Hello there! I’m new to this website, I’ve been thinking about piloting for months and finally decided this is what I want to do for my career. I am 15, almost 16, and a senior in high school. I am wondering what the chances are if me being accepted at ATP as soon as I’m 18, I plan to have my Associates in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Online and my private pilots license before hand.
Thank you!
-Garner
Garner,
As long as you meet ATPs requirements and you can secure financing you’ll be fine.
Adam
Thank you Adam! That’s makes me happy to know. Now that I think of it I have another question
On ATPs partnership with Endeavor Air page it says
“STEP participants are eligible to interview for
Endeavor Air 18 months ahead of reaching First
Officer minimums.”
Their age minimum is 21 years old, does this mean that you can be hired at 19 1/2 years old?
Garner,
It’s not uncommon in pathway and cadet programs to interview for a first officer position well before having the required hours. The minimum age to hold a R-ATP license is 21. As long as you would be 21 before starting training, there shouldn’t be an issue. Just make sure to check out all the eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
Hannah
Hannah,
Thank you, that's good to know. It's crazy to think that in 5 years I could be flying for an airline. Time sometimes doesn't move fast enough!
Garner
Garner,
It’s great to be thinking ahead, obtaining your associate degree right after high school is a smart move. I think with the 2 years of college & private pilot license, you will still be in a good position for a fast-track program like ATP. The pilot shortage isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, I think many (articles) have projected that it will bleed over into 2030, time will tell.
As the others mentioned, you will want to ensure you study hard your final years in high school and college, getting good grades is the foundation to successful future in your airline journey. 5 years will come fast, sometimes it comes in a blink of an eye.
Brady
Garner,
To be clear, you are not fully “hired” until you actually start training witht he airline and go on their full pay roll, which cannot happen until age 21. Prior to that, you can be accepted into their cadet programs, which offer many benefits, but are not a full hiring on.
Chris
This is what ATP does. We provide the access, aircraft, training, instructors, and resources to make it happen, with a safety focus, for those who fully apply themselves. ATP may not be the “easiest” or “cheapest” path to an airline pilot career, but we are the most efficient. Thank you for considering us.
Everybody,
Thank y’all for all the information! It will help my thought process a lot!
Garner
Garner,
Please let us know if there is anything we can help with through the process.
Brady