subject: ATPL Advice - Become a airline pilot [print this page] ATPL Advice - Become a airline pilot ATPL Advice - Become a airline pilot
ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence)
You want to become an airline pilot, but you are not sure where to start. Read the following information about the ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) to get you off to a flying start!
The ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) is the highest licence of flying that anyone can obtain. It enables you to command a commercial aircraft with passengers. There is a total of 660 hours of study required (which is a lot, but worth it!).
You can choose to do this in a classroom setting by going on a full-time residential course or you maybe choose to do distance learning. Either way, there is a lot to consider.
If you work hard you could finish the ATPL theory in 6 months, but it is normally advised to study the ATPL over twelve months. The licence normally comprises of numerous theoretical subjects.
Which include the following written subjects:
ATPL Basics
Basic Knowledge
Air Law
Aircraft General Knowledge
Flight Planning and Monitoring
Human Performance and Limitations
Meteorology
Operational Procedures
Communications (IFR & VFRPrinciples of Flight
Performance
General Navigation
Radio Navigation
Instrumentation
Weight and Balance
Basic Knowledge Air Law Aircraft General Knowledge Flight Planning and Monitoring Human Performance and Limitations Meteorology Operational Procedures Communications (IFR & VFRPrinciples of Flight Performance General Navigation Radio Navigation Instrumentation Weight and Balance
One you have studied and pass these theoretical stages you will be awarded a Frozen ATPL (Frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence).
Starting the ATPL
The first thing you must do is gain a JAR class one medical certificate which is a necessary requirement for an ATPL. This can be obtained at the CAA Medical Centre at Gatwick.
Now you must start training for your ATPL. Their are two routes on offer, an integrated training course which trains you directly towards an ATPL from scratch. Alternatively you can take the modular option where you can obtain one rating at a time until you reach an ATPL.
A typical modular route would be to initially train for a PPL, then to migrate to more advanced ratings such as an instrument ratings, night ratings and on to a Commercial Pilots Licence and eventually an ATPL.
Either option will involve both a combination of practical flying lessons as well as theoretical ground training and exams.
The integrated route will take around a year to complete depending on the flying school. Expect the modular route to take much longer, but it has the advantage of flexibility as to how you undergo your flying training.
What ever route you take make sure you train for your ATPL at a JAA Approved Flight Training Organisation. Check with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for currently approved schools.
Expect to pay up to 60,000 to obtain your frozen ATPL. Although this cost can be reduced significantly through modular or overseas training.
