Preparation for ATP

Airline Pilot Questions & Answers
1

Hey everyone,

I’m here to hopefully get some advice. I’m 20 years old, graduating with my bachelor’s in May of 2025. I’ve already taken a discovery flight (which I’ll probably remember for the rest of my life- it was surreal), and I even went to an AME for the heck of it…all was good there. Anyways, I’d like to start ATP as soon as I graduate. Is there anything you guys would recommend I do in the time being? I hope this question is valid, I’m just so eager to be flying. Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Just elaborating, I went to an AME, to get a first class medical. I am under the impression that ATP only requires a third class medical for students, but I figured I would get the first class.

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2

Alexander,

You are incorrect. ATP does require a First Class Medical. While technically only a Third Class is required by the FAA to train, ATP doesn’t want you wasting your time and money if you won’t be able to use your licenses in the future.

With that in mind I recommend you spend some QT on the ATP website. Attached is a link to the enrollment process as well as steps to arrive prepared.

Adam

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3

Adam,

Makes sense on ATP’s requirement for a first class. Thanks for the insight.

Alexander

4

Alexander,

Everything is laid out on the enrollment process for ATP, on ATP’s website (the link Adam shared). I’m not sure where the impression of third-class medical came from because at a smaller-scale school, i.e., for a private pilot license (and to solo), you need a third-class medical, but this is ATP and an Accelerated Airline Career Program geared towards becoming an airline pilot. You have a few years between you and ATP it sounds, study hard in college, get good grades and maybe do an extracurricular activity or two while there to help build a good college portfolio.

Brady

5

Hey Alexander,

First off, congratulations on your upcoming graduation and taking those first exhilarating steps towards a career in aviation! It sounds like you’re well on your path with the discovery flight and securing your first class medical early on.

Given your timeline and eagerness, I’d highly recommend getting a head start on your FAA written exams. Taking these exams beforehand can significantly reduce the stress during the intensive training program at ATP. When I joined ATP at KTKI (McKinney, TX), I came in with my PAR (Private Pilot Airplane), IRA (Instrument Rating Airplane), and FII (Flight Instructor Instrument) written exams already completed. It made my initial weeks in the program much more manageable, allowing me to concentrate fully on flight training and in-plane instructions without the added pressure of upcoming written tests.

The program kicks off with a whirlwind of information including Zoom classes on theory, regulations, in-person ground lessons (especially when the weather isn’t flight-friendly), simulator sessions, and a deep dive into aviation jargon and mechanics. Preparing in advance by clearing some of the written exams can ease this load considerably. I followed Logan’s study method, which you can find detailed in his post titled “I finished the first 3 writtens in 4 weeks and so can you,” and it was incredibly effective. By dedicating about two weeks for the PAR and another two weeks for both the IRA and FII (taking them back-to-back on the same day), I was able to secure scores of 95%, 100%, and 92% respectively.

It’s worth mentioning that the better you score on your written exams, the smoother your FAA check ride orals will be. Questions missed on the written exams are areas your DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) is likely to probe thoroughly during your check rides. Don’t let it stress you out, but it’s something to keep in mind as you prepare.

Another aspect to consider is applying to ATP as early as possible. With start dates being pushed out a few months in some locations, it’s prudent to communicate your intended start date early to ensure they can accommodate your schedule. ATP is generally very supportive and will work with you to align your start date with your availability.

I hope this helps, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions about the initial stages of the program or anything else. My experience at ATP has been nothing short of amazing, and I have absolutely no regrets about choosing to learn here.
Wishing you all the best on this incredible journey ahead!

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6

Hi Jay,

Thanks for all the information! I will certainly look into taking the written exams.

Alexander

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