidates will receive their type rating through their employer.
Experience Requirements for Part 121 Operations
To work as a pilot for an airline (in Part 121 operations), you must meet additional qualifications:
- 1,500 hours of flight time (this includes the hours earned through flight training).
- Flight Time as First Officer: Many pilots earn the ATP by working as a First Officer or Co-Pilot at regional airlines before moving on to major airlines.
- Sufficient experience to meet company standards: This includes meeting specific experience requirements set by the airline or operator you’re working for.
ATP Certificate Endorsement and Ongoing Proficiency
After obtaining the ATP certificate, you are required to maintain your qualifications through recurrent training, periodic medical exams, and meeting regulatory standards. ATP-certified pilots are expected to undergo regular flight proficiency checks, including recurrent training in simulators and other formal evaluations.
Achieving the ATP certificate requires dedication and expertise in many areas of aviation, including advanced flight maneuvers, weather analysis, regulations, and emergency procedures. It prepares pilots to assume leadership roles in complex, high-stakes environments like commercial airline operations, and is a critical stepping stone for those aiming to fly large, multi-engine aircraft for major airlines.
