FAQs

What are the requirements to be eligible for R-ATP?

The FAA defines the eligibility requirement for R-ATP under 14 CFR 61, in the applicable Advisory Circular, and through various FAA documents, including Letters of Authorization and direct feedback from the FAA. To be eligible for R-ATP at 1,000 hours, you must:

• Graduate and earn an FAA approved degree from an FAA approved Institute of Higher Education, and;
• Complete both the ground and flight training, and obtain your commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating, at an FAA approved Institute of Higher Education Part 141 program, and;
• Earn at least 60 FAA approved credits at the FAA approved Institute of Higher Education.

To be eligible for R-ATP at 1,250 hours, you must meet the requirements listed above except earn between 30 and 59 FAA approved credits instead of 60.

NOTE: Always reference official FAA publications regarding R-ATP eligibility, as changes to the requirements may not be reflected on this site immediately. The FAA determines eligibility for R-ATP, not UND. The information provided here is general guidance and does not encompass the full regulatory requirements or list all pertinent information regarding R-ATP; thus, always reference official FAA publications regarding current eligibility requirements.

When can I apply for my R-ATP Institutional Authorization?

You may apply for your institutional authorization as soon as you have graduated from your degree program. You do not need to meet the hour requirements of the R-ATP to apply for your Institutional Authorization.

Will I have to get my ATP before being hired by an airline?

No. However, you will have to obtain your ATP certificate (either a regular ATP or a restricted ATP) prior to operating a flight as a pilot in a 121 operation. Prior to being hired most airlines will require that you have obtained the necessary flight time to get your (R)-ATP.

How much flight time will I need to get an ATP?

If you are not a graduate of an approved collegiate flight training program you will need 1,500 hours of total flight time, along with 200 hours of cross-country flight time. Note that the 200 hours of cross-country time has been reduced from the original requirement of 500 hours.

Is UND an approved collegiate flight training program?

Yes, so long as you graduate with an approved degree and meet other R-ATP requirements, you will be eligible for reduced flight time requirements.

NOTE: Students training at UND satellite campuses are not eligible for R-ATP. Some exceptions may apply - see the Aviation Transfer Students page for more information.

I have a degree in Commercial Aviation from UND. How much total time will I need to obtain an ATP?

If you have graduated from UND, or will graduate from UND in the future, you have or will have a degree in Commercial Aviation, and you will have completed your courses in residence at UND, you will be eligible for a reduced flight time requirement to obtain your ATP. In this case, you will need 1,000 hours of total flight time.

I have a degree in Aviation Management/UAS/Flight Education/ATM/Aviation Technology Management/Airport Management. Am I also eligible for reduced flight time to obtain an ATP?

Yes, but it depends on the amount of FAA approved coursework completed at UND. Based on how many FAA approved credits you earned, you may be eligible for R-ATP at 1,000 or 1,250 hours. To be eligible for R-ATP at 1,000 hours, you must have earned 60 or more FAA approved credits at UND. To be eligible for R-ATP at 1,250 hours, you must have earned between 30 and 59 FAA approved credits at UND. If you earned less than 30 FAA approved credits, you will not meet the eligibility requirement for the flight time reduction. You may be able to take additional approved coursework to meet R-ATP requirements. If you choose to do so, you must earn the additional credits prior to graduating.

I am a transfer student from UND's satellite campus. Can I use my credits that I completed at the satellite school to meet the reduced hour requirements?

According to the FAA's Advisory Circular and feedback from the FAA, to earn FAA approved credits that count towards the R-ATP requirement, you must have completed the approved coursework at the UND main campus in Grand Forks, ND. Additionally, you must complete your instrument rating and commercial certificate ground and flight training at the UND main campus (Grand Forks, ND) to be eligible for R-ATP. For more information, please see the Aviation Transfer Students page.

NOTE: To date, the Chandler Gilbert Community College (CGCC) has not received Institutional Authority for R-ATP. Any coursework completed at CGCC cannot be applied towards the 60 or 30 credit requirements towards the R-ATP. Additionally, to be eligible for R-ATP, the FAA requires that you complete both the ground and flight training for the instrument rating and commercial certificate at the UND main campus in Grand Forks, ND.

I am a transfer student from a non-UND program. Do I qualify for R-ATP?

Please see the Aviation Transfer Students page for information about transferring to UND, including questions regarding R-ATP eligibility.