Flight Training TimelineStart From Zero Time or With Credit for Private
With ATP's fast track, total immersion pilot training, you will complete the Airline Career Pilot Program with all the certification you need for employment as professional pilot in just nine months.
Choose Your Starting Point
The first step towards becoming an airline pilot is earning your Private Pilot Certificate.
Private Pilot
The first step towards becoming a commercial pilot is earning your single-engine Private Pilot Certificate. Keeping your end goal in mind — ATP's philosophy is to deliver airline-style training and flight experience at the very onset of a pilot's training career. This is accomplished through standardized operating procedures and training students to a high level of proficiency. In your primary training stage, you'll learn the fundamentals of flight and accomplish your first solo.
- Private Pilot Online Home Study & Briefings
- King Schools Courseware
- Private Pilot Airplane Knowledge Test (PAR)
- Single-Engine Flight Instruction
- Single-Engine Solo Flights
Private Pilot (with single-engine privileges)
Some Time Away from Primary Training Center May Be Required
To keep your training on time, the single-engine private pilot checkride may be scheduled at a location other than your primary training center. In such cases, travel will be required and ATP will coordinate transportation and housing as necessary.
Typical Training DayRequires up to 7 days per week, must be flexible
As directed by your flight instructor and the program outline, each day you will participate in guided independent study (online modules, reading, research, "chair flying", etc.), group study (with students in similar stages of training), and/or flight lessons with related briefings. In addition, some days include FTD lessons, individual ground lessons and/or group ground lessons.
Learn more about required availability.
Once you're a private pilot, the next step is to earn a multi-engine rating and begin training in the Piper Seminole.
Once you're a private pilot, the next step is to earn a multi-engine rating and begin training in the Piper Seminole.
Multi-Engine Rating
Add multi-engine privileges to your private pilot certificate, allowing you to fly larger complex aircraft. While the principles of flight remain the same, learning to fly the multi-engine Piper Seminole will involve new concepts such as multi-engine aerodynamics, emergency operations, and more sophisticated systems.
- Multi-Engine Flight Instruction
Multi-Engine Rating
Some Time Away from Primary Training Center May Be Required
To keep your training on time, the multi-engine rating checkride may be scheduled at a location other than your primary training center. In such cases, travel will be required and ATP will coordinate transportation and housing as necessary.
Typical Training DayRequires up to 7 days per week, must be flexible
As directed by your flight instructor and the program outline, each day you will participate in guided independent study (online modules, reading, research, "chair flying", etc.), group study (with students in similar stages of training), and/or flight lessons with related briefings. In addition, some days include FTD lessons, individual ground lessons and/or group ground lessons.
Learn more about required availability.
Add an instrument rating to your private pilot certificate, which will allow you to fly in all kinds of weather.
Add an instrument rating to your private pilot certificate, which will allow you to fly in all kinds of weather.
Instrument Rating
Airlines conduct flights under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), allowing them to fly in less than ideal weather conditions. Accordingly, these pilots must have an Instrument Rating. During this stage, students conduct flights under simulated instrument conditions and learn IFR procedures such as approaches, holds, arrival and departure procedures, and emergency operations.
Not unlike other stages of the program, students are trained using standard operating procedures, flows, and callouts. This practice not only increases safety and consistency, but will prepare students for flying in the airline environment.
- Instrument Online Home Study & Briefings
- Instrument Rating Airplane Knowledge Test (IRA)
- Instrument Single-Engine Flight Instruction
- Instrument Multi-Engine Flight Instruction
- Scenario-Based FTD Training
- Crew Procedures & LOFT FTD Training
Instrument Rating
Some Time Away from Primary Training Center May Be Required
To keep your training on time, the instrument rating checkride may be scheduled at a location other than your primary training center. In such cases, travel will be required and ATP will coordinate transportation and housing as necessary.
Typical Training DayRequires up to 7 days per week, must be flexible
As directed by your flight instructor and the program outline, each day you will participate in guided independent study (online modules, reading, research, "chair flying", etc.), group study (with students in similar stages of training), and/or flight lessons with related briefings. In addition, some days include FTD lessons, individual ground lessons and/or group ground lessons.
Learn more about required availability.
Once instrument rated, gain experience flying with a fellow student.
Crew-Style Flight Experience
Upon earning an Instrument Rating, students are paired together on flights and gain experience operating in an airline-style environment using crew resource management.
Each flight is operated using standardized procedures, as well as enhanced scheduling with flight releases to assist with weather, routing, and performance reviews. Routes are scheduled based on operational needs and multiple flights to the same airport may be scheduled — just like the airlines. ATP's specialized Flight Operations team ensure safety and support for each flight through around-the-clock monitoring.
This crew-style flying requires a level of currency, proficiency, and standardization that defines ATP's excellence in flight training.
Up to Three Weeks Away from Primary Training Center Required
During the Crew-Style Flight Experience stage of training, expect to be away from your primary training center for a few weeks.
Typical Training Day7 Days Per Week
Each day you can expect to fly one or more flights.
Learn more about required availability.
After completing the cross-country stage, earn your single-engine Commercial Pilot Certificate.
Commercial Pilot
After completing the cross-country flying stage, students will begin preparing for their single-engine Commercial Pilot Certificate, eventually allowing them to be paid to fly. As a commercial pilot, new flight maneuvers are introduced and existing ones are held to tighter tolerances. Prior to completing the commercial pilot practical test, 10 hours of Technologically Advanced Aircraft training will have been conducted either at your primary training center or at another location.
After completing the cross-country flying stage, students will begin preparing for their multi-engine Commercial Pilot Certificate, eventually allowing them to be paid to fly. As a commercial pilot, new flight maneuvers are introduced and existing ones are held to tighter tolerances.
- Commercial Pilot Airplane Knowledge Test (CAX)
- Commercial Single-Engine Flight Instruction
- Commercial Multi-Engine Flight Instruction
Commercial Pilot (with single-engine privileges)
Commercial Pilot (with multi-engine privileges)
Some Time Away from Primary Training Center May Be Required
To keep your training on time, the commercial pilot checkrides may be scheduled at a location other than your primary training center. In such cases, travel will be required and ATP will coordinate transportation and housing as necessary. Additionally, if no previous training was conducted in Technologically Advanced Aircraft, you may be required to travel to another training center for up to two weeks to accomplish this training.
Typical Training DayRequires up to 7 days per week, must be flexible
As directed by your flight instructor and the program outline, each day you will participate in guided independent study (online modules, reading, research, "chair flying", etc.), group study (with students in similar stages of training), and/or flight lessons with related briefings. In addition, some days include FTD lessons, individual ground lessons and/or group ground lessons.
Learn more about required availability.
Attend CFI Academy and become a flight instructor – the best way to gain experience and meet airline minimums.
Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) Academy
Two months of the program are devoted to developing students into Certificated Flight Instructors (CFI). Here students attend ATP's CFI Academy to learn the fundamentals of instruction and hone their ability to effectively teach and communicate the knowledge and experience they have attained throughout the program.
Becoming a CFI allows you to begin earning an income in your new career while you gain the flight experience needed to meet airline minimums.
ATP Instructors Nationally Recognized by AOPA
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) consistently award ATP CFIs with “Distinguished Flight Instructor” awards and the recognition of being “Best Flight Instructor in Region” during the annual Flight Training Experience Awards.
NAFI Master Flight Instructor Awards
The National Association of Flight Instructors is proud to announce that ATP Flight Instructors Michael “Todd” Shellnut and Jeremy Hand have earned accreditation as NAFI Master Flight Instructors.
- CFI Academy
- Fundamentals of Instruction Knowledge Test
- Flight Instructor Airplane Knowledge Test
- Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane Knowledge Test
- CFI Online Home Study & Briefings
- Single-Engine CFI Flight Instruction
- Multi-Engine CFI Flight Instruction
- Instrument CFI Flight Instruction
Certificated Flight Instructor (with single-engine and instrument privileges)
Certificated Flight Instructor (with multi-engine and instrument privileges)
Up to One Month from Primary Training Center Required
Depending on where you choose to train, you may be required to travel to a CFI Academy location. In such cases, travel will be required and ATP will coordinate transportation and housing as necessary.
Typical Training DayRequires up to 7 days per week, must be flexible
As directed by your flight instructor and the program outline, each day you will participate in guided independent study (online modules, reading, research, "chair flying", etc.), group study (with students in similar stages of training), and/or flight lessons with related briefings. In addition, some days include classroom instruction, FTD lessons, individual ground lessons and/or group ground lessons.
Learn more about required availability.
Add multi-engine ratings to your existing certificates, allowing you to operate faster, larger aircraft.
Add single-engine ratings to your existing certificates, allowing you to use instruct and fly commercial in single-engine aircraft
Multi-Engine Add-Ons
Single-Engine Add-Ons
Begin flying the Piper Seminole to add multi-engine privileges to your certificates. While the principles of flight remain the same, learning to fly the multi-engine Seminole will involve new concepts such as multi-engine aerodynamics, emergency operations, and more complex systems. This stage of the program also includes the flight time necessary to ensure that you'll meet Airline Transport Pilot certificate requirements later in your career and be eligible for airline pilot employment.
Begin adding single-engine privileges to your commercial and flight instructor certificate. This rounds-out your qualifications and allows you to instruct and fly commercially in smaller single-engine training aircraft.
- Commercial Multi-Engine Flight Instruction
- Multi-Engine CFI Flight Instruction
- Commercial Single-Engine Flight Instruction
- Single-Engine CFI Flight Instruction
- Commercial Pilot Multi-Engine Privileges
- Certificated Flight Instructor Multi-Engine Privileges
- Commercial Pilot Single-Engine Privileges
- Certificated Flight Instructor Single-Engine Privileges
Some Time Away from Primary Training Center May Be Required
Depending on where you choose to train, you may be required to travel to a Piper Seminole location. In such cases, travel will be required and ATP will coordinate transportation and housing as necessary.
To keep your training on time, the single-engine add-on checkrides may be scheduled at a location other than your primary training center. In such cases, travel will be required and ATP will coordinate transportation and housing as necessary.
Typical Training DayRequires up to 7 days per week, must be flexible
As directed by your flight instructor and the program outline, each day you will participate in guided independent study (online modules, reading, research, "chair flying", etc.), group study (with students in similar stages of training), and/or flight lessons with related briefings. In addition, some days include FTD lessons, individual ground lessons and/or group ground lessons.
Gain advanced qualifications and receive instruction from airline pilots in a full-motion Airbus or Boeing simulator.
ATP Certification Training Program (ATP CTP) at ATP Jets
Airline pilots must complete the ATP CTP and this course is included in your Airline Career Pilot Program.
During the one-week FAA-approved 14 CFR part 142 airline course, you will learn about advanced automation, air carrier operations, and transport airplane performance. After a comprehensive 30-hour ground school, you will operate a full-motion Airbus or Boeing simulator with instruction from experienced airline pilots on low energy states/stalls, upset recovery techniques, and adverse weather conditions.
The higher level of qualifications gained by attending ATP CTP will make you more competitive and open more career opportunities than possible through any other flight school, FBO, or academy. Airlines and corporate operators will hire only the most qualified applicants, and you will be ready with this ATP-exclusive benefit.
- 30 Hours Ground School
- 4 Hours Fixed-Base Training Device
- 6 Hours Full-Motion Airbus or Boeing Simulator
- Airbus or Boeing Full-Motion Simulator
ATP Certification Training Program (allowing you to qualify for the ATM Knowledge Test and be eligible for the ATP certificate after gaining 1,500 hours of flight time)
7 Days from Primary Training Center Required
You will be required to travel to ATP Jets in Dallas, TX for 7 days to attend the ATP CTP course.
Typical Training DayRequires 7 days per week, must be flexible
The first four days of ATP CTP will consist of ground school, with classroom instruction beginning at 8:00 am. Day five will include 4 hours of training in a fixed-base training device. Day six and seven provide training in a full-motion simulator. Airline training centers operate 24/7. Expect your simulator session to be scheduled any time of day or night, just like airline training.
Learn more about required availability.
With support of ATP's Career Services, you'll be ready to start earning an income in your new career.
Start Flying as a Professional Pilot
After graduating from the Airline Career Pilot Program, you will be a certificated flight instructor (CFI), allowing you to immediately begin earning an income in your new career and flying as a CFI to gain the 1,500 hours of flight time required by airlines. The Airline Career Pilot Program includes your single-engine and instrument instructor ratings, as well as your multi-engine instructor rating which makes you more desirable and competitive as a CFI.
Ongoing Career Support
ATP's Career Services team is ready to assist you after you graduate with locating entry-level job opportunities or charting your path to the major airlines through one of ATP's airline partners.
Ongoing career support and mentorship is provided through the no-fee ATP Alumni Association, giving you the opportunity to attend exclusive alumni events and take advantage of exclusive discounts for resume and interview prep services.
Whether you want to instruct or fly for a corporate operator, the higher level of qualifications the Airline Career Pilot Program provides sets you apart from the competition so you'll be ready as airline recruiters look to hired the most qualified pilots.
