Restricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate Eligibility

The ERAU Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses are authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to certify eligible graduates for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with reduced aeronautical experience.

Graduates of the Aeronautical Science bachelor’s degree program, or other FAA-approved degree programs listed on the applicable campus Letter of Authorization (LOA), may be eligible for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate under 14 CFR §61.160, provided all of the following requirements are met:

1.Graduate from an FAA-approved degree program listed on the applicable campus LOA;

2.Complete both the FAA Instrument Rating and the initial FAA Commercial Pilot certification under FAA Part 141 training at the campus awarding the degree*; and

3.Complete the required FAA-approved coursework specified in the applicable LOA (either at least 30 or 60 credit hours, as applicable)*.

Under current FAA regulations:

  • Students who complete at least 60 credit hours of FAA-approved coursework (per the LOA) may qualify for an R-ATP under 14 CFR §61.160(b) at 1,000 hours total time.
  • Students who complete at least 30 credit hours of FAA-approved coursework (per the LOA) may qualify for an R-ATP under 14 CFR §61.160(c) at 1,250 hours total time.

If a student completes the approved degree, required coursework, and certification requirements under the applicable LOA, the University will include a qualifying statement on the student’s final official transcript indicating completion of the approved R-ATP curriculum.

Students are solely responsible for selecting appropriate coursework, ensuring they meet the required minimum credit hours, tracking their flight experience, and confirming their individual eligibility for the R-ATP certificate. The University does not monitor individual credit-hour accumulation or total flight time for R-ATP eligibility purposes.

FAA regulations and LOA authorizations are subject to change. Students should consult 14 CFR §61.160 and their campus Aeronautical Science Program Coordinator for detailed guidance.

* Flight training and FAA-approved coursework completed at another FAA-approved institution of higher education may be eligible to count toward R-ATP qualification requirements if the training was conducted in accordance with that institution’s FAA Letter of Authorization.