FAR 61.160 — Restricted ATP Experience
FAR 61.160 explains reduced-hour pathways (750/1,000/1,250 hrs) to a restricted ATP certificate for military pilots and aviation degree graduates.
FAR 61.160 establishes the reduced flight-hour pathways to an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with restricted privileges (R-ATP) in the airplane multiengine category. Instead of the standard 1,500 hours, qualifying applicants can obtain an ATP with fewer total hours:
- 750 hours — U.S. military or former military pilots who graduated from an Armed Forces undergraduate pilot training school, were honorably discharged (or are still serving), and were not removed from flying status for proficiency or disciplinary reasons.
- 1,000 hours — Graduates with a Bachelor's degree with an aviation major from an FAA-authorized institution (per §61.169), 60 semester credit hours of approved aviation coursework, and a commercial certificate with instrument rating earned through an approved Part 141 curriculum.
- 1,250 hours — Graduates with an Associate's degree (30+ credit hours of approved coursework) meeting similar Part 141 training requirements, or Bachelor's-track students who completed 30–59 credit hours.
All reduced-hour applicants still need 200 hours cross-country and must otherwise meet §61.159. The certificate carries the restriction "Restricted in accordance with 14 CFR 61.167," limiting PIC privileges until full §61.159 experience and the §61.153 age requirement are met. This rule matters because it defines the most common career pathways into Part 121 airline operations.
Five FAA-written-style questions. Instant explanations, every answer cites its source — no account needed.
You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?