Airline Career Pilot Program Starting PointsWhich Starting Point Is Right for You?
The Airline Career Pilot Program offers three starting points based on your prior flight experience: Start from Zero Time if you have no experience, Credit for Solo if you are a student pilot who has already completed their solo flights, but not yet earned their private pilot certificate, or Credit for Private Pilot if you already hold a private pilot certificate. Each starting point leads to the same certification and airline career outcome, with fixed tuition set by your prior flight time and experience.
After you compare the table below, see cost for payment schedules by starting point, confirm prerequisites for your experience level, and review the training timeline for each certification stage.
| Start from Zero Time | Credit for Solo | Credit for Private Pilot | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prior Experience | No Prior Flight Experience | Solo Flight Experience | Private Pilot Certificate |
| Prerequisites |
|
|
|
| Certificates Included |
|
|
|
| Flight & Simulator Time |
282 Hours Total Logged Time
|
239 Hours Total Logged Time
|
204 Hours Total Logged Time
|
| Fixed Cost |
$ 123,995 |
$ 100,995 |
$ 90,995 |
|
Training Center Premium up to $5,000 may apply at select locations. |
|||
What if I don’t match any of the Airline Career Pilot Program starting points? If you don’t match any of the starting points, the Flex Commercial Pilot Program may be a better option, as the flexible, pay-as-you-train structure allows you to start where you are at and earn your commercial pilot certificate on your timeline.
Get Your FREE Personalized Airline Pilot Training & Career Plan
We’ll text you a FREE personalized training and career plan — tailored to you, including:
- Projected Earnings
- Recommended Program
- Personalized Timeline
- Eligibility Checker
- Repayment Calculator
- Next Steps
Thank you! We just sent you a text with a link to your personalized airline pilot training and career path.
Help us customize your training and career path by answering just a few more questions.
Thank you! We've updated your personalized training and career path with the information you provided. View your Personalized Training and Career Path »
Want More Pilot Training & Career Info?
Get helpful emails with insights on what to expect, how to prepare, and what’s next on your path to the airlines
All set! We'll periodically send you information on ATP's programs, the career, and how you can become an airline pilot.