A ruling by Congress which went into effect in 2013 requires all airline pilots to have an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. The R-ATP (Restricted Airline Transport Pilot) allows an airline to hire a pilot with fewer hours of flight time. Students flying at the UVU training facility can benefit from this provision. You may view the official ruling FAR 61.159 and 61.160 on the FAA website.
What is the benefit of earning the R-ATP?
Not all flight programs can qualify you for the R-ATP. If you graduate from UVU's FAA-approved degree program and meet certain requirements, you will be eligible to receive your R-ATP at 1,000 or 1,250 hours rather than the usual 1,500 hours for an ATP certificate. This will make you eligible for hiring by Part 121 carriers (scheduled airlines) between 250 and 500 hours sooner than students at other non-qualifying programs.
What steps do I need to take to earn the R-ATP?
Will I need an R-ATP before I can get hired by an airline?
It is possible to get hired prior to having the actual R-ATP certificate, however in the United States, most airlines will require you to have at least the minimum flight time required for the R-ATP. Prior to flying however, you will need the actual certificate.
Is UVU approved to qualify students for an R-ATP?
Yes, UVU first received the official Letter of Authorization from the FAA in June 2014.
How much flight time is required for an R-ATP?
What if I "tested out" of a course and received credit, even though I never actually attended the UVU course?
What if I don't have 60 credit hours from the approved list?
What if I transferred to UVU from another university?
What is the difference between the R-ATP and an ATP with full privileges?