Airline Transport Pilot

Achieve your ultimate aviation goal.

If you’re planning to fly for a career, certain pilot training and certification are required. A commercial pilot certificate is required to begin earning money as a pilot, while an airline transport pilot certificate is required to become an airline pilot or a charter captain.

ATP Certificate Requirements

• Here’s a look at FAR Part 61, Subpart G, which lists the eligibility requirements for an Airline Transport Pilot certificate.

  • Must be 23 years of age

  • Be able to read, speak, and write English

  • Be of good moral character

  • Have a Commercial with an Instrument rating

  • Certificate of completing an Airline Transport Pilot training program (Part 61.156)

  • Pass a knowledge test and practical test (checkride with oral and flight tests)

  • Have the aeronautical experience listed below for the Airplane category ratings (Part 61.159)

  • 1,500 hours of total time, which must include

    • 500 hours of cross-country

    • 100 hours of night

    • 50 hours in the class of airplane

    • 75 hours of instrument (actual or simulated)

    • 250 hours of PIC time in an airplane, including 100 cross-country and 25 night