R-ATP College LOAs

FAR 61.169 — R-ATP College LOAs

FAR 61.169 explains how accredited colleges get FAA Letters of Authorization to certify graduates for the Restricted ATP under §61.160 academic credit rules.

In Plain English

FAR 61.169 sets out how an accredited institution of higher education can get FAA approval to certify its graduates for the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate based on reduced flight time requirements under § 61.160.

Here's what the rule actually says:

An accredited college or university (as defined in § 61.1) may apply for a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from the FAA in a form acceptable to the Administrator.
Once issued, the school must comply with the provisions of the LOA and can only certify a graduate after determining that graduate has met the academic and aeronautical experience requirements of § 61.160.
The FAA Administrator can rescind or amend the LOA if the school isn't complying — or can't comply — with its provisions.

Why it matters: This is the regulation that lets aviation degree programs sign you off for the R-ATP at 1,000 or 1,250 hours instead of the standard 1,500. Without a current LOA, the school can't issue the graduation certification that lowers your ATP minimums.

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Regulation Text

14 CFR § 61.169

§ 61.169 Letters of authorization for institutions of higher education. (a) An institution of higher education that is accredited, as defined in § 61.1, may apply for a letter of authorization for the purpose of certifying its graduates for an airline transport pilot certificate under the academic and aeronautical experience requirements in § 61.160. The application must be in a form and manner acceptable to the Administrator. (b) An institution of higher education must comply with the provisions of the letter of authorization and may not certify a graduate unless it determines that the graduate has satisfied the requirements of § 61.160, as appropriate. (c) The Administrator may rescind or amend a letter of authorization if the Administrator determines that the institution of higher education is not complying or is unable to comply with the provisions of the letter of authorization. [Docket FAA-2010-0100, 78 FR 42377, July 15, 2013]

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What does an accredited university need from the FAA before it can certify graduates for a Restricted ATP?

Per FAR 61.169, the institution must apply for and hold a Letter of Authorization issued by the Administrator in a form and manner acceptable to the FAA before it can certify graduates under § 61.160.

Q2Can a college with an LOA certify any of its aviation graduates for the R-ATP?

No. Under FAR 61.169(b), the school must comply with the LOA's provisions and may only certify a graduate after determining that the graduate has actually satisfied the applicable requirements of § 61.160.

Q3What happens if a university stops following the terms of its Letter of Authorization?

Under FAR 61.169(c), the Administrator may rescind or amend the LOA if the institution is not complying with, or is unable to comply with, its provisions.

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