Get Ahead: Taking One Or More FAA Knowledge Tests Before Starting ATP

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.

Airline Career Pilot Program students participate in flight training lessons on a full-time schedule, requiring a full-time commitment. Activities include guided independent study, flight lessons, Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATD) simulator training, ATP Elevate Ground School, and ground lessons.

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

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

From your first lesson, progress is continuously monitored through structured lesson plans and performance tracking that students see in real time on their dashboard. If you fall behind or struggle with a skill, your instructor addresses it immediately through targeted ground and flight instruction, additional scenario-based training, and clear, actionable feedback tied to FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS).

ATP’s remediation process includes focused retraining sessions, evaluation follow-ups to confirm proficiency, and guidance and mentorship from Managing Flight Instructors and Training Support—so you understand what needs improvement, the plan to fix it, and what success looks like. Students are expected to stay prepared and engaged; progress is measured against defined milestones. If progress cannot be achieved after structured support and retraining, training may be discontinued. While this outcome is rare, it reflects the same performance expectations required in an airline career.

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.

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.

For those who need more flexibility and want to train part-time, ATP offers the Flex Commercial Pilot Program—a flexible airline pilot career solution where you schedule on your timeline with pay-as-you-train pricing (including options suited to students or working professionals).

ATP provides up-front, fixed-cost pricing and designs flight training programs with enough flight time for the vast majority of students to be successful. ATP never quotes prices based on unrealistic minimum flight time requirements.

If you require extra training beyond what’s included in your curriculum, ATP first tries to reallocate flight time from other parts of the syllabus before offering extra flight training at an additional cost. ATP guarantees the fixed cost quoted at the time of scheduling or first payment to reserve your class date, even if advertised prices increase later. Fixed-cost pricing does not include FAA knowledge tests, designated pilot examiner fees, or third-party iPad apps.

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

ATP requires Airline Career Pilot Program students to complete the ATP Orientation guided study course. Credit for Private students are also encouraged to review the Private Pilot guided study course.

While not required, consider attending ATP Elevate Ground sessions and completing one or more knowledge tests in advance.

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.

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

The difference is simple: a partnership is formal and verified; a pathway is not.

Partnerships are formal programs backed by signed agreements between a flight school and an airline.

• A defined, structured program exists.
• A formal agreement or contract is in place.
• The airline has vetted and approved the school.
• The airline maintains an active, recognized relationship with the school.

Pathways are general career progressions, not formal programs.

• No agreement with the airline.
• No formal relationship or affiliation.
• No structured or defined hiring program.
• No verified airline endorsement of the school.

A partnership involves a documented agreement and active airline relationship. A pathway does not.

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.