ATP is short for the Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. It’s issued by the FAA and required to fly as a captain for the major commercial commuter and regional airlines.

• Think of the ATP as a “master’s degree in aviation” – there is no higher designation in the industry.
• Applicants for this certificate must :
  • Be 23 years old
  • Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating
  • Complete a minimum of 1,500 flight hours
  • Pass the ATP Certificate Training program

The Restricted ATP (R-ATP) Degree Diploma was created to help prospective airline captains get hired sooner as First Officers. The diploma is issued to graduates of approved aviation associate or bachelor degree programs at educational institutions that have been authorized by the FAA. American Winds College of Aeronautics is one of those approved institutions!

• Think of the R-ATP diploma as your ticket to getting hired by a major airline faster.
• To qualify for the R-ATP, you must:
  • Be 21 years old
  • Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating
  • Complete either:
    • Associate Degree in Applied Science, Aviation AND
    • 1,250 hours of flight time
    • –OR–
    • Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation AND
    • 1,000 hours of flight time

The combination of these two documents – Associate or Bachelor’s Degree AND R-ATP Diploma – indicates to airlines that the holder can be hired as a First Officer with fewer than 1,500 flight hours.

As an FO, you’ll acquire more training and flight time while earning a good paycheck with benefits until you’re qualified to apply for Captain status.