What Is ATP-CTP?
ATP-CTP (Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program) is the FAA-required course pilots complete before taking the ATP written exam. At Las Vegas Flight Academy, the 6-day FAA Part 142 course includes 32 hours of ground school, 4 hours in a fixed-base simulator, and 6 hours in a Boeing 737 Level D full-flight simulator.
Who Needs the ATP-CTP Course?
Pilots who plan to take the FAA Airline Transport Pilot knowledge test must first complete ATP-CTP through an approved training provider. The course bridges commercial pilot experience and airline-style operations, but it is not a written-test prep course, aircraft checkout, type rating, or endorsement by itself.
LVFA’s 6-Day ATP-CTP Schedule
| Training phase | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Ground School: 32 Hours | Airline operations, high-altitude aerodynamics, weather, CRM, leadership, professionalism, and safety topics. |
| Fixed-Base Simulator: 4 Hours | Jet systems, automation, high-altitude procedures, and crew coordination practice. |
| Full-Flight Simulator: 6 Hours | Boeing 737 Level D simulator sessions covering upset recovery, stall prevention, adverse weather, emergencies, and airline crew procedures. |
What You Receive After Completion
After you complete all FAA-required ground and simulator training, LVFA issues an ATP-CTP completion certificate. You present that certificate when scheduling or taking the FAA ATP written exam. The ATP-CTP certificate does not expire.
What ATP-CTP Does Not Include
ATP-CTP does not include FAA written exam prep, the written exam fee, an ATP certificate, a type rating, an aircraft rating, or an endorsement. Most pilots use a separate written exam study course after ATP-CTP.
What Happens After ATP-CTP?
- Finish the 6-day ATP-CTP course.
- Use separate written exam prep if needed.
- Take the FAA ATP knowledge test.
- Complete the ATP practical/type rating step when applicable.
Why Complete ATP-CTP in Las Vegas?
LVFA gives West Coast pilots a focused FAA Part 142 training option in Henderson, Nevada, with transparent $3,950 pricing, Boeing 737 Level D simulator access, and direct access from California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Idaho, New Mexico, and Hawaii.
ATP-CTP Course FAQs
How long is LVFA’s ATP-CTP course?
LVFA’s ATP-CTP course is built as a 6-day program with 32 hours of ground school and 10 total hours of simulator training.
How much does LVFA’s ATP-CTP course cost?
LVFA lists the ATP-CTP course fee at $3,950. Travel, lodging, and written exam preparation are separate planning items.
Does ATP-CTP prepare me for the written exam?
No. ATP-CTP is required before the ATP written exam, but pilots should use a separate ATP written exam prep course.
Does the ATP-CTP certificate expire?
No. The ATP-CTP completion certificate does not expire.
Do I need aircraft time during ATP-CTP?
No. ATP-CTP is completed through ground instruction and approved simulator training, not aircraft flight time.
Ready to plan your ATP-CTP dates? Call (818) 489-1738 or contact LVFA to reserve your seat.
Additional ATP-CTP Planning Details
What Is a 6-Day ATP-CTP Course?
A 6-day ATP-CTP (Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program) is the FAA-required course pilots must complete before sitting the ATP written exam. It covers 32 hours of ground school, 4 hours in a fixed-base simulator, and 6 hours in a full-flight simulator – all completed in six consecutive days at an FAA Part 142 certified training center.
If you’re planning to take the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) written exam, the FAA requires you to complete an ATP-CTP course. At Las Vegas Flight Academy (LVFA), that course is concise, focused, and delivered in a Part 142 training environment on Boeing 737 Level D simulators so you leave with the confidence and momentum toward the airline cockpit. This course does not prepare you for the FAA written exam, it provides the required course needed to take the exam.
Why Pilots Choose LVFA for Fast ATP-CTP Completion
- FAA Part 142 training center for structured, airline-style training (West Coast ATP-CTP details)
- Boeing 737-300 and 737-800 Level D Full-Flight Simulators on site
- Small class sizes near Harry Reid International Airport for easy access and personal attention
- A 40,000 square foot facility with eight bays, four classrooms, and 8 briefing rooms designed to keep your week efficient
What to Expect: Your 6-Day ATP-CTP Schedule
Day 1: Check-in and begin ground training (8 hours)
After our LVFA staff checks you in; Day 1 ground training begins with an introduction and moves into high altitude operations, stall prevention and upset recovery.
Day 2: Ground Training (8 hours)
Starts with weather detection and ends with operational control. You will learn the ins and outs of how to communicate, understand hypoxia, learn checklist philosophies among other topics.
Day 3: Ground Training (8 hours)
Students will learn how to read and use a MEL/CDL, how turbine engines work and how transport airplanes perform.
Day 4: Ground Training (8 hours)
Begins with learning navigation and flight path warning systems, leadership and safety. Day 4 ends with a final exam on what you have learned.
Day 5: Fixed Base Simulator Session (4 hours)
Students complete a four hour fixed base session in the B-737. It is in this session that students are given the opportunity to reinforce their understanding of the components of typical air carrier navigation equipment and interface with automation.
Day 6: Full Flight Simulator Session (6 hours)
Day 6 is filled with training topics from taxing, takeoff to high altitude performance. It is in this session that students get to see demonstrations and experience flying firsthand.
What you’ll leave with
- ATP-CTP completion certificate required to take the ATP written exam.
- Experience flying a Level D Boeing 737 Simulator in a Part 142 Training Center environment.
What to know:
- Must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Holds a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating.
- Meets the military experience requirements under 61.73 to qualify for a commercial pilot certificate, and an instrument rating if the person is a rated military pilot or former rated military pilot of an Armed Forces of the United States; or
- Holds either a foreign airline transport pilot license with instrument privileges, or a foreign commercial pilot license with an instrument rating that
- Was issued by a contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation; and
- Contains no geographical limitations.
- Read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
- ATP-CTP is not a written test prep. Study guides for the FAA Written Exam are available through third party vendors.
- Hotel partners and corporate rates can be found on the LVFA website under the Hotels tab.
What happens after ATP-CTP?
Your next step is typically the ATP written exam. After passing the written exam you can begin the process of building your hours towards your ATP. Explore our High Flyers program for career pathways or if you have the required hours you can take an initial pilot training course with LVFA to get your ATP and B737 type rating.
Fast facts
- Course length: 6 days
- Breakdown: 32 hours ground, 4 hours FBS, 6 hours FFS
- Current tuition: $3,950
- Training devices: Boeing 737-300 and 737-800 Level D Full-Flight Simulators
- Certification: FAA Part 142
- Location: Henderson, Nevada (near Harry Reid International Airport)
- Contact: 818-489-1738 or sales@lasvegasflightacademy.com
FAQs
Do I need to study before arriving?
No pre-study is required, all materials will be given the first day of training.
Is there any aircraft flight time in ATP-CTP?
No. The course uses full flight simulators for training.
Can international students attend?
Yes. ATP CTP is avocational training, and international students can attend on a B1/B2 Visa (see our SEVP-approved program), Esta Waiver and possibly a current F-1 or M-1 Visa (must verify this through your current DSO). Students must receive TSA eligibility approval before taking the course.
What makes Level D simulators different?
Level D is the highest certification for full-flight simulators, enabling highly realistic multi-crew operations and procedures training.
How Long Does ATP-CTP Take? (And Can You Finish Faster?)
How long is an ATP-CTP course good for once completed?
An ATP-CTP completion certificate has no expiration date. Once earned, it is valid indefinitely for use when scheduling your FAA ATP written exam.
What is the fastest way to complete ATP-CTP?
LVFA’s 6-day ATP-CTP program is one of the fastest options available at an FAA Part 142 certified center. The course runs 6 consecutive days with no pre-study required, making it one of the quickest paths to your ATP written exam eligibility.
Ready to get started?
Reserve your seat today. Call 818-489-1738 or email sales@lasvegasflightacademy.com to confirm dates and tuition and start your path to the airlines.