From the F15E to the Piper Seneca II: How Mil2ATP, Inc Bridges the Gap between Military and Civilian Aviation

Mil2ATP, Inc offers a specialized weekly training program tailored for military aviators transitioning into commercial airline careers. Although many of these seasoned pilots have accumulated more than the required 1,500 flight hours required to earn an ATP, they often encounter challenges when it comes to mastering the techniques and nuances required for flying smaller aircraft and learning the differences between military flight rules and 14 CFR.

Mil2ATP’s Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) course is designed to bridge that gap, equipping seasoned military aviators with the refined techniques and practical skills needed in the commercial aviation sector.

Christopher Kreske, the founder of MiL2ATP and a former F15E pilot, identified a critical gap in the flight training industry—a shortage of quality programs offered at a fair price. Drawing from his extensive military pilot training background, Kreske developed MiL2ATP’s teaching methods around the unwavering Air Force pilot training principles that say instructors must be humble, approachable, and credible.

His vision is simple yet powerful: to produce confident, well-prepared pilots ready to excel in commercial aviation.

“When I retired from the Air Force, I could not find a program to help me transition to commercial flying, so I created it,” Kreske said.

MiL2ATP's instructors come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including former military pilots, commercial airline pilots, and top graduates from Certified Flight Instructor programs. Each instructor undergoes intensive, specialized training to ensure they deliver exceptional, personalized instruction for every student who walks through Mil2ATP’s doors.

Whether a student is starting with zero flight hours or seeking to refine their skills and adapt to new flying techniques, Mil2ATP instructors are prepared to provide tailored training to meet each student’s specific needs.

MiL2ATP instructor, Alex Keadle, trains multiple students weekly— from Private Pilot students to ATP students.

“Private pilots have to start by learning the fundamentals of flying— straight and level flight, climbing, descending, and turning can be tough for a new student,” Keadle said.

Private pilot students and military ATP course students face different challenges when it comes to flying.

Developed habits can often complicate the shift from a crew-based cockpit to flying as a single pilot.

“The FAA Part 61 ATP checkride is required to be flown single pilot. This skillset comes as a shock for many ATP students. It is important to teach single pilot resource management to help manage the workload that comes with flying without a crew,” Keadle said.

One of the most significant adjustments for military pilots entering the commercial sector is learning to operate within Federal Aviation Administration regulations. While military aviation prioritizes mission objectives and allows for greater operational flexibility, civil pilots must strictly adhere to FAA procedures, airspace classifications, and airline-specific protocols.

MiL2ATP ensures that transitioning pilots not only meet but exceed these standards. The program emphasizes procedural discipline, checklist adherence, and the intricacies of operating within FAA air traffic control systems.

Beyond technical proficiency, MiL2ATP also prepares pilots for the rigorous hiring process of major airlines. The program includes interview preparation, as well as networking mentorship, to ensure graduates are ready for the transition.

“Most military pilots have never interviewed for a job,” Kreske said. “Even if they have, it is usually to be a senior officer’s aide, and the decision to hire them was made before the interview happened.” Mil2ATP’s partnerships ensure success through the hiring process.

With a curriculum built on military discipline, top-tier instruction, and real-world application, MiL2ATP continues to bridge the gap between military and commercial aviation—one successful pilot at a time.