New FAA Authorization Reduces Required Flight Time by 500 Hours
Capitol Technology University is proud to announce that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially authorized our Aviation Professional Pilot Bachelor of Science program to certify graduates for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with reduced aeronautical experience.
This prestigious designation, effective September 12, 2025, allows qualified Capitol Tech graduates to apply for their ATP certificate with 1,000 total flight hours—a 500-hour reduction from the standard 1,500-hour requirement.
What This Means for Our Students
- Faster Path to the Airlines: Graduates can enter airline and commercial flight careers up to a year sooner, accelerating their professional trajectory.
- Significant Cost Savings: By reducing the required flight time by 500 hours, students can save tens of thousands of dollars in required flight training costs.
- Industry-Recognized Excellence: This FAA authorization affirms the strength of Capitol Tech’s aviation curriculum and the quality of training offered through our FAA-approved Part 141 partners: Capitol Technology University Flight Training Center and Navy Annapolis Flight Center.
Graduates who complete all academic and flight requirements will receive a formal FAA certifying statement from Capitol Tech confirming their eligibility for the reduced-hour ATP pathway.
500 Hours Saved = Thousands of Dollars Saved
Most pilots “time-build” required flight hours in a rental plane like a Cessna 152/172 or Piper Archer. Rental costs vary based on avionics and location, but recent rate cards and industry roundups show that similar single-engine rentals commonly cost $120–$200/hr national average), with many East Coast schools listing rates upward of $180–$205/hr.
Reducing the number of required hours also means a savings on other costs, too. While time-building is usually solo and does not incur additional certified flight instructor fees, student pilots still have to plan for additional costs like fuel surcharges, landing/club fees, and occasional instructor checkouts.
These time and cost savings benefits add even more value to what was already a dynamic program designed to train aviation professionals who can immediately fill today's high-demand aviation roles and seamlessly adapt as the technology and requirements of flight continue to change.
For more information on the BS in Aviation Professional Pilot, visit our program description page.