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Medical Certificates
- First Class FAA Medical: Required for airline captains (renewed every 6 months)
- Second Class FAA Medical: Common for ATP preparation (renewed every 12 months)
Airline Transport Pilot at Eagle Aircraft Flight Academy
Meet FAA ATP requirements at Eagle Aircraft. Learn about the 1,500-hour pathway and Restricted ATP options through our university partnerships at KVPZ.
Airline Transport Pilot
The Highest Level of Pilot Certification
The Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate represents the highest level of professional pilot certification issued by the FAA. While Eagle Aircraft Flight Academy does not offer a standalone ATP training program, we provide structured guidance to help pilots understand the requirements and career pathways leading to airline operations.
Pilots may pursue the standard ATP at 1,500 flight hours, or a Restricted ATP (R-ATP) at reduced minimums. It is important to note that the Restricted ATP is only available through FAA-approved university degree programs, such as Eagle Aircraft’s long-standing partnership with Liberty University.
Key Details
Status Informational Only
ATP Min Age 23 Years (21 for R-ATP)
Airline Captain Eligibility
What Is an ATP Certificate?
An ATP certificate is required to serve as Pilot in Command (Captain) in Part 121 airline operations and many advanced commercial roles. Achieving this certification requires extensive flight experience, advanced aeronautical knowledge, and completion of FAA-mandated training.
Eagle Aircraft prepares pilots for this level through disciplined Commercial and CFI training that emphasizes airline-style procedures, crew resource management (CRM), and professional decision-making.
FAA Requirements
ATP Medical & Certification Standards
ATP candidates must meet strict FAA medical and training standards to qualify for airline operations.
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Standard ATP Eligibility
- 1,500 total flight hours
- Completion of ATP Certification Training Program (CTP)
- FAA ATP knowledge and practical exams
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Restricted ATP (R-ATP)
- Minimum age: 21
- Reduced flight time minimums (as low as 1,000 hours)
- Available only through FAA-approved university degree programs
- Not available through standalone flight training alone
University Partnership
Understanding the Restricted ATP Pathway
Liberty University Affiliation
Eagle Aircraft Flight Academy has been a Liberty University Flight Training Affiliate since 2014. Through this partnership, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics while completing their flight training.
Graduates of the Liberty University program may qualify for the FAA Restricted ATP, allowing airline eligibility at 1,000 hours instead of the standard 1,500. This pathway is exclusive to approved university programs and cannot be achieved through flight training alone.
Why This Matters
Understanding the distinction between standard ATP and Restricted ATP is critical when planning your airline career.
- Restricted ATP is only available through approved universities
- Liberty students earn a degree and flight ratings simultaneously
- Earlier airline eligibility compared to traditional pathways
- Structured academic and flight training environment
Clear, Honest Career Guidance
We prioritize transparency in airline career planning and ensure students understand exactly which pathways lead to Restricted ATP eligibility.
4,000+
Pilots Trained
Professional Milestones
ATP Career Pathway Overview
While the ATP certificate itself is earned later in a pilot’s career, Eagle Aircraft helps students plan each milestone clearly and realistically.
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Milestone 1: Core Certifications
- Private, Instrument, and Commercial Pilot certificates
- Maintain medical eligibility and logbook accuracy
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Milestone 2: Time Building
- Build flight hours through instructing or professional flying
- Confirm Restricted ATP eligibility if enrolled through Liberty University
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Milestone 3: ATP Preparation
- Complete FAA ATP CTP course
- Pass ATP knowledge exam
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Milestone 4: Final Certification
- FAA ATP practical test with a DPE
- ATP certificate issuance
Final Outcome: Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
Professional Guidance
Plan Your Airline Career With Confidence
Speak with our team to understand your ATP and airline pathway, including whether the Liberty University program is the right fit for your goals.
ATP INFO
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Eagle Aircraft offer an ATP program?
No. Eagle Aircraft provides foundational training and career guidance, but the ATP certificate is earned later through airline or approved training providers.
Can I earn a Restricted ATP through Eagle Aircraft alone?
No. The Restricted ATP is only available through FAA-approved university degree programs, such as Liberty University.
How does the Liberty University partnership help?
Liberty students earn a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and may qualify for airline hiring at reduced flight hour minimums.
When do pilots typically earn their ATP?
Most pilots earn their ATP shortly before or during airline new-hire training.
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