ATP: An Epic Flight Academy ExperienceFrom Day One to Dream Job
When people talk about an “epic flight academy,” they’re describing more than just a place to earn certificates—it’s about the scope of what’s achieved, the pace, the people, and the unmatched support system that turns ambitious students into professional pilots. ATP Flight School lives up to that title.
Through its fast-paced, highly structured Airline Career Pilot Program, ATP enables students to progress from zero experience to airline eligibility in just seven months, with every step supported by the largest network of training centers, aircraft, instructors, and airline hiring partnerships in the country.
Structured Stages of Pilot Training
The program is broken into clear, progressive stages:
- Private Pilot Certificate: This foundational phase builds core airmanship and prepares students for the accelerated pace ahead.
- Instrument Rating: Students gain the skills to fly safely in low visibility conditions and start building real-world professionalism.
- Commercial Certificate (Single-Engine and Multi-Engine): ATP students learn to fly for compensation and hone their technical precision, including advanced multi-engine operations that prepare them for real airline aircraft.
- CFI, CFII, and MEI Ratings: These instructor certifications open the door to teaching—and building the flight time required for airline eligibility—at an unmatched pace.
Each stage is backed by ATP’s extensive resources: modern aircraft with standardized avionics, full-time career services, in-house checkride coordination, and dedicated staff keeping students on track. The result? Pilots graduate confident, competent, and airline-ready.
From ATP to VistaJet: Peter Solari’s Journey
One of the most inspiring examples of the ATP journey is captured in a letter from ATP graduate Peter Solari, who began his training in 2019 at the Carlsbad (CRQ) location. After earning his CFI at ATP’s Phoenix-Mesa Gateway location and instructing at multiple ATP training centers, Peter joined XOJET through ATP’s airline pathway program and then advanced to fly ultra-long-range business jets with VistaJet.
“Almost to the day, a culmination of four years from zero time to achievement is what it took for me to realize that I had ‘made it,’” Peter wrote. During his IOE, he completed his first ocean crossing from Sun Valley to Honolulu—a milestone that symbolized the success of his journey through ATP’s system.
What Makes ATP Epic?
Peter’s story echoes what makes ATP an epic flight academy: students don’t just become pilots—they become professionals. He reflects on training flights in Cessna 172s and Archers, the mentors who guided him, and the personal growth forged through challenges and success. Now flying a Bombardier Global 5000 with a 5,200 nm range, Peter is not only living his dream but also representing ATP as a VistaJet ambassador.
ATP isn’t just about earning certificates—it’s about launching careers. From the first solo flight to international jet operations, ATP’s structure, pace, and support provide an unmatched path to the airlines and beyond.