The ATP is the final FAA pilot certificate. It is the legal prerequisite for serving as captain (or first officer at most carriers) of a Part 121 air carrier. We focus on the ATP checkride preparation in the Beechcraft Duchess. The ATP-CTP ground course (Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program) is required separately under FAA regulation and we refer students to partner providers who run the course.
ATP eligibility
1,500 hours total time, age 23, ATP-CTP course completion, and the ATP written test. Restricted ATP is available at 1,000 or 1,250 hours for graduates of authorized collegiate programs or military pilots. [expand]
ATP-CTP course referral
The ATP-CTP is a 30-hour ground course required by federal regulation before you can take the ATP written. We do not run the ATP-CTP in house and we refer to partner providers who do. [expand]
Checkride prep at NextGen
For the practical test we use the Beechcraft Duchess. Most candidates need 5 to 10 hours of flight prep focused on ATP maneuver tolerances (tighter than Commercial), CRM concepts demonstrated in a multi-crew environment, and the ATP-specific oral content. [expand]
After the ATP
The ATP is the ticket to the regional airlines. Most graduates have a regional FO position lined up before the checkride and use the ATP completion as the final hire-condition signoff. [expand]
Frequently asked questions
Do you run the ATP-CTP ground course? +
How much flight time do I need before ATP prep? +
Where to train
Train this program at Riverside or Redlands.
Other programs