R-ATP to unrestricted ATP is an administrative action under 14 CFR 61.159. Once you meet age 23 and 1,500 hours (with the §61.159(a) category subminimums), the limitation is removed via a 20–30 minute video meeting. $200 flat. No checkride.
What "R-ATP to unrestricted ATP" actually means
A Restricted ATP is the certificate issued when a pilot meets lower-than-standard total time minimums under §61.160 — typically 1,000 or 1,250 hours, granted to military and graduates of approved aviation programs. The restriction lifts to a full unrestricted ATP under §61.159 once:
- Total flight time reaches the standard 1,500 hours
- Age reaches 23
Once both are met, the limitation removal is an administrative action — no additional practical test is required. The DPE verifies your hours, confirms age 23, processes the IACRA, and issues the unrestricted ATP same-appointment.
Eligibility checklist — confirm before booking
You're ready to remove the R-ATP limitation when:
- ☑ Age is 23 or older
- ☑ Total flight time is 1,500 hours or more (per the categories accepted under §61.159(a))
- ☑ You meet all the underlying aeronautical experience requirements of §61.159(a)(1)–(5), including:
- 500 hours of cross-country flight time
- 100 hours of night flight time
- 75 hours of instrument flight time
- 250 hours of pilot-in-command time
- Other applicable subcategories per the regulation
If you're unsure whether your hours qualify, the appointment IS the verification step. Submit the contact form; the intake email walks through what documentation you'll need.
How the appointment runs
The video appointment is typically 20–30 minutes and consists of:
- Identity verification
- Logbook review — we confirm your hours meet §61.159 by category
- IACRA application sign-off
- Issuance of temporary unrestricted ATP certificate
The temporary certificate is valid immediately. The permanent plastic certificate is mailed by the FAA in 4–6 weeks.
What you'll need
After contact form submission, you'll receive an R-ATP to ATP document checklist:
- Government photo ID
- Current Restricted ATP certificate
- Logbook documentation showing total time, hours by category (PIC, XC, night, instrument), and any other categories §61.159 requires
- Started IACRA application
- Knowledge of your FTN
Timing
Total turnaround from inquiry to issued temporary unrestricted ATP is typically 3 to 7 business days, most of which is the time you take to gather logbook documentation. The video appointment itself is 20–30 minutes. A minimum of 24 hours advance notice is required for the FAA DMS oversight entry.
Pricing — $200 flat
Same as every Daytona DPE service. Paid by Zelle or Venmo at the appointment after the certificate is issued. No charge if you're determined not yet eligible during the call.
More on pricing → View pricing details
Related considerations
- Just hit 1,500 and applying for an airline? The R-ATP removal is independent of your medical class. Airlines often want to see the unrestricted ATP on file before final-interview offers — book this as soon as you cross the threshold.
- Have an SIC type rating? Check §61.159 to confirm the SIC time is loggable for the categories that need it. If you're unsure, mention it in the contact form.
Free resources
Related services
Hit 1,500 hours and ready to upgrade?
Submit the contact form. You'll have a document checklist within 24 hours, and most pilots are issued an unrestricted ATP within a week.
Schedule R-ATP to ATP upgrade →