Career Track Discovery Program

The Career Track Discovery Program is your four-week introduction to flying, where you can explore if becoming an airline pilot and flight training are right for you, without committing to a full career program. Start with zero experience, learn to fly, and discover ATP's alumni-proven Career Tracks™ to the airlines.

You’ll complete ATP Elevate Private Pilot Ground School and log 23 hours of flight time with ATP’s nationally awarded flight instructor group. When you finish, you'll have stage one of the Airline Career Pilot Program complete and can decide to continue full-time in the Airline Career Pilot Program or part-time in the Flex Commercial Pilot Program.

Aircraft. The world’s largest flight training fleet safely maintained by ATP's unparalleled nationwide maintenance department.

Time Frame. Fast track training – zero experience to airline pilot job in 2½ years, in most cases.

Proven Training. Airlines trust ATP trained pilots — proven by more graduates flying for airlines than from any other school.

Reputation. Professional airline-oriented training for over 40 years.

Cost. Fixed cost based on realistic flight times that exceed FAA Part 141 minimums — others quote a minimum cost.

Online Resources. Proprietary online training resources, including a comprehensive training library and interactive ground school webinar sessions.

Career Tracks™. ATP has Career Track™ to 38 airlines and corporate operators, backed by formal agreements and structured career progression.

Tuition Reimbursement. Airline-sponsored tuition reimbursement (if qualified) makes your goal more obtainable.

Nationally Awarded Instructors. The quality and professionalism of ATP instructors have been consistently recognized by AOPA and the National Association of Flight Instructors.

You can get started in the Career Track Discovery Program with zero experience. Review the requirements, then find a training center near you, and schedule online.

Designed as a four-week program; train full-time or part-time. Classes start every Monday at all Career Track Discovery Program locations nationwide. Upcoming start dates are every Monday, beginning October 19, 2026.

Cost. $4,995 for the four-week program, with full financing available. Continue within three months of your Career Track Discovery Program start date and receive full credit for stage one and the cost of your Career Track Discovery Program toward the Airline Career Pilot Program or Flex Commercial Pilot Program.

If you choose to stop. There is no commitment or obligation to continue training. Discontinue your program at any time and only pay $200 per logged flight hour, plus $495 for your training materials.

Fuel surcharge. Effective April 7, 2026, a fuel charge is in effect at all locations for students in the Airline Career Pilot Program, Career Track Discovery Program, Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI), Time Build, and CFI, CFII & Commercial Multi Program. Surcharges are calculated from the GASPRMREFGCW index: (index − $4.00) × 10 per single-engine flight hour and (index − $4.00) × 20 per multi-engine flight hour, applied only when the index exceeds $4.00.

Financing. ATP works with multiple lenders offering full financing for commercial pilot training, with loan payment deferment until you begin flying as an airline pilot. Loan amounts may include the cost of the program and living expenses incurred during training.

Federal student aid. Financial aid such as Stafford Loans and Pell Grants that can be requested through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) cannot be used to help cover the costs of flight training at ATP. ATP has partnered with Sallie Mae for private student loans covering the cost to attend ATP. For those seeking scholarships, tuition reimbursement is available through ATP’s airline Career Tracks™ partners.

Airline pilots are in high demand and you don't need to be a military pilot or graduate from an expensive aviation college to get started. Meet with airline recruiters during your program and explore opportunities through ATP's airline-backed Career Tracks™, plus gain access to the network of 1,000+ ATP graduates placed with airlines annually.

Four weeks, no commitment. The Career Track Discovery Program is a four-week introduction to flying, full-time or part-time, with classes starting every Monday. You complete ATP Elevate Private Pilot Ground School and log 23 hours of flight time, learning airport operations, aircraft systems, takeoffs and landings, basic maneuvers, navigation and ATC communications. Each day combines guided independent study, group study, AATD simulator lessons and flight lessons, and students should expect about three flights per week.

Before you arrive. Sign in to the Student Extranet and complete the ATP Orientation guided study course. You need a mobile phone with text messaging, an iPad with WiFi + Cellular and the ForeFlight app; a laptop is recommended for virtual ground school. ATP sends a training bundle with supplements, handbooks, a flight bag and five ATP polo shirts.

Check-in. Arrive at 8:00 AM local time with a valid US passport or certified birth certificate, an FAA First Class Medical Certificate and proof of a physical address. You need a vehicle for transportation, and your first payment is due on arrival. The dress code is solid-color collared shirts, chino-style pants or shorts and closed-toed shoes.

After four weeks. You can continue full-time in the Airline Career Pilot Program or part-time in the Flex Commercial Pilot Program; continue within three months of your start date to receive full credit for stage one and the program cost. If you discontinue, you pay only $200 per logged flight hour plus $495 for training materials, and your logged time goes with you.