Flight Training Timeline
Click the timeline to see a description of your training milestones in the Airline Career Pilot Program
Primary Training
The first step towards becoming a commercial pilot is earning your single-engine Private Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating. Keeping your end goal in mind — ATP's philosophy is to deliver airline-style training and flight experience at the very onset of a pilot's training career. This is accomplished through standardized operating procedures and training students to a high level of proficiency. In your primary training stage you'll learn the fundamentals of flight before moving on to instrument training. During this stage, all training is conducted in Cessna 172 moving-map GPS-equipped aircraft.
What's Included
- Private Pilot iPad Home Study & Briefings
- Private Pilot Written Exam
- Single-Engine Flight Instruction
Typical Training Day
From a Student's Perspective:
Full immersion is an understatement... Two weeks into the program and I've done nothing but lived and breathed aviation – loving every minute. During the private pilot stage, my days start off with self-study, using ATP's iPad Courseware. Here I'm learning all of the fundamentals of flying, which I'm confident is setting the foundation for the rest of my training. Mid-afternoon, I meet with my flight instructor for a preflight briefing and to go over a few questions I ran into during my self-study session. With questions answered and lesson objectives covered, I head out to preflight the aircraft at about 4pm. I'm excited for the flight ahead, as it is sure to be plenty full of stalls, slow-flight, ground reference maneuvers, and inevitably finishing with a round of landings.Request More Info
Private-Instrument
Airlines conduct flights under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), allowing them to fly in less than ideal weather conditions. Accordingly, these pilots must have an Instrument Rating. During this stage, students conduct flights under simulated instrument conditions and learn IFR procedures such as approaches, holds, emergency operations, etc... Not unlike other stages of the program, students are trained using standard operating procedures, flows, and callouts. This practice not only increases safety and consistency, but will prepare students for flying in the airline environment.
What's Included:
- Instrument iPad Home Study & Briefings
- Instrument Written Exam
- Instrument Single-Engine Flight Instruction
- Scenario-Based FTD Training
- Single-Engine Solo Flights
- Single-Engine Private Pilot with Instrument Rating Checkride
Typical Training Day
From a Student's Perspective:
After gaining a strong understanding of the fundamentals, I have transitioned over to learning the procedures necessary to fly the airplane by instruments only, with no outside visual reference. Each day is intensive, starting off with self-study and a briefing in the morning, followed by taking what was learned and applying it in the simulator with my instructor. After a short break, we head out in the aircraft to run through the holds, approaches, and emergency procedures we had practiced earlier. The nearly three-hour flight is grueling and tests your ability, as you balance the many aspects and complexities of IFR flight. At the end of day, the challenge proves to be worth it however, as the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled.Request More Info
Multi-Engine Rating
During this stage, students are transitioned from single-engine aircraft to multi-engine aircraft. While the principles of flight remain the same, concepts such as multi-engine aerodynamics, emergency operations, and more complex systems are thoroughly explained.
ATP operates the world's largest multi-engine training fleet, consisting of 107 Piper Seminoles. Airlines prefer multi-engine flight time and experience, so upon obtaining your multi-engine rating at the end of this stage, the majority of the rest of your flight training will be conducted in the Seminole.
What's Included:
- Multi-Engine Home Study & Briefings
- Multi-Engine Flight Instruction
- Multi-Engine Scenario-Based FTD Training
- Crew Procedures & LOFT FTD Training
- Multi-Engine Rating Checkride
Typical Training Day
From a Student's Perspective:
Feeling satisfied after the recent achievement of earning my private pilot certificate, I was eager to start the next stage of training – transitioning to multi-engine aircraft. In the morning, I met with my training partner, where we spent an hour and half studying multi-engine aerodynamics. The plan for the afternoon is a mix of simulator work and actual flying, practicing engine failure procedures and multi-engine maneuvers.Request More Info
Multi-Engine Rating
During this stage, students are transitioned from single-engine aircraft to multi-engine aircraft. While the principles of flight remain the same, concepts such as multi-engine aerodynamics, emergency operations, and more complex systems are thoroughly explained.
ATP operates the world's largest multi-engine training fleet, consisting of 107 Piper Seminoles. Airlines prefer multi-engine flight time and experience, so upon obtaining your multi-engine rating at the end of this stage, the majority of the rest of your flight training will be conducted in the Seminole.
What's Included:
- Multi-Engine Home Study & Briefings
- Multi-Engine Flight Instruction
- Multi-Engine Scenario-Based FTD Training
- Multi-Engine Rating Checkride
Typical Training Day
From a Student's Perspective:
Feeling satisfied after the recent achievement of earning my private pilot certificate, I was eager to start the next stage of training – transitioning to multi-engine aircraft. In the morning, I met with my training partner, where we spent an hour and half studying multi-engine aerodynamics. The plan for the afternoon is a mix of simulator work and actual flying, practicing engine failure procedures and multi-engine maneuvers.Request More Info
Instrument Rating
Airlines conduct flights under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), allowing them to fly in less than ideal weather conditions. Accordingly, these pilots must have an Instrument Rating. During this stage, students conduct flights under simulated instrument conditions in the Piper Seminole and learn IFR procedures such as approaches, holds, emergency operations, etc...
Not unlike other stages of the program, students are trained using standard operating procedures, flows, and callouts. This practice not only increases safety and consistency, but will prepare students for flying in the airline environment.
What's Included:
- Instrument iPad Home Study & Briefings
- Instrument Written Exam
- Instrument Multi-Engine Flight Instruction
- Scenario-Based FTD Training
- Multi-Engine Instrument Rating Checkride
- Crew Procedures & LOFT FTD Training
Typical Training Day
From a Student's Perspective:
So far the instrument rating stage of training has been the most demanding. After private pilot and multi-engine training, I am confident in my ability to safely fly the aircraft and so now the focus is on learning the procedures necessary to fly an airplane by instruments only, with no outside visual reference. Each day is intensive, starting off with self-study and a briefing in the morning, followed by taking what was learned and running through the procedures in the simulator. After a short break my instructor and I head out in the Seminole to run through holds, approaches, and emergency procedures. The nearly three-hour flight is grueling and tests your ability as a pilot, but after the flight, and at end of each day, the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled.Request More Info
Airline Interview
During cross-country or Commercial training, students will interview with Republic Airlines on-site at ATP Jacksonville (east coast) or ATP Phoenix (west coast). Considering your limited flight experience, the interview will be limited to HR-style discussion and technical material covering only your training accomplished so far.
Upon successful completion of your on-site interview and background check process, Republic Airlines will issue a conditional offer of employment. The conditional offer of employment gives students an airline-sponsored career track through finishing flight training, becoming a flight instructor, and attaining 1500 hours total flight time.
From a Student's Perspective:
I was invited to ATP Jacksonville to interview with Republic Airlines. The interview experience was great and resulted in getting a conditional offer of employment upon getting 1500 hours and my ATP certificate. Helping me secure a job at an airline has given me great confidence as I look forward to becoming a flight instructor and building experience.Request More Info
Nationwide Cross-Country Flying
Upon earning an Instrument Rating, students begin the Cross-Country phase of their training. ATP's quality instructional methods will have you flying the multi-engine Piper Seminole as pilot-in-command, nationwide in an airline-style environment. This nationwide flying requires a level of currency, proficiency, and standardization that defines ATP's excellence in multi-engine flight training.
All cross-country flights are operated in an FAR 121 airline-style environment. Flights will be scheduled to selected ATP Training Centers nationwide and will be conducted with flight releases to assist with weather, routing, and performance reviews.
During this stage, you will typically fly trips to locations about 350 NM from the base training center. You may have an opportunity to fly coast-to-coast cross-country flights if your schedule permits approximately 10 consecutive days to make the trip out and back, and allow for weather contingencies. All ATP flights nationwide are scheduled and monitored around-the-clock by a specialized Flight Operations team.
Typical Training Day
From a Student's Perspective:
The cross-country stage of my training has felt like a much-needed vacation and has been a once in a lifetime experience. Today I woke up, and at about 6am met with my training partner at the airport – planning for a 7am wheels-up departure. We left Phoenix and headed off to Los Angeles (Riverside to be exact), where we grabbed a quick bite to eat before departing to Las Vegas – finally returning home at around 5pm. Each day has been new and different; nothing beats waking up each morning and flying to a different city across the country. From Sacramento to Dallas, ATP has allowed me to truly experience cross-country flying.Request More Info
Commercial Pilot
After completing the Cross-Country flying stage, students will undergo further training in both the Piper Seminole and Cessna 172 in preparation for their single- and multi-engine Commercial Pilot Certificates, eventually allowing them to be paid to fly.
What's Included:
- Commercial Multi-Engine Flight Instruction
- Commercial Single-Engine Flight Instruction
- Commercial Multi-Engine Checkride
- Commercial Single-Engine Checkride
Typical Training Day
From a Student's Perspective:
The cross-country stage was laid back and fun, but now it's back to business, as I enter the commercial stage of training. This morning I reviewed aircraft systems and a few new maneuvers with my instructor, followed by a flight running through the maneuvers. After a short break we'll head back up for another flight in preparation for my commercial checkride, which is just a few days away. After flying nearly everyday over the last four months, I feel self-assured and ready for it.Request More Info
Certified Flight Instructor
The final two weeks of the program are devoted to developing students into Certified Flight Instructors (CFI). Here students learn the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) and hone the ability to effectively teach and communicate all the knowledge and experienced they have attained throughout the program.
Upon successful completion, students earn all three of their instructor certificates — single-engine CFI, multi-engine CFI, CFI Instrument. The next step after graduating from the Airline Career Pilot Program, is to build experience and flight time as a CFI. Fast Track graduates are guaranteed a paid instructor job with ATP.
What's Included:
- CFI iPad Home Study & Briefings
- CFI Ground School
- Multi-Engine CFI Flight Instruction
- Single-Engine CFI Flight Instruction
- Multi-Engine CFI Initial Checkride
- CFI Single-Engine Rating Checkride
- CFI Instrument Rating Checkride
Typical Training Day
From a Student's Perspective:
One week to go until I complete the program... The past few months have gone by so quickly and CFI school has been going by even faster. This is the sprint to the finish line and my days here have consisted of trying to take all of the knowledge and skills I've gained over the course of training, and be able to effectively and concisely teach it to others. Luckily, I'm with a great group of fellow students who, with support of my instructors, have enabled me to pass my initial instructor checkride. My time in the program has been as equally challenging as rewarding, and the total immersion, fast-track training has allowed me to build a strong foundation of knowledge and skill that I know will be with me throughout my entire airline career.Request More Info
Combined Private-Instrument Training
Latest FAA Advancements
ATP is among the first to adopt the FAA’s latest model for combined private-instrument certification. For career-oriented students, this updated model for private pilot training towards a combined private-instrument checkride offers many advantages.
- Private-Instrument Combined Training & Checkride
- Better airline-oriented training by starting instrument training earlier
- Enhanced safety margin by conducting solo flight after more dual instruction received
Enhanced Safety
Most importantly, private-instrument training enhances safety by reducing the likelihood of incidents during the first solo flights. In the combined private-instrument training, solo flights occur after much more flight experience and instrument training, which helps students gain increased proficiency and confidence.
In the Airline Career Pilot Program (from zero time), ATP students will be armed with a command knowledge of instrument procedures and IFR-level ATC communication skills prior to solo.
Changing Aviation Environment
The aviation environment has changed much over the past decades. With more ATC involvement, airspace complications, and crowded training areas, student pilots of today face more challenges than ever.
The instrument training that you will now receive prior to solo is essential for your success and offers a significantly increased safety margin over older private pilot training programs designed for a past era.
Self-Paced Curriculum
Availability
As a self-paced student, you must dedicate at least ten days per month to your training. Anticipate an additional 10-20 days of required availability compared to the Fast Track Training Timeline.
CFI Training
CFI Training will require approximately 14 consecutive days in Atlanta, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, or Las Vegas. ATP provides housing and air transportation to the CFI Training Center. You are responsible for your own local ground transportation.
Training Schedule
You will coordinate your daily training schedule with your flight instructor and ATP's Flight Operations team. Depending on instructor and aircraft availability, you may accelerate your training pace and complete the program in much less time than possible with training just 10 days per month.
