Preparing for Your Airline Career Pilot Program

Things to Do Prior to Your Class Start Date

Sign-In to Student Extranet

ATP’s Student Extranet is web-based flight training management system featuring:

• Scheduling
• Program Outline
• Lesson Plans
• Guided Independent Study Courses
• Reference Library
• Statement of Account

Sign-in to Student Extranet by clicking “Student Sign-In” on the ATP home page. On your first visit, click the “Register” tab, and enter your cell phone number. The system will send you a temporary password by text message for your first sign-in.

Guided Independent Study Required Before Class Date

Prior to your start date, complete the ATP Orientation guided study course. You're also encouraged to review the Private Pilot guided study course. It contains information about how ATP operates our airplanes that will help you transition smoothly from your current flight school and equipment over to ATP’s flight operational environment.

Mobile Phone

You must have a mobile phone with SMS/text messaging to receive important communications from ATP during your training. Your carrier may charge standard text messaging rates based on your wireless plan. ATP recommends an unlimited text messaging plan, since you may send/receive 100+ text messages per month related to ATP training.

iPad

You must have an iPad for your training library, and charts and plates.

ATP requires students to have an iPad with WiFi + Cellular. You will need the latest version of iOS installed.

Cellular is required because it provides the GPS receiver for ForeFlight and improves situational awareness. You do not have to activate a cellular data plan to use the GPS, but you will likely find cellular data to be very convenient when needing to access data on the ramp and away from a WiFi signal.

ATP recommends the small to medium sized ipad, which balance ease of studying with a practical size for use in the airplane. Pick whichever model you like best. Please note that ForeFlight no longer supports the following iPad and iPhone models for new app updates: iPad 4 and older, iPad Air 2 and older, iPad mini 4 and older, and iPhone 7, 7+, SE, and older.

For more details, see ForeFlight’s Buying Guide and ForeFlight Minimum iOS Requirements.

iPad Apps

Students will need to purchase and download a few applications directly from the iTunes App Store.

Required iPad Apps

Optional iPad Apps

Prepare in advance for your flight training by accessing supplementary resources to complete your Airmen Knowledge Tests and participate in ATP Elevate Ground School.

Laptop or Desktop Computer

For the best experience with virtual remote ground school over Zoom, ATP recommends students have a laptop available in addition to an iPad. Learn more about ATP's online training resources.

ATP Training Bundle

When you schedule your program, ATP will send you the following training materials. Check your packing list and contents against the list below. Bring everything to the training center on your class date.

Learn more about the ATP Training Bundle.

• ATP Training Supplements:
  • Cessna 172 Training Supplement
    (provided at training center)
  • Piper Archer Training Supplement
    (provided at training center)
  • Cross-Country Flight Planning Supplement
  • Piper Seminole Training Supplement
    (provided at training center)
  • Crew Procedures Training Supplement
  • ForeFlight & Chart Training Supplement
• FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS) / Practical Test Standards (PTS):
  • Private Pilot
  • Instrument
  • Commercial
  • Flight Instructor Single-Engine
  • Flight Instructor Instrument
• Gear:
  • Manual Flight Computer
  • Rotating Azimuth Plotter
  • VFR Training Chart
  • Manual Flight Computer
  • Rotating Azimuth Plotter
  • VFR Training Chart
  • Wanaroam Flite 1.0 “ATP Flight Crew” Bag
  • ATP Hat
  • ATP Solo T-Shirt
  • 5× ATP Dri-Fit Polo shirts
• FAA Handbooks:
  • Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
  • Airplane Flying Handbook
  • Instrument Flying Handbook
  • Aviation Instructor's Handbook
  • FAR/AIM

Pilot Gear

In addition to the training aids included in your ATP Training Bundle, you will also need this pilot gear, available on PilotMall.com:

• Headset
• Kneeboard suitable for iPad
• Flashlight (Recommend MagLite or Smith & Wesson brands.
  Flashlights with colored lenses recommended to protect night vision.)
• Travel Bag (carry on size)
• View Limiting Device
• VFR Sectional Chart
  (You’ll use your iPad for most flight planning, but a
  paper sectional is helpful during Private Pilot training.)

Dress Code

During training, students must maintain a professional appearance and adhere to the dress code.

• Chino-style pants or shorts (solid colors)
• Long or short sleeve shirts with collar (solid colors)
• Closed toed shoes (no sandals, flip-flops)
• (Expanded uniform policy)

ATP provides student uniform shirts at no cost to students enrolled in the Airline Career Pilot Program. At the time of scheduling, provide your shirt size and five free ATP Dri-Fit Polo shirts will be included in your training bundle. To order additional shirts and other ATP gear, students can go directly through PilotMall.com.

Prior to receiving your ATP uniform shirts, students are permitted to wear solid color, collared shirts.

Documents & Identification

Bring the following official documents with you for check-in on your class date:

• Identification
  • Un-expired, Valid US Passport, OR
  • Original or Certified Copy of Government-Issued Birth Certificate
    (Birth certificate must meet acceptable criteria.)
• FAA First Class Medical Certificate with no limitations (except for corrective lenses)
  (Find a qualified Aeromedical Examiner at FAA.gov)
• Proof of a Physical Address (not a PO Box) using your government-issued photo ID or one of the Acceptable Forms Of Applicant Address Verification found on page 3 of the Authorization Requirements Matrix.
• Student Pilot Certificate
• Log Book(s), with at least:
  • 43+ Hours Total Flight Time, including
    • 10 Hours Solo
    • 8 Hours Cross-Country PIC
• Private Pilot License
• Log Book(s), with at least:
  • 78 Hours Total Time
  • 8 Hours Cross-Country Time

Transportation

You will need a vehicle for transportation to and from the training center.

ATP Housing

If you’re using ATP housing, you will need to bring the following:

• Linens for twin size mattress
• Bath linens

Arrive at the Training Center

Plan to arrive at 8:00 AM local time to meet your assigned flight instructor and begin the check-in. Please see our training center directory for addresses and directions to your training center.

Payment

Your first payment will be due upon arrival at the training center.

If you’re financing your training, make sure that your financing process is complete and that your Student Extranet account shows the first loan disbursement pending.

For non-loan payments, please review the payment schedule and your Student Extranet account for amounts due.

Acceptable payment methods include personal and company checks, cashier’s checks, certified checks, and money orders payable to “Airline Transport Professionals.”

Expectation of Training Consistently

Students should be prepared and expect to fly five flights per week on average throughout the program. Some weeks will require more, some will be less due to weather and other factors. It takes an average of five flights per week to complete the program in the prescribed time frame. Students active in managing their program will communicate with their instructor if they feel they should be scheduled more. After speaking with your instructor, if your schedule is still not leading to this level of activity, students should reach out to their local Training Support Specialist, Training Support Manager, or Training Support at Admin.

Get Ahead in Your Flight Training

ATP Elevate Ground School

ATP's Elevate Ground School, accessible through your Student Extranet platform, provides an enriching learning experience. It offers a dynamic calendar, live ground sessions, progress tracking, and dedicated assistance from the Elevate team. This proactive approach ensures that you are fully prepared to excel in the Airline Career Pilot Program right from the start.

• Interactive, Instructor-Led by Seasoned Senior Instructors
• Nationwide Virtual Attendance
• For Two Weeks During the Private Pilot, Instrument, and CFI Stages, You'll Attend Elevate Ground School.
• Exclusive to the Airline Career Pilot Program and Included in Program Cost

ATP's Elevate Ground School »

FAA Airmen Knowledge Tests

Get ahead by completing one or more knowledge tests prior to starting your training at ATP. Completing these tests before your scheduled class date eliminates potential program delays and enables you to dedicate your attention to both flight and ground training. For additional resources, explore our list of recommended iPad study apps.

How Can I Take Airmen Knowledge Tests Before My Class Date?