ATP CTP
The Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program is the FAA mandated final step between your commercial certificate and the airline cockpit. Complete it at AeroStar and take the ATM knowledge test at any testing center nationwide.
The Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
The Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate is the highest level of pilot certification issued by the FAA. It is required to serve as captain at any airline operating under Part 121 and is the standard most regional airlines require before hiring a first officer.
Pilots who hold an ATP certificate meet the hiring minimums for most regional airlines and are eligible to serve as both captains and first officers. Beyond airline positions, the ATP opens career opportunities with corporate operators, charter companies, and cargo carriers.
To earn the ATP certificate, a pilot must be at least 23 years old, hold a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, accumulate a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours, pass the ATP Multi-Engine (ATM) knowledge test, and pass a practical test. Provisions exist for a Restricted ATP (R-ATP) at age 21 with reduced hour requirements based on military experience or certain aviation degree programs.
Course Details at a Glance
- Ground School
30 hours of instructor led training covering aerodynamics, air carrier operations, CRM, and weather
- Virtual Format
3 days of virtual instructor led ground school completed remotely before on-site simulator training
- FTSD Training
10 hours total in Flight Simulation Training Devices including full motion Level D simulator sessions
- Locations
Simulator training at AeroStar Kissimmee (KISM) or Miami
- Duration
5 days total: 3 days virtual ground school followed by 2 days on-site simulator training
- Outcome
Graduation certificate authorizing you to take the ATP Multi-Engine (ATM) knowledge test
Course Pricing
Virtual ATP CTP with on-site simulator training at Kissimmee or Miami.
Virtual ATP CTP
- 3 days virtual instructor led ground school
- 2 days on-site simulator training
- 30 hours ground instruction
- 10 hours Flight Simulation Training Device time
- Graduation certificate for ATM knowledge test eligibility
*Simulator training must be completed within 60 days of ground school.
The Path to Your ATP Certificate
AeroStar’s Part 142 course follows a structured three phase process.
- 1Complete ATP CTP
Complete AeroStar's FAA approved ATP CTP course: 3 days of virtual ground school followed by 2 days of on-site simulator training. Receive your graduation certificate.
- 2Pass the ATM
Your graduation certificate authorizes you to take the ATP Multi-Engine (ATM) knowledge test at any PSI testing center nationwide. Schedule it when you are ready. There is no expiration on the graduation certificate.
- 3Earn Your ATP
Pass the ATP practical test. This is typically completed during your type rating checkride at AeroStar or during airline new hire training. Meet the 1,500 hour total time requirement and the ATP certificate is yours.
Prerequisites
Commercial Certificate
Must hold an FAA Commercial Pilot License with an instrument rating. This is the minimum certificate level required to begin ATP CTP training.
FAA Medical
Must hold a current and valid FAA medical certificate. A 1st Class medical is required to exercise ATP privileges at the airlines.
English Proficiency
Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English per FAA requirements.
No Hour Minimum for the Course
There is no flight hour minimum to enroll in the ATP CTP. The 1,500 hour requirement applies to the ATP certificate application, not this course. Many pilots complete ATP CTP before reaching 1,500 hours so they are ready when they hit minimums.
What You Will Learn
- High altitude aerodynamics including Mach number, compressibility, and coffin corner
- Transport category aircraft performance and limitations
- Stall recognition, prevention, and recovery at high altitude
- Upset prevention and recovery techniques in full motion simulation
- Crew resource management (CRM), leadership, and professional development
- Air carrier operations under Part 121 regulations
- Weather phenomena and detection systems relevant to airline operations
- Automation, flight management systems, and autoflight operations
- Low energy states and energy management in transport category aircraft
- Navigation and instrument procedures in a jet cockpit environment
Why Complete Your ATP CPT at AeroStar
ATP CTP to Type Rating in One Location
Complete your ATP CTP and continue directly into an A320 or B737 type rating at the same facility. No travel to a second school. No wasted time between courses.
Part 142 Certified
AeroStar holds FAA Part 142 certification for advanced training. The ATP CTP is conducted on the same Level D full motion simulators used for airline type rating courses.
Airline Experienced Instructors
Every ATP CTP instructor has real world air carrier experience. They teach from the perspective of someone who has operated in the environment you are preparing to enter.
Flexible Scheduling
Simulator training available at Kissimmee or Miami. Kissimmee offers sessions every Tuesday/Wednesday or Thursday/Friday. Miami A320 ATP CTP available on the first and third Monday of every month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ATP CTP and the ATP certificate?
The ATP CTP is the FAA mandated training course you must complete before you can take the ATP Multi-Engine knowledge test. The ATP certificate is the actual pilot certificate you earn after passing both the knowledge test and the practical test. Think of the ATP CTP as the required prerequisite course, and the ATP certificate as the credential it leads to.
Do I need 1,500 hours before starting ATP CTP?
No. There is no flight hour minimum tied to ATP CTP enrollment. The 1,500 hour total time requirement applies to the ATP certificate application, not to taking this course. Many pilots complete the ATP CTP at 1,200 to 1,400 hours so they are prepared the moment they hit airline minimums.
Does the graduation certificate expire?
No. The ATP CTP graduation certificate does not expire under FAA regulations. You complete the course once and the certificate remains valid indefinitely. You can schedule the ATM knowledge test whenever you are ready.
Is the ATP CTP a test prep course for the ATM knowledge test?
No. The ATP CTP is a separate FAA mandated training course that covers specific subjects required by regulation. The ATM knowledge test questions are developed by the FAA separately from the ATP CTP course content. You will need to study for the ATM knowledge test independently using test prep materials such as Sheppard Air or Gleim.
Can I continue directly into a type rating after ATP CTP?
Yes. AeroStar offers A320 and B737 type rating courses at the same facility where you complete your ATP CTP. You can schedule your type rating to begin immediately after your ATP CTP graduation, completing both at one location without travel to a second school.
Is the ATP CTP approved for VA benefits?
Yes. AeroStar’s ATP CTP course is approved for VA funding with veterans’ benefits. Contact our admissions team at 689-285-5418 to confirm your eligibility and discuss enrollment.
Do non-US citizens need TSA approval for ATP CTP?
No. According to the final rule of 49 CFR Part 1552, effective July 30, 2024, TSA notification and clearance is not required for non-US citizens to complete the ATP CTP course.
What is a Restricted ATP (R-ATP)?
A Restricted ATP allows pilots to serve as first officers at airlines before reaching the full 1,500 hour requirement. R-ATP holders can operate with reduced hour minimums based on military experience or completion of certain aviation degree programs. R-ATP holders can serve as co-pilots but must accumulate the full flight hours to act as pilot in command. The ATP CTP is still required for pilots seeking a full multi-engine ATP certificate.