Training Requirements: Airline Transport Pilot Certificate Issued with an Airplane Category Multiengine Class Rating

Regulation Text

A person who applies for the knowledge test for an airline transport pilot certificate with an airplane category multiengine class rating must present a graduation certificate from an authorized training provider under part 121, 135, 141, or 142 of this chapter certifying the applicant has completed the following training in a course approved by the Administrator.

(a) Academic training. The applicant for the knowledge test must receive at least 30 hours of classroom instruction that includes the following:

(1) At least 8 hours of instruction on aerodynamics including high altitude operations;

(2) At least 2 hours of instruction on meteorology, including adverse weather phenomena and weather detection systems; and

(3) At least 14 hours of instruction on air carrier operations, including the following areas:

(i) Physiology;

(ii) Communications;

(iii) Checklist philosophy;

(iv) Operational control;

(v) Minimum equipment list/configuration deviation list;

(vi) Ground operations;

(vii) Turbine engines;

(viii) Transport category aircraft performance;

(ix) Automation, navigation, and flight path warning systems.

(4) At least 6 hours of instruction on leadership, professional development, crew resource management, and safety culture.

(b) FSTD training. The applicant for the knowledge test must receive at least 10 hours of training in a flight simulation training device qualified under part 60 of this chapter that represents a multiengine turbine airplane. The training must include the following:

(1) At least 6 hours of training in a Level C or higher full flight simulator qualified under part 60 of this chapter that represents a multiengine turbine airplane with a maximum takeoff weight of 40,000 pounds or greater. The training must include the following areas:

(i) Low energy states/stalls;

(ii) Upset recovery techniques; and

(iii) Adverse weather conditions, including icing, thunderstorms, and crosswinds with gusts.

(2) The remaining FSTD training may be completed in a Level 4 or higher flight simulation training device. The training must include the following areas:

(i) Navigation including flight management systems; and

(ii) Automation including autoflight.

(c) Deviation authority. The Administrator may issue deviation authority from the weight requirement in paragraph (b)(1) of this section upon a determination that the objectives of the training can be met in an alternative device.

Research Notes

Regulatory Cross-References

§ 61.156 establishes the ATP Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) requirement — a minimum 30-hour course taught at a Part 142 training center or an air carrier using an approved curriculum. The course was mandated by the FAA in 2014 following the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010, passed after the crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 near Buffalo in 2009.

ATP-CTP Course Content (Minimum)

The ATP-CTP must include at minimum:

At least 10 hours of classroom or computer-based training covering the subjects in § 61.155
At least 10 hours in a full flight simulator (Level C or D) or Flight Training Device (FTD Level 6 or higher)
At least 10 hours on additional topics including advanced aircraft systems, weather, aerodynamics, and crew resource management

Approved ATP-CTP Providers

ATP-CTP courses are offered by major regional airline training centers (ATP Inc., COMAIR Aviation Academy), Part 142 training centers (CAE, FlightSafety International, SimuFlite), and some colleges with Part 142 certificates. Cost ranges from approximately $5,000 to $8,000. Completion is valid indefinitely for the purpose of knowledge test eligibility.

Key Authorities

Pub. L. 111-216, § 217 — statutory mandate for ATP-CTP
AC 61-138 — Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (primary guidance)
§ 61.64 — Use of FFS and FTD for certification
§ 135.338 — ATP certificate required for Part 135 PIC operations

CFI Commentary

Highlighted phrases in the regulation text above link to instructor notes at the bottom of this page. Look for the amber or blue highlights — each one flags a gotcha or a pro tip worth knowing.

Amendment History

Amendment History Coming Soon

Every time this regulation changes, we'll record it here — the date, what was amended, and a plain-English summary of what shifted.

AOA Notes

These notes correspond to the highlighted phrases in the regulation text above. Each one flags something worth knowing — a common misread, a checkride gotcha, or a practical pro tip.

Pro Tip: ATP-CTP was born from Colgan Air 3407 — know why it exists

The ATP-CTP exists because of one accident: Colgan Air Flight 3407, February 2009, near Buffalo. Forty-nine people died. The NTSB found the crew lacked the training and experience to handle an approach-to-stall in icing conditions. Congress responded with the Airline Safety Act, which among other things required all ATP applicants to complete this training program. When you sit in the ATP-CTP simulator, you're learning the aerodynamics and procedures that could have saved those lives. Take it seriously.

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Gotcha: The sim must be a Level C or D — not all FFS qualify

The ATP-CTP requires time in a full flight simulator rated Level C or Level D — the highest-fidelity motion-based simulators. Not all training centers have them, and not all flight hours in simulators count. When you're shopping for ATP-CTP providers, confirm the sim level before you pay. A Level B sim doesn't satisfy this requirement.