Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s airline transport pilot certification program has received FAA approval, the university announced July 8.
Embry-Riddle said it is the first training provider in the nation to get the agency’s nod for its airline transport pilot certification training program, or CTP. When new requirements kick in Aug. 1, airplane multiengine ATP applicants will be required to take an ATP certification training program before taking the ATP knowledge test.
A final rule published in 2013 requires all first officers to hold an airline transport pilot certificate that requires 1,500 hours total time as a pilot. The new requirements take effect Aug. 1, 2014. Pilots with fewer than 1,500 hours, or those who have not reached the minimum age of 23, can obtain a restricted privileges ATP certificate under certain conditions. Before taking the ATP knowledge test, pilots will be required to complete an FAA-approved ATP CTP consisting of at least 30 hours of academic coursework and 10 hours of training in flight simulator training devices.
“The FAA approval of our ATP CTP course once again ensures that our graduates will have the qualifications necessary to be employed, succeed and help shape the future of the aviation industry,” said Ken Byrnes, chairman of the flight department in the College of Aviation at Embry-Riddle.
The ATP CTP currently is offered only to degree-seeking students enrolled at ERAU, a spokesman said. "At this point, we do not have any plans to offer it to the public," he said.