The New ATP Rules May Affect You

Get ready. August 01 2014 is right around the corner! If you don't have your ATP rating yet the cost and time it takes to get your ATP will go up significantly. Some experts are expecting the cost of the ATP rating to go up by $10,000 or more. Here are some details of the new requirements and links to more information on the FAA ruling. FAA FINAL ATP CERTIFICATION RULE FAA Notice N 8900.225 This FAA Notice is a 16 page document that outlines the ATP rule changes that became effective on 07/10/13 and the new rules that will be implemented on 08/01/14. There are some immediate changes for pilots seeking a Restricted ATP. Restricted ATP Certificate - a.k.a. "1500 hour rule" The new rule also establishes a new ATP certificate with restricted privileges for multi-engine aircraft only. The Restricted ATP certificate can only be used to serve as a first officer at an air carrier. To obtain the certificate, an applicant must be at least 21 years old, hold a commercial pilot {C}certificate with an instrument rating, complete an ATP certification training program, and pass the ATP written and knowledge tests. For the restricted ATP certificate, applicants do get some relief as they are required to have 750 hours total time as a military pilot; at least 1,000 hours total time and a bachelor's degree with an aviation major; at least 1,250 hours total time and an associates degree with an aviation major; or 1,500 hours total time as a pilot. Under the new rules outlined in FAA Notice N 8900.225, qualifying pilots may obtain the Restricted ATP between 07/10/13 and 07/31/14 at a Part 61 flight school without completing a 30 hour ATP certification course and without receiving 10 hours of full motion sim training. The Restricted ATP certificate is for multi-engine aircraft and can only be used to serve as a first officer at an air carrier. All pilots must:

  • Be at least 21 years old;
  • Hold a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating;
  • Pass the ATP knowledge test and practical test;
  • Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of Section 61.160.

Military pilots must:

  • Have a minimum of 750 hours of total flight time as a pilot.

Civilian pilots with 1000 hours of total flight time must:

  • Be a graduate from an institution of higher education who holds a bachelor's degree with an aviation major and has completed at least 60 semester credit hours of aviation course work;
  • Have obtained the commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating from an associated part 141 pilot school.

Civilian pilots with 1250 hours of total flight time must:

  •  Be a graduate from an institution of higher education who holds a bachelor's degree or an associate's degree with an aviation major and has completed at least 30 semester credit hours of aviation course work;
  • Have obtained the commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating from an associated part 141 pilot school.

Civilian pilots with 1500 hours of total flight and 200 hours of cross country flight time qualify.     Links: FAA Information Page on ATP Certification AC 61-138, Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (CTP)

Institutions of Higher Education

The FAA authorizes institutions of higher education to certify graduates of specific aviation degree programs for a restricted privileges ATP certificate with reduced aeronautical experience. This authority is distinct from the ATP CTP, and allows for pilots with fewer than 1,500 hours of flight time to obtain a restricted privileges ATP certificate. A restricted privileges ATP certificate allows a pilot to serve as a co-pilot until he or she obtains the necessary 1,500 hours.

  • Authorized Institutions (PDF)
  • Certifying Statement (MS Word)
  • AC 61-139, Institution of Higher Education's Application for Authority to Certify its Graduates for an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with Reduced Aeronautical Experience
  • FAA Form 8700-1, Institution of Higher Education's Application for Authority to Certify its Graduates for an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with Reduced Aeronautical Experience

Restricted ATP Requirements Starting 08/01/14 After 07/31/14, pilots pursuing a Restricted ATP certificate must also complete an ATP certification training program. The program will include 30 hours of ground training and 10 hours of simulator training. The program must be completed prior to  being eligible to take the ATP written and practical tests. The 10 hours of simulator training will include 6 hours of training in a level C or D (full motion) simulator. According to the rule, this course will only be offered through Part 141, 142, 135 or 121 certificate holders, not allowing for Part 61 flight schools to develop courses and provide the training.

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