Frequently Asked Questions About ATP Flight School

Frequently Asked Questions Get Fast Answers to Your Top Flight Training Questions

Information about ATP's flight training programs and your career as an airline pilot.

Starting your pilot training is exciting and there are multiple steps in the process. At ATP Flight School, our job is to guide you through these steps and make your flight training an enjoyable experience. The information below will help you get fast answers to most of your top flight training questions and help you choose which flight school is right for you.

Airline Career Pilot Program

What are the admission prerequisites and requirements?
What is a typical flight training day like?
How should I prepare for my class date?
What should I bring to training?
What is the uniform policy or dress code?
Why is Total Immersion Flight Training Best?
What is ATP's Fixed Cost Pricing Policy?
What is ATP's attendance policy?
Required Knowledge Tests Before My Class Date?
How Much Time Will I Spend Away From My Primary Training Center?
Does ATP offer custom flight training programs?
As an Airline Career Pilot Program graduate, can I instruct for ATP?
Can I use my GI Bill® benefits to pay for the Airline Career Pilot Program?
What are the admission prerequisites and requirements?

Whether you're starting from zero time or with your private pilot license, learn more about ATP's minimum admission requirements and prerequisites for the Airline Career Pilot Program.

What are the admission prerequisites and requirements? »
What is a typical flight training day like?

Each day will be a combination of guided independent study, group study with fellow students, AATD simulator lessons, and flight lessons.

What is a typical flight training day like? »
How should I prepare for my class date?

ATP's Airline Training Programs prepare students for airline pilot careers with an emphasis on nationwide flying experience in multi-engine aircraft.

How should I prepare for my class date? »
What should I bring to training?

Items to bring to training for ATP's Airline Career Pilot Program. This list pertains to students enrolled in ATP's accelerated flight training.

What should I bring to training? »
What is the uniform policy or dress code?

ATP's Student Uniform Policy describes the professional appearances expected of students during flight training, ground school, and simulator sessions at the flight training center.

What is the uniform policy or dress code? »
Why is Total Immersion Flight Training Best?

Total immersion flight training offers many advantages over slower-paced flight training options. This page summarizes the difference in training methods and which one best fits your learning style.

Why is Total Immersion Flight Training Best? »
What is ATP's Fixed Cost Pricing Policy?

ATP provides up-front, fixed-cost pricing in a way that differentiates us from most other flight schools and academies. With over 30 years of experience, ATP designs our flight training programs with enough flight time for the vast majority of students to be successful.

What is ATP's Fixed Cost Pricing Policy? »
What is ATP's attendance policy?

Description of ATP's Training and Refund Policy for students enrolled in the Airline Career Pilot Program.

What is ATP's attendance policy? »
Required Knowledge Tests Before My Class Date?

ATP requires Zero Time Airline Career Pilot Program students to complete their Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) FAA Airman Knowledge Test 28 days before their class date. Students entering with credit for solo are required to complete either their ATP Elevate Private Pilot Ground School or Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) FAA Airman Knowledge Test 28 days before their class date.. Students entering the Airline Career Pilot Program with credit for their private pilot license must complete their Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) FAA Airman Knowledge Test 28 days before their class date.

Required Knowledge Tests Before My Class Date? »
How Much Time Will I Spend Away From My Primary Training Center?

In an effort to maximize the efficiency of the Airline Career Pilot Program, you will likely be required to spend up to ten weeks away from your primary training center.

Learn More »
As an Airline Career Pilot Program graduate, can I instruct for ATP?

Yes, having your single-engine, instrument, and multi-engine instructor ratings open more flight instructor opportunities, including flying with ATP.

Learn More »
Can I use my GI Bill® benefits to pay for the Airline Career Pilot Program?

Benefits can not be used to pay for the Airline Career Pilot Program, but may be used for reimbursement of FAA examiners' fees and knowledge tests.

Learn More »

iPad & ForeFlight

How do I receive my discount for ForeFlight?
Is the iPad legal for flight?
What are some tips and tricks for using my iPad inflight?
How can I optimize my iPad to protect my night vision?
What is the reliability of the internal GPS and does it cause any interference?
What are the limitations of the iPad?
How do I ensure access to ForeFlight data when I'm not connected to the Internet?
What are some ForeFlight tips and best practices?
Where can I find ForeFlight instructional videos and other resources?
How do I receive my discount for ForeFlight?

ForeFlight discount instructions, eligible users can purchase ForeFlight for a special discount through ATP.

How do I receive my discount for ForeFlight? »
Is the iPad legal for flight?

The iPad is perfectly legal for Part 91 flying as it qualifies as an electronic flight bag…

Is the iPad legal for flight? »
What are some tips and tricks for using my iPad inflight?

Tips and tricks for using your iPad during ATP Flight Training Programs, including: backups, battery life and night vision.

What are some tips and tricks for using my iPad inflight? »
How can I optimize my iPad to protect my night vision?

Tips and tricks for improving the night vision of you iPad, including dimming and color inversion.

How can I optimize my iPad to protect my night vision? »
What is the reliability of the internal GPS and does it cause any interference?

Do not use the internal GPS as the primary source for navigation or determining your position in flight. There are several options for external GPS devices that will increase reliability in-flight.

What is the reliability of the internal GPS and does it cause any interference? »
What are the limitations of the iPad?

Learn about iPad's limitations, including max operational altitude, overheating and GPD interference.

What are the limitations of the iPad? »
How do I ensure access to ForeFlight data when I'm not connected to the Internet?

In-depth information about the correct way to utilize ForeFlight before, during and after your flight.

How do I ensure access to ForeFlight data when I'm not connected to the Internet? »
What are some ForeFlight tips and best practices?

Tips, tricks and best practices to get the most our of your ForeFlight App.

What are some ForeFlight tips and best practices? »

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American Eagle Pilots on Talking in a Cockpit

Becoming a Pilot

What are the eligibility requirements for becoming an airline pilot?
How do I become a pilot?
How do I become a pilot for United Airlines?
How do I become a pilot for American Airlines?
Do I need a college degree to be a pilot?
How long does it take to become a pilot?
How long does it take to become a commercial airline pilot?
What is airline seniority?
What is a regional airline pilot's salary?
How much does it cost to become a commercial pilot?
What pilot training programs are available?
What is a student pilot certificate?
What is a private pilot license?
What is a commercial pilot license?
How to become a certified flight instructor (CFI)?
How to earn your ATP certificate?
How much do airline pilots make?
What is the current airline pilot hiring outlook?
What are the effects of COVID-19 on the airline industry?
What are the eligibility requirements for becoming an airline pilot?

Summary of educational, medical, legal, certification and qualification requirements to become a commercial pilot and fly for major and regional airlines.

What are the eligibility requirements for becoming an airline pilot? »
How do I become a pilot?

You can become a pilot. Learn how to become a pilot and get your pilot license, including requirements, eligibility, how long it takes, and cost.

How do I become a pilot? »
How do I become a pilot for United Airlines®?

ATP Flight School is the nation’s leader in airline-oriented flight training and has partnered with United to provide ATP students the fastest path to a successful pilot career with United. Learn more about United AviateSM.

How do I become a pilot for United Airlines? »
How do I become a pilot for American Airlines?

Accelerated pilot cadet program, offering a proven path to a pilot career at American Airlines.

How do I become a pilot for American Airlines? »
Do I need a college degree to be a pilot?

No, you don't need a college degree to become a pilot. Learn more about what the college education requirements are to become an airline pilot.

Do I need a college degree to be a pilot? »
How long does it take to become a pilot?

It takes three months to become a private pilot. In two years, you can become a commercial airline pilot. Learn how you can become a pilot with ATP Flight School.

How long does it take to become a pilot? »
How long does it take to become a commercial airline pilot?

Enroll in accelerated flight training with ATP and go from zero experience to a commercial airline pilot, with 1500 hours, in two years. Learn how you can become an airline pilot with ATP Flight School.

How long does it take to become a commercial airline pilot? »
What is airline seniority?

Airlines operate on a seniority-based system. Learn what this means for your career and why getting to the airlines first is important.

Airline seniority explained »
What is a regional airline pilot's salary?

The shortage of pilots qualified to fly for the airlines is causing regional airlines to offer signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and other incentives. Learn more about how much you will earn as a pilot.

Compare First-Year Pay at Each Regional Airline »
How much does it cost to become a commercial pilot?

ATP provides up-front, fixed-cost pricing in a way that differentiates us from most other flight schools and academies. With over 30 years of experience, ATP designs our flight training programs with enough flight time for the vast majority of students to be successful.

How much does it cost to become a commercial pilot? »
What pilot training programs are available?

Complete list of aviation courses, flight training, and career pilot programs offered by ATP Flight School.

What pilot training programs are available? »
What is a student pilot certificate?

The student pilot certificate is a requirement in order to fly a powered aircraft by yourself, known as “soloing” in aviation.

What is a student pilot certificate? »
What is a private pilot license?

A Private Pilot License (PPL) is the first major milestone on the road to a career as a pilot. Learn about the private pilot license; including privileges, requirements, eligibilty, and how to earn your private pilot license.

What is a private pilot license? »
What is a commercial pilot license?

Learn all about a commercial pilot license, including privileges, requirements, eligibilty, and how to earn this pilot license.

What is a commercial pilot license? »
How to become a certified flight instructor (CFI)?

Learn all about earning your flight instructor certification, including privileges, requirements, eligibilty, and salary information.

How to become a certified flight instructor? »

Learn all about earning your flight instructor certification, including privileges, requirements, eligibilty, and salary information.

How to become a certified flight instructor? »
How to earn your ATP certificate?

An ATP certification will also open a wide array of pilot job opportunities with various corporate and private air carriers. Learn more about the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certification, such as, eligibility requirements and flight experience requirements.

How to Earn Your ATP Certificate? »
How much do airline pilots make?

Flying is a rewarding career, both financially and in terms of job satisfaction. Pilots undertake intensive training to develop a highly unique skill set. As a result, commercial pilots are paid well.

What is a commercial pilot’s salary? »
What is the current airline pilot hiring outlook?

Commercial airline pilot job career information; airline pilot hiring, pilot salary, retirement numbers, military pilot population reduction and the overall upcoming pilot shortage discussion.

What is the current airline pilot hiring outlook? »
What are the effects of COVID-19 on the airline industry?

Long-term pilot career outlook in response to COVID-19, including long term hiring trends, projections, retirements, and the effects of postponing flight training.

What are the effects of COVID-19 on the airline industry? »

Request More Information »

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Financing FAQs

Does ATP accept financial aid, grants, or scholarships?
Do I need a cosigner to be approved for a loan?
I need to explain my flight training loan to my cosigner. Where do I begin?
Will my cosigner be obligated for the life of the loan?
How does ATP receive the loan funds?
When do I have to start repaying the loan?
Does ATP accept financial aid, grants, or scholarships?

Financial Aid, such as Stafford Loans and Pell Grants, that can be requested through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can not be used to help cover the costs of flight training at ATP.

Does ATP accept financial aid, grants, or scholarships? »
Do I need a cosigner to be approved for a loan?

While you’re welcome to apply as a stand alone applicant, your application has a better chance of being approved if you apply with a cosigner.

Do I need a cosigner to be approved for a loan? »
I need to explain my flight training loan to my cosigner. Where do I begin?

Be sure to review ATP’s cosigner prospectus for valuable information to discuss with potential cosigners. It outlines the benefits of flight training at ATP and the specific requirements and responsibilities for cosigners.

I need to explain my flight training loan to my cosigner. Where do I begin? »
Will my cosigner be obligated for the life of the loan?

Sallie Mae offers cosigner release applications after a minimum number of payments have been made.

Will my cosigner be obligated for the life of the loan? »
How does ATP receive the loan funds?

ATP’s multi-disbursement payment structure allows us to determine a student’s ability to be successful in this career early in the program, prior to spending the entire amount of tuition.

How does ATP receive the loan funds? »
When do I have to start repaying the loan?

Sallie Mae allows students to defer their loan repayment while they are in training. They also offer an additional 6 month post graduation grace period.

When do I have to start repaying the loan? »

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Airline Career Pilot Program graduates are being hired by the airlines

“I joined ATP with credit for my private license and finished up my ratings in just four months. I’m now a First Officer at United Airlines, flying the 787 Dreamliner.”