The question of whether an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate is required for a corporate pilot is not settled by a simple yes or no answer. The ATP is the highest level of pilot certification, signifying a pilot’s capacity to operate aircraft at the most complex levels of commercial air travel. Corporate aviation operates under different sets of federal regulations that determine the minimum pilot certification required. Understanding the operational context of a specific flight is the only way to determine the necessary certification, which ranges from a Commercial Pilot Certificate to the full ATP.
What is the Airline Transport Pilot Certificate?
The ATP certificate is the highest level of pilot certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It authorizes the holder to act as Pilot in Command (PIC) of large, complex aircraft, including those engaged in air carrier operations. Achieving this certificate requires demonstrating a high degree of aeronautical knowledge and proficiency.
To qualify for an unrestricted ATP, a pilot must be at least 23 years old and have accumulated a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours. This flight time must include specific minimums: 500 hours of cross-country time, 100 hours of night flight time, and 75 hours of instrument time. Applicants must also complete the Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) and pass both a written knowledge test and a practical flight exam.
Corporate Aviation: Part 91 Versus Part 135
Corporate aviation is divided into two main categories based on the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs): Part 91 and Part 135. This regulatory distinction is based on the purpose of the flight and whether compensation is received for the transportation. The operating rules dictate the required maintenance, crew duty limits, and pilot qualifications.
Part 91 operations are non-commercial and cover flights where the aircraft owner or company is not receiving direct compensation for the air transportation. These flights are viewed as private operations, meaning the regulations are less restrictive regarding pilot duty times and training requirements. For example, a company flying its jet to transport its CEO to a business meeting operates under Part 91.
Part 135 operations are commercial and involve carrying passengers or cargo for hire, such as on-demand air charter and air taxi services. Because these operations involve selling air transportation to the public, Part 135 regulations impose higher standards for maintenance, pilot training, and flight-time limitations to ensure public safety.
Legal Requirements: When the ATP is Mandatory
The FAA mandates the ATP certificate for a Pilot in Command (PIC) for passenger-carrying operations under Part 135. This regulation applies to flights in a turbojet airplane, an airplane with 10 or more passenger seats, or a multiengine airplane engaged in a commuter operation. This mandate reflects the increased operational complexity and responsibility of carrying paying passengers.
Federal regulation 14 CFR 135.243(a)(1) requires the PIC in these specific Part 135 operations to hold an ATP certificate with the appropriate category and class ratings. The rule is designed to ensure the most experienced and qualified pilot is at the controls. Pilots under the age of 23 or those who qualify through an approved university program may obtain a Restricted ATP (R-ATP), allowing them to serve as a First Officer (Second in Command) in certain operations.
Pilots conducting all-cargo operations under Part 135 are not subject to the same ATP requirement as passenger flights. The ATP requirement is tied to the operation itself, meaning a pilot without an ATP cannot act as PIC in a large corporate jet if the flight is conducted under a Part 135 certificate for hire. The operational rules determine the minimum legal certification, not the aircraft type.
When a Commercial Pilot Certificate is Enough
A Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPL) is the minimum certification for a wide range of corporate aviation roles. The CPL is the standard requirement for the Pilot in Command of most aircraft operating under Part 91, which includes private corporate flight departments. Under these non-commercial rules, the pilot must still have the appropriate category, class, and type ratings for the specific aircraft being flown.
In Part 135 operations, the CPL is often adequate for the Second in Command (SIC) role. The SIC does not need the ATP certificate, even in aircraft that require two pilots, but must meet the required experience and training standards. For smaller, piston-powered aircraft flown under Part 135, the PIC may only need a CPL with specific flight hour minimums, provided the aircraft does not meet the size or turbojet criteria that trigger the ATP mandate.
Even when the CPL is the legal minimum, all corporate pilots must possess the necessary type ratings for the aircraft they operate. A type rating is required for any turbojet-powered airplane and any aircraft with a gross takeoff weight over 12,500 pounds, regardless of the certificate held. This ensures proficiency in the specific aircraft model’s complex systems and performance characteristics.
Why Employers Prefer ATP Pilots
Beyond the legal minimums, most corporate flight departments, even those operating exclusively under Part 91, prefer hiring ATP-certificated pilots. The ATP signifies a pilot’s total experience, professionalism, and commitment to high industry standards. For employers, the ATP certificate represents a pilot who has demonstrated the maturity and judgment required to safely operate complex business jets.
Insurance requirements are a non-regulatory factor driving this preference. Underwriters often mandate that the Pilot in Command of large turbine aircraft hold an ATP, irrespective of the FAA operating rules. This reduces the insurer’s perceived risk, and carriers may offer more favorable policy terms when the flight crew exceeds the minimum legal qualifications. Consequently, an ATP certificate provides a clear career advantage over CPL-holders.
Hiring an ATP-rated pilot also offers an employer greater operational flexibility and liability reduction. The company can immediately transition to Part 135 charter operations to offset ownership costs without needing to upgrade the pilot’s certification. The presence of an ATP signals a pilot’s high level of training and decision-making capability, which can be advantageous in the event of an incident or accident investigation.