Eligibility requirements: General

This regulation sets out the basic eligibility requirements for earning an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. You must be at least 23 years old (or 21 if qualifying under the restricted ATP rules of §61.160). You need to read, speak, write, and understand English, and be of good moral character.

Before applying, you must already hold either a commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating, meet military pilot requirements, or hold certain foreign pilot licenses. For airplane multiengine ATP certificates, you must complete an ATP Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) before taking the knowledge test.

You'll need to meet specific flight experience requirements (detailed in other sections), pass an ATP knowledge test covering advanced aeronautical topics, and pass a practical test demonstrating ATP-level skills. These requirements ensure ATP certificate holders have the maturity, experience, and competency needed for airline and commercial operations requiring the highest pilot certification level.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*