Career Pilot Training for Veterans
The Biggest Flight School in America Now Offers VA Benefits
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has approved ATP’s Airline Career Pilot Program for reimbursement under the Montgomery GI Bill. You won’t find a better value in professional pilot training for veterans.
All flight training for the VA-approved curriculum is accomplished at ATP’s Panama City, FL flight school under FAA-approved 141 flight training courses.
The VA-approved Airline Career Pilot Program includes the same certificates and flight time as our Part 61 Airline Career Pilot Program.
Airline Career Pilot Program Cost & VA Reimbursement Amount
Airline Career Pilot Program (From Private & 85 Hours)
| Airline Career Pilot Program From Private & 85 Hours |
$54,995 |
| Less VA Reimbursement* | (29,577) |
| Total Non-VA-Reimbursed Fixed Cost From Private SE thru Commercial with CFIs |
$25,418 |
Approximately $3,000 in examiners’ fees for the Commercial and CFI certificates (ME, SE, Instrument) are VA reimbursed 100% through the Professional Testing & Certification Program. Approximately $500 in examiners’ fees for the Private Multi-Engine Rating are not VA Reimbursed.
* Pardon us while we cover our bases: Amount of VA reimbursement may vary based on your benefits remaining at the time of submission. You will be completely responsible for all training costs incurred and ATP makes no guarantees regarding your eligibility for VA benefits. Obtain a VA Certificate of Eligibility.
Airline Career Pilot Program (From Zero Time — Includes Private)
| Airline Career Pilot Program From Zero Time—Includes Private |
$64,995 |
| Less VA Reimbursement* | (29,577) |
| Total Non-VA-Reimbursed Fixed Cost From Zero Time thru Commercial with CFIs |
$35,418 |
Approximately $3,000 in examiners’ fees for the Commercial and CFI certificates (ME, SE, Instrument) may be VA-reimbursed 100% through the Professional Testing & Certification Program. Approximately $1000 in examiners’ fees for the Private Single-Engine Certificate and Multi-Engine Rating are not VA Reimbursed.
* Pardon us while we cover our bases: Amount of VA reimbursement may vary based on your benefits remaining at the time of submission. You will be completely responsible for all training costs incurred and ATP makes no guarantees regarding your eligibility for VA benefits. Obtain a VA Certificate of Eligibility.
Why is the VA reimbursement less than 60 percent?
The Department of Veterans Affairs does not reimburse costs for training towards your Private Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor Certificates, housing, and some books and supplies–all of which ATP includes in the Airline Career Pilot Programs.
Why does the cost of the Airline Career Pilot Program appear to be higher for VA students?
For insurance and safety reasons, ATP always operates Seminoles with two pilots–never solo. During the cross-country phase of the non-VA-approved Airline Career Pilot Program, two multi-engine instrument rated students practice crew operating experience while flying nationwide cross-countries in an airline-style dispatched environment. The VA will only reimburse "solo" and "dual" flight time, which requires that this portion of the program be conducted with an instructor for VA students. This dual instruction represents an additional cost that is incurred at the exact same rates as incurred for non-VA students.
Interest-Free Bridge Loans While You Await VA Reimbursement
One of the biggest challenges facing veterans seeking professional pilot training is the out-of-pocket expense incurred before receiving VA reimbursements. If you trained anywhere else, you would have to take out a loan for more than you really needed or you would have to pay completely out-of-pocket and wait for your VA reimbursement.
When you train with ATP, you have access to our Interest-Free Bridge Loan towards VA-reimbursed training costs.
Simply complete our online financing application and then provide us a copy of your VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) showing that you have the VA funds available. ATP will submit your training records to the VA for reimbursement. When your check arrives from the VA, you will pay off your bridge loan. This ensures that you will never have to pay more than your total non-VA-reimbursed fixed cost.
We appreciate your service to our country, and this is just one small way ATP tries to say, "Thank You!" and make your flight training easily attainable.
