ATP stands for the Airline Transport Pilot. Holders of an ATP certificate have the authority to act as ‘Pilot in Command’ on scheduled air carriers’ aircraft.
The certificate is the highest level of aircraft pilot certificate possible in the United States.
Additionally, any pilot in operation of an aircraft must first obtain his or hers Commercial Pilot License (CPL). They must also be knowledgeable and fully trained in all necessary knowledge areas.
In order to pilot an aircraft weighing over 12, 500 pounds, the pilot must also attain a ‘Type Rating’ certificate, specific to the make and model of the aircraft.