ATP CTP Frequently Asked Questions

What is ATP‐CTP?

On August 1, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-216). Section 217 of the Act required the FAA to modify the requirements of an ATP Certificate, as issued under part 61. Specifically, to be qualified to receive an ATP Certificate, the pilot should have received flight training, academic training, or operational experience that will prepare a pilot, at a minimum, to function effectively in a multi-pilot [multi-crew] environment; function effectively in adverse weather conditions; function effectively during high altitude operations; adhere to the highest professional standards; and function effectively in an air carrier environment. This section also required the Administrator to determine an appropriate amount of experience in difficult operational conditions that should be required to be eligible for the issuance of an ATP Certificate.

In 2015 the FAA finalized rules making the Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) a prerequisite to taking the ATP Knowledge Test.  The ATP CTP is designed to bridge the knowledge gap between a pilot who holds a commercial pilot certificate and a pilot operating in an air carrier environment. Bridging this gap requires training in essential subject areas as determined by P.L. 111-216, recommended by the FOQ ARC, proposed by the Pilot Certification and Qualification Requirements for Air Carrier Operations NPRM, and required by § 61.156. Successful completion of the ATP CTP will ensure an ATP applicant receives the baseline knowledge and experience to prepare them for the duties, responsibilities, and challenges of an air carrier environment.

What Does the ATP‐CTP Course Include?

The ATP-CTP course includes 30 hours of classroom training followed by 10 hours of FSTD training.  Academic topics include: Aerodynamics, Meteorology, Air Carrier Operations, Leadership/Professional Development, Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) and Safety Culture., runway incursion avoidance, stall prevention and recovery, high altitude operations, as well as crosswind takeoffs and landings in adverse weather. FSTD topics include Navigation, Flight Management System, Automation/Autoflight, Runway Safety, Adverse Weather Conditions, Ground Operations, High Altitude Operations, Stall and Upset Prevention and Recovery procedures.

Who is Eligible to Take the ATP‐CTP Course?

There are no eligibility requirements for the ATP-CTP course, however the course is intended for pilots preparing to earn an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.  Typically, ATP-CTP students will hold at least a commercial multi-engine certificate.  Non-US citizens must pass a Transportation Security Administration security background screening prior to training.

Does the ATP‐CTP Course Include Preparation for the ATP written exam?

No, the ATP‐CTP Course does not include specific preparation toward the ATP written exam.  The primary objective is to bridge the knowledge gap between a pilot who holds a commercial pilot certificate and a pilot operating in an air carrier environment.  Successful completion of the ATP-CTP will ensure an ATP applicant receives the baseline knowledge and experience to prepare them for the duties, responsibilities, and challenges of an air carrier environment.

Does Taking the ATP‐CTP Course Result in an Airline Transport Pilot Rating?

No, the ATP‐CTP Course is a prerequisite to taking the ATP Knowledge Test.  Pilots desiring an ATP certificate must take an approved ATP Rating Course and complete the Practical Test Airplane for Airline Transport Pilots.

How Long is the ATP‐CTP Certificate Valid?

ATP-CTP Certificates do not expire, so there is no harm in taking the ATP-CTP course at anytime.  However ATP Knowledge Test results are only valid for 60 months.

Does ATP‐CTP Include Preparation for the FAA Multi-Engine Written Exam?

No, the ATP‐CTP course does not include preparation for the ATP multi-engine written exam.

Is the ATP‐CTP Course Required for the ATP Single‐Engine Written Exam?

No, the ATP‐CTP Course is not required for single‐engine ATP, only applies to multi-engine ATP.

What preparation is required for ATP‐CTP?

ATP-CTP is an experiential learning course therefore no pre-study is required.

How long are written exam results valid for?

ATP multi-engine written exam results are valid for 60 calendar months.

What do I receive as evidence of ATP‐CTP completion?

At the conclusion of ATP‐CTP training, you will receive a graduation certificate which must be presented at the time you take your ATP Knowledge Test.

Can VA funding be applied toward ATP‐CTP training?

At this time, VA funding is not available for ATP‐CTP training.

Is TSA security clearance required of non‐US citizens?

Yes, all non‐US citizens are required to complete a category 1 TSA training request and receive approval. Additional costs apply.

When are classes offered and how do I schedule?

Classes are offered several times each month.  A calendar of course start dates is available on FTI’s ATP-CTP Course Page. To reserve your spot, FTI at: 1-800-233-0050 with the date you wish to attend and your credit card information.

What is the ATP‐CTP cancellation policy?

Changes and cancellations can be made up to 30 days in advance of the class start date at no charge. While Flight Training International will make every effort to accommodate change requests, courses are non‐refundable beginning 30 days in advance of the class start date.