How to become an Airline Pilot
Many aspiring pilots begin their flight training with the goal of becoming an airline pilot. It’s a rewarding career with excellent financial prospects, as regional airline pilots typically start at around $100,000 annually, while captains at major airlines can earn up to $300,000 or more. Pilots at legacy carriers with decades of seniority may even reach earnings of $500,000 or more.
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Becoming an airline pilot, however, requires a significant commitment to both training and flight experience, totaling over a thousand hours of flight time. This dedication is reflected in the culmination of your training with the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. To qualify for the ATP certification, you must first complete your private, instrument, commercial, and multi-engine ratings. You’ll also need to accumulate 1,500 hours of flight time. Additionally, you’ll need to pass both a written exam and a practical checkride.
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At ATA Flight School, our team has over 10,000 hours of combined flight experience, and our leadership team has extensive backgrounds in the Part 121 airline sector. This wealth of experience ensures that you’ll receive exceptional guidance as you work towards obtaining your ATP and advancing toward your goal of becoming an airline pilot.
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In the following sections, we’ll outline the specific requirements for obtaining your ATP and provide details about our comprehensive course designed to prepare you for the ATP checkride. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to becoming a proficient, safe pilot, ready for a successful career in the airlines or other aviation opportunities.
ATP Requirements
To qualify for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate in the United States, there are several key requirements that aspiring airline pilots must meet. First, candidates must hold a private pilot certificate, which demonstrates proficiency in basic flight operations. In addition to this, an instrument rating and commercial pilot certificate are necessary, as they confirm the pilot's ability to handle more advanced flight tasks, including flying solely by reference to instruments.
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Aspiring ATP candidates must accumulate a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours. These hours must include specific flight experience, such as cross-country flight hours and night flight hours. For those pursuing multi-engine ATP certification, an additional 50 hours of multi-engine flight time is required.
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While a college degree is not a mandatory requirement for the ATP certificate, it can be beneficial. Many aspiring pilots pursue aviation degree programs to enhance their qualifications. Additionally, candidates must possess a first-class medical certificate to meet the FAA's health standards. To further qualify, candidates must pass the ATP written knowledge test, which evaluates their understanding of aviation regulations, procedures, and technical knowledge.
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Once these prerequisites are fulfilled, candidates can begin their ATP training, which includes both ground school and practical flight training. Successfully completing the ATP practical test is the final step in earning the ATP certificate, marking a significant achievement in a pilot's career and enabling them to pursue opportunities in airline and commercial aviation.
What does the course contains
Components | Hours | Price |
|---|---|---|
Ground | 3 | $60 |
Flight Time | 3 | $440 |
TOTAL COST | $1,500 |
**INCIDENTAL COSTS: These amounts are approximations and they are paid directly by the pilots to the respective third parties.
Medical exam fee:
Written Exam Fee
Checkride Fee
Charts & Checklist
Contact
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Ready to be an
ATP PILOT
At ATA Flight School, we are committed to transforming you into a skilled, adaptable, proficient, and safety-conscious pilot.