Application Timing / ATP-CTP
 

Not sure if this post is in the right spot, it's my first so apologies if it's spam. I am a 20-year Air Force dude retiring in July 2026. I'd really like to land at Delta for my airline career. Two quick questions: first, when is the right time to submit my application? Second, if I already have my ATP, should I still do Delta's ATP-CTP program? I've been told that pilots completing their course get a leg up in the hiring process. Thanks for the help!

I can't answer the second question. I'd assume since you already have an ATP, the program wouldn't help you.
As far as application, I would fill it out now. On the application I think you can put in the date you are available. I'd say the sooner you get your app into the stack, the better.

Submit your application now. Have it reviewed by a professional service. Set your appropriate availability date. Don't enroll in ATP-CTP. That course is not for you if you already hold an ATP airplane multi-engine land.

Just to clarify: make sure you get your app reviewed and completely polished before publishing it. Flew with a guy who came out of the military and he published it first and got scored right away but it still wasn’t polished so he had to wait another 12 months before they’d score it again. May not matter as much in your situation since you’re 12+ months from being available but I’d still recommend that order of things.

Absolutely this. Thanks for clarifying my poor communication.

When is the right time to submit my application?

Fall of 2021. I missed the mark by 20 years. Seriously, good luck. Its an amazing career.