FAR 61.156 — ATP-CTP Training Requirements
FAR 61.156 outlines the ATP Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP): 30 hours classroom plus 10 hours simulator training required before the ATP knowledge test.
In Plain English
FAR 61.156 establishes the ATP Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) — the training you must complete before you can take the ATP knowledge test for a multiengine airplane. You must present a graduation certificate from an authorized training provider operating under Part 121, 135, 141, or 142.
The rule splits the training into two parts:
- At least 30 hours of classroom instruction, broken down into:
- 8 hours on aerodynamics, including high-altitude operations
- 2 hours on meteorology, including adverse weather and weather detection systems
- 14 hours on air carrier operations (physiology, communications, checklist philosophy, operational control, MEL/CDL, ground ops, turbine engines, transport category performance, and automation/navigation/flight path warning systems)
- 6 hours on leadership, professional development, CRM, and safety culture
- At least 10 hours in a flight simulation training device representing a multiengine turbine airplane:
- 6 hours in a Level C or higher full flight simulator (40,000 lb+ MTOW) covering low energy states/stalls, upset recovery, and adverse weather (icing, thunderstorms, gusty crosswinds)
- The remaining hours may be in a Level 4+ FSTD covering FMS/navigation and autoflight automation
This matters because Congress and the FAA wanted future airline pilots exposed to airline-style operations and high-altitude jet handling before sitting for the ATP test — closing the experience gap between a typical multiengine pilot and a Part 121 first officer.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.156§ 61.156 Training requirements: Airplane category—multiengine class or multiengine airplane type rating concurrently with an airline transport pilot certificate.
A person who applies for the knowledge test for an airline transport pilot certificate with an airplane category multiengine class rating must present a graduation certificate from an authorized training provider under part 121, 135, 141, or 142 of this chapter certifying the applicant has completed the following training in a course approved by the Administrator.
(a)The applicant for the knowledge test must receive at least 30 hours of classroom instruction that includes the following:
(1) At least 8 hours of instruction on aerodynamics including high altitude operations;
(2) At least 2 hours of instruction on meteorology, including adverse weather phenomena and weather detection systems; and
(3) At least 14 hours of instruction on air carrier operations, including the following areas:
(i) Physiology;
(ii) Communications;
(iii) Checklist philosophy;
(iv) Operational control;
(v) Minimum equipment list/configuration deviation list;
(vi) Ground operations;
(vii) Turbine engines;
(viii) Transport category aircraft performance;
(ix) Automation, navigation, and flight path warning systems.
(4) At least 6 hours of instruction on leadership, professional development, crew resource management, and safety culture.
(b)The applicant for the knowledge test must receive at least 10 hours of training in a flight simulation training device qualified under part 60 of this chapter that represents a multiengine turbine airplane. The training must include the following:
(1) At least 6 hours of training in a Level C or higher full flight simulator qualified under part 60 of this chapter that represents a multiengine turbine airplane with a maximum takeoff weight of 40,000 pounds or greater. The training must include the following areas:
(i) Low energy states/stalls;
(ii) Upset recovery techniques; and
(iii) Adverse weather conditions, including icing, thunderstorms, and crosswinds with gusts.
(2) The remaining FSTD training may be completed in a Level 4 or higher flight simulation training device. The training must include the following areas:
(i) Navigation including flight management systems; and
(ii) Automation including autoflight.
(c)The Administrator may issue deviation authority from the weight requirement in paragraph (b)(1) of this section upon a determination that the objectives of the training can be met in an alternative device.
[Docket FAA-2010-0100, 78 FR 42375, July 15, 2013, as amended by Amdt. 61-149, 86 FR 62087, Nov. 9, 2021]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What must you complete before taking the ATP knowledge test for a multiengine airplane?
Per FAR 61.156, you must present a graduation certificate from an authorized Part 121, 135, 141, or 142 training provider showing completion of the ATP-CTP — at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of FSTD training.
Q2How is the 30 hours of classroom instruction in the ATP-CTP broken down?
Under FAR 61.156(a), it includes at least 8 hours of aerodynamics (with high-altitude ops), 2 hours of meteorology, 14 hours of air carrier operations topics, and 6 hours on leadership, professional development, CRM, and safety culture.
Q3What are the simulator requirements in the ATP-CTP?
FAR 61.156(b) requires at least 10 hours in an FSTD representing a multiengine turbine airplane, including 6 hours in a Level C or higher full flight simulator (40,000+ lb MTOW) covering stalls, upset recovery, and adverse weather; the remainder may be in a Level 4 or higher FSTD covering navigation/FMS and automation.
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Related Sections in Part 61