CPL → ATP

FAA to FAA pilot license conversion.

Quick answer

Going from FAA CPL to ATP requires 1,500 hrs total flight time, completion of the ATP-CTP course, a knowledge test, and a practical (usually combined with type rating). Plan on USD 4–12k for the certificate itself plus the time to build hours.

Cost

USD 4,000 – 12,000 (after hours are built — most build hours via CFI)

Timeline

1 – 3 years (depends on how quickly hours are accumulated)

Difficulty

Hard

Requirements

  • 11,500 total flight hours (or 1,000 with R-ATP qualifying degree, or 750 military)
  • 2500 hrs cross-country, 100 hrs night, 75 hrs instrument
  • 3Class 1 medical
  • 4Complete ATP Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP)
  • 5Pass ATP knowledge test + practical test

Hours required

1,500 hrs total (~1,250 added beyond CPL 250)

Exams & checkrides

  • ATP Knowledge Test
  • ATP Practical Test
  • ATP-CTP course (Type Rating practical)

Frequently asked questions

Can I get an R-ATP earlier?

Yes. With an aviation degree you can qualify at 1,000 or 1,250 hrs depending on the program.

Is ATP-CTP required?

Yes. Since 2014 every applicant for an FAA ATP airplane multi-engine certificate must complete ATP-CTP before taking the knowledge test.

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