Regulation Text
(a) An institution of higher education that is accredited, as defined in § 61.1, may apply for a letter of authorization for the purpose of certifying its graduates for an airline transport pilot certificate under the academic and aeronautical experience requirements in § 61.160. The application must be in a form and manner acceptable to the Administrator.
(b) An institution of higher education must comply with the provisions of the letter of authorization and may not certify a graduate unless it determines that the graduate has satisfied the requirements of § 61.160, as appropriate.
(c) The Administrator may rescind or amend a letter of authorization if the Administrator determines that the institution of higher education is not complying or is unable to comply with the provisions of the letter of authorization.
Research Notes
Regulatory Cross-References
§ 61.169 allows an ATP certificate holder to give instruction in an aircraft type for which the person holds a type rating if the instruction is given in connection with an air transportation operation under Part 121 or 135, and the ATP holder is authorized to give that instruction by an approved training program. This is not a standalone flight instructor certificate — it is a narrow authorization tied to an air carrier's approved training program.
Distinction from Part 61 CFI
A pilot giving instruction under § 61.169 is not acting as a Part 61 flight instructor. They are an airline pilot giving simulator or aircraft instruction within a Part 121 or 135 training program. The ATP certificate, combined with type rating and airline authorization, serves as the instructional authority — separate from the Part 61 CFI certificate entirely.
Key Authorities
- 14 CFR § 121.413 — Air carrier instructor requirements
- 14 CFR § 135.338 — Air carrier instructor qualification requirements
- AC 120-54B — Advanced Qualification Program (airline training programs)
Cross-Reference to TotalCFI
Pilots pursuing airline careers who also want to teach should note that the § 61.169 pathway is entirely separate from holding a Part 61 CFI certificate. The CFI certificate allows instruction under Part 61 in general aviation settings; § 61.169 is the airline training equivalent. Both paths develop instructional skill, but they serve different operational environments.
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.
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.