Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
The ATP certificate is the highest level of pilot certification issued by the FAA. It is required to act as pilot-in-command of scheduled airline operations and many corporate flight departments.
Issued / Governed By
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Time to Earn
Typically 2-5 years of flight time accumulation after a commercial certificate
Estimated Cost
$5,000-$15,000 for the ATP-CTP course and checkride (flight hours additional)
Who needs this credential?
Airline first officers and captains, Part 121 crew, fractional and Part 135 charter pilots, and corporate pilots flying turbine aircraft requiring a type rating.
Prerequisites
- Be at least 23 years old (21 for Restricted ATP)
- Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating
- 1,500 hours total time (or 1,000-1,250 for R-ATP via approved military/collegiate pathways)
- Complete the ATP Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) before the written exam
How to get certified
- 1
Build required flight hours
Accumulate 1,500 hours total time including 500 cross-country, 100 night, and 75 instrument hours (reduced minimums apply for Restricted ATP).
- 2
Complete the ATP-CTP course
A mandatory ground and simulator course covering aerodynamics, automation, adverse weather, and air carrier operations. Required before taking the written.
- 3
Pass the ATP knowledge test
Take the FAA ATP written exam (must be completed after the ATP-CTP graduation certificate is issued).
- 4
Pass the ATP practical test (checkride)
Complete the practical exam with an FAA examiner, often combined with an aircraft type rating in a full-motion simulator.
Restricted ATP (R-ATP)
Pilots from approved pathways can earn a Restricted ATP at lower hour minimums, letting them fly as a Part 121 first officer sooner.
- 1,000 hours: Graduates of an approved 4-year aviation degree program
- 1,250 hours: Graduates of an approved 2-year aviation degree program
- 750 hours: Qualifying military pilots
The ATP-CTP requirement
Since 2014, all candidates must complete the ATP-CTP before attempting the written exam. The course is typically offered by airlines and large training providers and includes 30 hours of academics plus simulator sessions.
Type ratings
To fly aircraft over 12,500 lbs or turbojet-powered aircraft, you also need an aircraft-specific type rating, which is frequently earned alongside the ATP checkride during airline new-hire training.
Related career roles
Always verify current requirements with the issuing authority before you begin.
FAA Airline Transport Pilot