Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate Guide
The ATP is the highest FAA pilot certificate and is required to fly as Pilot-in-Command at Part 121 airlines. This guide covers the 1,500-hour rule, restricted ATP variants, ATP-CTP, and what it takes to qualify.
What is the ATP Certificate?
The Airline Transport Pilot Certificate is the FAA’s highest pilot certificate, required for Pilot-in-Command at scheduled Part 121 airlines (the major US carriers). It also opens captain positions at most cargo operations and corporate flight departments.
The 1,500-hour rule
Since 2013, the FAA requires 1,500 hours total flight time for unrestricted ATP. This applies to all Part 121 First Officers and Captains.
Restricted ATP (R-ATP) variants
- R-ATP at 1,000 hours - Military pilots with qualifying experience
- R-ATP at 1,250 hours - Graduates of FAA-approved bachelor’s degree aviation programs
- R-ATP at 1,500 hours - Standard pathway
R-ATP holders can serve as First Officer at Part 121 carriers from age 21. Full ATP (and Captain authority) requires age 23.
ATP-CTP course
Since 2014, you must complete the Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) before taking the ATP Knowledge Test:
- 30+ hours ground instruction - high-altitude operations, automation, leadership, stalls
- 10 hours full-motion simulator - typically B737 or A320 simulator
- Cost: $4,000-$6,000
- Providers: ATP Flight School, FlightSafety, CAE, airline cadet programs
Hour breakdown (FAR 61.159)
| Category | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total flight time | 1,500 |
| Cross-country | 500 |
| Night | 100 |
| Instrument | 75 |
| Multi-engine | 50 |
| Pilot-in-Command | 250 |
Typical career path to ATP
- PPL → CPL (250 hours, ~$80k-$95k from zero)
- CFI/CFI-I/MEI instructing - build 700-1,200 hours
- Regional First Officer at 1,500 hours (R-ATP minimums)
- Captain upgrade at regional - 1,000-2,000 PIC hours
- Major airline First Officer - typical hire at 2,500-5,000 hours
- Major airline Captain - 5-10 years from major hire (varies by airline seniority)
See Pilot Careers & Jobs and Pilot Salary for what comes after ATP.
Frequently asked questions
What are ATP requirements?
Age 23 (or 21 for restricted ATP), 1,500 total flight hours (1,000 for R-ATP military, 1,250 for R-ATP aviation degree), 500 cross-country, 100 night, 75 instrument, 250 PIC, ATP-CTP course completion, ATP Knowledge Test, ATP checkride in multi-engine aircraft.
#What is the ATP-CTP course?
Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program - mandatory 30+ hours ground + 10 hours simulator before taking the ATP Knowledge Test. Cost: $4,000-$6,000. Required by FAA since 2014.
#Can I get an R-ATP earlier?
Yes - 1,000 hours with qualifying military pilot experience, 1,250 hours with FAA-approved aviation bachelor's degree, 1,500 hours otherwise. R-ATP allows SIC (First Officer) at Part 121 airlines starting at age 21.
#How long from CPL to ATP?
2-4 years typically, depending on how fast you build hours. Most pilots time-build as CFI, charter, or regional First Officer.
#What is ATP cost?
ATP-CTP course alone: $4,000-$6,000. Plus ATP checkride ($700-$900). If you need a type rating (e.g., for a specific airliner), add $10,000-$30,000 depending on aircraft.
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