Yes, you can obtain a Boeing 737 type rating without an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, provided you hold at least a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Multi-Engine and Instrument ratings. While regulatory pathways like FAA 14 CFR § 61.63 and EASA Part-FCL allow commercial pilots to earn jet ratings early, navigating the differences between Second-in-Command (SIC) privileges, international hiring requirements, and training costs requires a clear strategy. At Simulator Center LLC, we help pilots streamline this exact transition using FAA-certified Level D Full Flight Simulators, saving you time and thousands of dollars on your path to the airline flight deck.
The Direct Answer: Yes, You Can (Under Specific Rules)
Many commercial pilots assume that stepping into a Boeing 737 requires 1,500 flight hours and an ATP certificate. That is a common myth. Aviation authorities worldwide allow low-hour pilots to complete type ratings on jet airframes as long as prerequisite certificates are met.
The Short Answer for FAA, EASA, and ICAO Pilots
Under most aviation authorities, you do not need 1,500 total hours to get rated on a B737. If you hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Multi-Engine Land (AMEL) and Instrument Ratings, you are legally qualified to enroll in a Boeing 737 initial type rating course.
Regulatory Basis: FAA 14 CFR § 61.63 vs. 14 CFR § 61.157
- 14 CFR § 61.63(d): Governs adding an aircraft type rating to an existing Commercial Pilot Certificate. Under this regulation, you complete ground school, simulator training, and a practical checkride evaluated to Commercial/Type Rating standards.
- 14 CFR § 61.157: Governs issuing an ATP certificate with a type rating. This path requires 1,500 total flight hours (or R-ATP minimums) and passing an ATP-level practical test.
The EASA & ICAO Equivalent: Frozen ATPL / CPL Pathway
In Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the system is designed for low-hour pilots. Graduates of modular or integrated CPL programs with a “Frozen ATPL” (meaning they passed the 14 ATPL theory exams) routinely enter Boeing 737 type rating courses with as few as 200 total flight hours.
CPL + 737 Type Rating vs. ATP + 737 Type Rating: What Privileges Do You Get?
Understanding what you can legally do after passing your checkride is critical before investing in training.
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Feature | Commercial Pilot (CPL) + B737 | Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Crew Position | First Officer (Second-in-Command) | Captain (Pilot-in-Command) |
| Total Hour Requirement | ~250 Total Flight Hours | 1,500 Total Flight Hours (or R-ATP)|
| Seat Privileges | Right Seat Operations | Left & Right Seat Operations |
| Regulatory Path (FAA) | 14 CFR § 61.63 | 14 CFR § 61.157 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
Second-in-Command (SIC) Privileges vs. Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
- CPL + B737 Type Rating: Earning a type rating on a commercial license limits you to Second-in-Command (SIC) duties in scheduled air carrier operations (Part 121 in the US or Part 122/135 equivalent globally). You fly as a Co-Pilot or First Officer under the supervision of a Captain.
- ATP + B737 Type Rating: A full ATP certificate grants unmitigated Pilot-in-Command (PIC) authority, permitting you to act as Captain on Boeing 737 aircraft.
What Appears on Your Pilot License
If you complete your rating under a CPL, your pilot certificate will read: “Boeing 737 – Commercial Privileges.” Once you reach 1,500 hours and complete an ATP checkride, those commercial limitations drop off, upgrading your type rating to full ATP status.
What is an Aircraft Type Rating & When Is It Required?
An aircraft type rating is an official endorsement on a pilot license allowing you to fly a specific, complex airframe.
Definition and Purpose
Unlike single-engine piston training—where flying a Cessna 172 translates easily to a Piper Archer—flying a high-altitude, high-speed jet transport requires specific systems mastery, automation management, and emergency response training.
Type Rating vs. Class Rating: Key Differences
- Class Rating: Covers broad categories of aircraft (e.g., Single-Engine Land, Multi-Engine Land).
- Type Rating: Required for specific airframes that exceed precise weight and performance thresholds.
The Three Rules: When the FAA / EASA Mandates a Type Rating
Large Aircraft: Any aircraft with a Maximum Gross Takeoff Weight (MGTOW) over 12,500 lbs (5,700 kg).
Turbojet-Powered Airplanes: Any jet-powered aircraft, regardless of maximum weight.
Special Designations: Specific aircraft mandated by regulatory authorities due to operational complexity.
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Enrolling in a 737 Type Rating Course
To ensure high checkride pass rates, training centers require core prerequisites before you step into a simulator.
Prerequisites for Commercial Pilot (CPL) Applicants
- Valid CPL with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings.
- Valid First-Class or Second-Class Medical Certificate.
- ICAO Level 4 (or higher) English Language Proficiency.
EASA & DGCA Specific Prerequisites
- Frozen ATPL Theory: Valid passes in all required theoretical examinations.
- Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC): Proof of completion of an approved MCC course to transition from single-pilot to two-pilot cockpit operations.
- Advanced UPRT: Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (Part-FCL.745.A) certificate.
Do You Need the ATP-CTP Course Before Doing a 737 Type Rating?
If you are an FAA candidate seeking a standalone CPL type rating, you do not need the ATP Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP). However, if you have 1,500 hours and intend to complete your ATP checkride concurrently during your 737 checkride, completing an FAA-approved ATP-CTP course beforehand is mandatory. At Simulator Center LLC, our team helps you map out your credentials so you never pay for unnecessary ground courses.
Standalone CPL Type Rating vs. Combined ATP + Type Rating Checkride
Pilots approaching 1,500 flight hours face a critical decision on how to structure their final practical test.
Standalone Type Rating on a Commercial License
This path is ideal for international pilots, contract flyers, or low-hour aviators entering direct-entry First Officer programs. You focus entirely on B737 systems and maneuvers without taking the ATP written exam or fulfilling ATP hour minimums.
The Combined ATP + 737 Type Rating Practical Test
If you already possess 1,500 flight hours (or qualify for a Restricted ATP at 1,000/1,250 hours), you can complete your ATP certification checkride and your Boeing 737 type rating during a single simulator evaluation.
Cost & Time Savings of Combining the Practical Tests
Combining both tests saves you thousands of dollars by eliminating duplicate examiner fees, simulator time, and administrative delays. Instead of paying for a standalone multi-engine ATP checkride in a piston twin, you earn your ATP directly in a Boeing 737 Level D simulator.
The Boeing 737 Training & Practical Test Process
Training for a type rating is an intensive, fast-paced program designed to build deep airframe mastery.
Ground School & Systems Training
Before entering the motion simulator, you complete extensive ground instruction covering:
- Flight Management Computer (FMC) and Autoflight systems logic.
- Hydraulics, Electrical, Fuel, Pneumatic, and Flight Control architecture.
- Performance management, weight & balance, and emergency procedures.
Flight Simulation Training (Level C & Level D FFS)
Practical training transitions from fixed-base Cockpit Procedures Trainers (CPT) to full-motion Level D Full Flight Simulators. You practice:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and multi-crew coordination.
- Engine-out hand flying, single-engine instrument approaches, and crosswind landings.
- Emergency checklists, rapid depressurizations, and system failures.
The Type Rating Checkride (Practical Test)
The final checkride consists of an oral exam testing your systems knowledge, followed by a multi-hour evaluation in a Level D simulator conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) or EASA TRE.
Boeing 737 Variants & Differences Training (Classic vs. NG vs. MAX)
A standard 737 type rating endorsement (e.g., B-737 under FAA standards) covers multiple generations. After earning your initial type rating on a B737-800 NG, short differences training courses allow you to quickly add operational privileges for the 737 Classic or 737 MAX without taking a brand-new checkride.
Should You Self-Fund a 737 Type Rating Without an ATP? (Career Strategy)
Is buying a type rating on a commercial license a smart career move? The answer depends heavily on where you plan to fly.
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Region / Market | Self-Funding Strategy |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| United States (FAA Part 121) | Generally NOT recommended |
| Europe / Asia / Middle East | Highly recommended / Standard |
| Corporate / Charter (Part 135) | Situational / High-ROI option |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
The US Market vs. International Markets (FAA vs. EASA/ICAO)
- United States: Regional and major air carriers (e.g., Delta, United, American, Southwest, SkyWest) pay for your ATP-CTP, ATP certificate, and 737/A320 type ratings during new-hire indoctrination. Self-funding a type rating in the US at 250 hours rarely bypasses the 1,500-hour hiring rule.
- International Markets: Airlines outside the US regularly hire low-hour CPL holders (200–500 hours). In these regions, holding a self-funded 737 type rating places your resume at the top of hiring pools, drastically shortening your path to a jet cockpit.
Cost Breakdown: What Does a 737 Type Rating Cost Out-of-Pocket?
A high-quality Boeing 737 initial type rating typically costs between $10,000 and $22,000 USD, depending on simulator availability, location, and whether housing or differences training is included.
The Risk of Self-Funding Before Having a Job Offer
A type rating requires regular currency. If you do not secure a flight deck seat within 12 months, your rating requires costly recurrent training. Simulator Center LLC works directly with corporate operators, contract agencies, and international placement partners to help you evaluate job prospects before you invest.
Maintaining Currency and Validity of a Boeing 737 Type Rating
Earning your rating is only the first step—keeping it active is legally required to operate the aircraft.
Expiration vs. Currency: The 12-Month Rule
Under EASA and ICAO systems, a 737 type rating expires after 12 calendar months. Under FAA regulations, the rating does not expire, but you cannot act as a required crewmember unless you maintain currency through annual recurrent training or an operator proficiency check (14 CFR § 61.58).
Revalidation vs. Renewal: What to Do When It Lapses
- Revalidation: Done before the 12-month expiration date by completing a License Proficiency Check (LPC).
- Renewal: Required after the rating expires. It involves refresher ground school and simulator training before retaking the LPC.
Recurrent Training & Proficiency Checks (LPC vs. OPC)
Whether you fly for a commercial airline or as an independent contract pilot, you will undergo annual or semi-annual recurrent training to prove your engine-out maneuvers and system management remain razor-sharp.
Frequently Asked Questions (PAA)
Can I fly for a US airline with a 737 Type Rating but no ATP?
No. Under FAA Part 121 rules, all first officers flying for US scheduled passenger or cargo airlines must hold at least a Restricted ATP (R-ATP) or full ATP certificate. However, holding a 737 type rating can make you eligible for non-Part 121 corporate, air-ambulance, or international contract positions before reaching 1,500 hours.
How many total flight hours do I need to get a 737 type rating under the FAA?
There is no statutory minimum flight hour total required by the FAA to take a 737 type rating course under 14 CFR § 61.63. You only need a Commercial Pilot License with Instrument and Multi-Engine Ratings, which can be completed in as few as 250 total flight hours.
Can simulator hours from a 737 type rating course count toward the 1,500-hour ATP requirement?
Yes, up to a specific regulatory cap. Under FAA 14 CFR § 61.159, pilots can log up to 25 to 50 hours of flight simulator time in an FAA-approved Level C or D Full Flight Simulator toward their total ATP hour requirements, provided the time was acquired within an approved training course.
What happens if I fail my 737 type rating checkride? Does it go on my permanent record?
If you do not pass a task during your checkride, the examiner will issue a Notice of Disapproval (FAA) or a Notice of Failure (EASA). This becomes part of your official pilot record. However, you can typically complete retraining on the specific failed items and retake that portion of the practical test within 60 days to complete your rating.
What is the difference between a Boeing 737 type rating and an Airbus A320 type rating process?
Both ratings require similar ground and simulator hours and follow identical regulatory steps. The core difference lies in airframe philosophy: Boeing utilizes conventional control Yokes with direct feedback, non-normal physical switches, and manual override capabilities, whereas Airbus uses Fly-By-Wire side-sticks and normal law flight protections.
Fast-Track Your Boeing 737 Career with Simulator Center LLC
Navigating pilot licenses, simulator schedules, and regulatory rules should never stand between you and your dream of flying a Boeing 737. Whether you need a standalone CPL type rating to unlock international First Officer positions, or a combined ATP + B737 checkride to maximize your career momentum, Simulator Center LLC delivers the fastest, highest-ROI pathway to the jet fleet.
Why Pilots Choose Simulator Center LLC:
- FAA Certified Level D Simulators: Train in full-motion, state-of-the-art Level D Full Flight Simulators that mirror real-world airline operations down to the exact pedal feel.
- Veteran Airline Instructors: Learn directly from active Captains and Designated Pilot Examiners who train you to pass your checkride on the very first attempt.
- Flexible Scheduling & Unbeatable ROI: Skip the months-long waiting lists at legacy flight schools with flexible simulator scheduling designed around your timeline and budget.
Don’t leave your aviation career to chance. Contact Simulator Center LLC today to speak with an admissions strategist, schedule a consultation, or book your Level D simulator session!
