ATOP-Airline Training Orientation Program

01/01/2026

Greetings! It's been a long time between posts! We have some recent developments at ATOP! (www.atopjets.com) As one of the thousands of ATOP grads, hopefully you can appreciate this news!

First, after 20 years as an FAA ASI, Wayne retired from the FAA in March and is now a teacher of an INTRODUCTION TO AVIATON course at Charlevoix MI high school! What a blast!

After 30 YEARS (!!) running singlehandedly the AIRLINE TRAINING ORIENTATION PROGRAM - ATOP, it was time to move to the observer seat and watch! We are proud to announce that long time friend for the past 25 years and his life partner have assumed the "PIC" roles for the ATOP!

NELSE HANSEN and Wayne go way back! As A DPE Wayne conducted an instructor check-ride for Nelse back in the day. He attended Wayne's AOPA FIRCs. LAUREN was a former ATOP grad, too! Well, they both got married to each other and BOTH flew the A-320 at a major airline not long ago.

Together, they are continuing the ATOP tradition with Nelse doing most of the instruction and Lauren managing logistics.

Reach them at: [email protected].

As both will eventually face scheduling conflicts, Wayne may be called upon to run a course now and then. He still can be reached at: [email protected]. Stay in touch.

09/22/2025

05/13/2025

Wow! Time flies! Pedro Santiago and Andy Urena from Embry-Riddle took the ATOP in 2019! Now, those rascals are driving 787's for United!!! You make us proud, guys!! The Captain is an ERAU grad from way back! Your turn? www.atopjets.com

04/21/2025

HOT DANG!! This is ATOP GRAD, Mark Schroeder, who earned his AMERICAN AIRLINES wings last night in Dallas! Mark took the ATOP in the early 2000's to "get a taste" of the airline way, worked his way to Captain at the regionals, and now this! So proud, Mark!! Is it your turn? Spend a weekend getting familiar with and "flying" the A-320 with ATOP at JetBlue in Orlando. Check it out at: www.atopjets.com.

04/16/2025

03/14/2024

The ATOP offers any FAA certificated U.S. pilot with an interest in the airlines, especially those looking toward an airline career, a rare opportunity to experience a major airline pilot training center and the FAR 121 training environment. Each participant learns the operation of all major systems...

12/18/2023

What a range of aviators who attended the DEC 9-10 2023 ATOP class at American in Dallas! From fledging pilots to the well-seasoned! All were introduced to the 737/800 with a day of ground school and a two hour SIM session! www.atopjets.com

Weekend introductory training on the A-320 at JetBlue Airways

11/17/2023

Memories!! Sarah took the 2-day ATOP course back in **2015**, a weekend B-737 orientation at American in Dallas and A-320 introduction at JetBlue in Orlando. Features a full day of Saturday ground school and a Sunday SIM flight for pilots thinking airlines OR who just want to live the dream (www.atopjets.com). Now she's a CAPTAIN for UAL! See a sample here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AudTdFmhZO0&t=7s So proud, Captain Rovner!!