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Can you fly helicopters to build time for Airplane ATP

Asked by: 6345 views , , ,
Commercial Pilot, FAA Regulations, Flight Instructor, Helicopter, Student Pilot

I want to fly for the airlines so I know I have to get a ATP for planes. Can I build the 1500 hours flying helicopters for the police department or some other way.Will it qualify for ATP planes except for the 250 hours required in a plane, Or would the airlines not except it and it would be a waste of time.

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1 Answers



  1. Russ Roslewski on Apr 13, 2016

    You’re asking two questions here, which have different answers.

    1. Does helicopter time count toward the ATP – Yes! The requirement is for 1500 hours of total time as a pilot. It doesn’t matter what type of aircraft for most of those hours. 61.159 for more details.

    2. Will an airline accept it? Different issue, and I am not qualified to answer that. That’s up to the individual airline how they handle the experience requirements.

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