QUALIFICATION OVERVIEW
The ATPL(A) is the Airline Transport Pilot Licence for aeroplanes. It is the licence normally required to act as pilot-in-command, or captain, in multi-pilot commercial air transport operations.
Most airline pilots do not receive the full ATPL(A) at the beginning of their career. They usually complete ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge first, then fly as co-pilot with a CPL(A)/IR or MPL(A), and apply for the ATPL(A) once the required experience has been achieved.
ENTRY AND COMPLETION PROFILE
TYPE OF FLIGHT
The ATPL(A) applies to aeroplanes and is focused on high-level commercial and multi-pilot operations.
MINIMUM AGE
The applicant must be at least 21 years old before the ATPL(A) can be issued.
EDUCATION REQUIRED
No universal academic degree is required by EASA, but the ATPL theory level demands strong maths, physics, English, study discipline and exam technique.
MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
A valid Class 1 medical is required to exercise airline transport pilot privileges.
PREVIOUS LICENCE REQUIRED
The full ATPL(A) is normally reached after flying as a co-pilot with a CPL(A)/IR route or through an MPL(A) airline pathway.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
The applicant must have at least 1,500 hours of flight time in aeroplanes, including specified multi-pilot, PIC/PICUS, cross-country, instrument and night experience.
ESTIMATED DURATION
ATPL theory can be completed during training, but full ATPL(A) issue normally happens after the pilot has built airline co-pilot experience.
COMPLETE ESTIMATED COST
The cost depends on whether the pilot reaches ATPL(A) through modular CPL/IR, integrated training, MPL, airline sponsorship, type rating and employment pathway.
FINAL RESULT OBTAINED
The licence allows airline transport pilot privileges, including command privileges in eligible multi-pilot commercial air transport operations.
COMMON INDUSTRY WORDING
FROZEN ATPL
“Frozen ATPL” is an industry expression. It usually means the pilot has completed ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge and holds the practical qualifications needed to work as a co-pilot, such as CPL(A), IR(A), ME privileges and MCC/APS MCC.
FULL ATPL(A)
The full ATPL(A) is issued by the authority once the pilot meets the required age, theoretical knowledge, experience, licence, rating, medical and skill-test requirements.
STANDARD ROUTE
The ATPL(A) is usually reached in two stages: first the theoretical knowledge credit, later the full licence issue after airline experience.
01
Professional airline training should begin only after confirming medical fitness for commercial pilot privileges.
02
Most pilots reach the airline pathway through a CPL(A)/IR route, integrated training, or an MPL(A) programme.
03
The ATPL(A) theory course covers professional airline subjects and must be passed within the applicable examination rules.
04
Depending on the route, the pilot will normally need CPL(A), IR(A), multi-engine privileges, MCC or APS MCC, Advanced UPRT and operator selection.
05
Before airline line flying, the pilot completes the relevant type rating, operator conversion course and supervised line training.
06
The pilot flies as co-pilot and accumulates the total, multi-pilot, PIC/PICUS, cross-country, instrument and night experience required for ATPL(A) issue.
07
The applicant must demonstrate the ability to act as pilot-in-command of a multi-pilot aeroplane under the applicable procedures and standards.
08
The authority reviews the licence, medical, theory, experience, skill-test and rating evidence before issuing the full ATPL(A).
THEORICAL KNOWLEDGE
ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge is the highest standard of pilot theory. It covers airline-level technical, operational, navigational and human-performance subjects.
010
Regulations, rules of the air, operational responsibilities, airspace, ATS procedures and commercial aviation legal framework.
021
Airframes, engines, electrics, hydraulics, pneumatics, flight controls, pressurisation, air conditioning and aircraft systems.
022
Flight instruments, electronic displays, sensors, autopilot, flight directors, warnings, limitations and instrument errors.
031
Loading, centre of gravity, load sheets, trim, stability, structural limits and operational effects of mass distribution.
032
Take-off, climb, cruise, landing, obstacle clearance, engine failure performance and performance planning margins.
033
Fuel planning, route planning, alternates, operational flight plans, in-flight monitoring and contingency planning.
040
Physiology, psychology, fatigue, stress, workload, CRM, communication, leadership and decision-making.
050
Atmosphere, pressure systems, fronts, icing, turbulence, thunderstorms, jet streams, weather reports and forecasts.
061
Charts, earth model, tracks, headings, plotting, wind correction, flight logs and navigation calculations.
VOR, DME, NDB, GNSS, PBN, RNAV, instrument procedures, navigation accuracy and system limitations.
070
Normal, abnormal and emergency procedures, SOPs, wake turbulence, low visibility, safety management and risk control.
081
Aerodynamics, stability, control, swept-wing effects, high-speed flight, stalls, high-lift devices and aircraft behaviour.
090
IFR/VFR phraseology, emergency communication, ATC interaction, clearances, readbacks and operational radio discipline.
100
Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes: application of theory, teamwork, workload management, communication and professional behaviour.
FLIGHT-TIME REQUIREMENT
For ATPL(A) issue, EASA requires at least 1,500 hours of flight time in aeroplanes, with a specific experience breakdown.
PRIVILEDGES AND LIMITATIONS
For ATPL(A) issue, EASA requires at least 1,500 hours of flight time in aeroplanes, with a specific experience breakdown.
VALIDITY AND RENEWAL
The ATPL(A) licence itself is not normally treated like a type rating with a fixed expiry date. The ability to use it depends on valid type ratings, a valid Class 1 medical certificate, language proficiency where applicable, recent experience and operator training compliance.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
PROGRAMME-DEPENDENT
The full pathway cost depends on whether the pilot follows modular CPL/IR, integrated training, MPL, airline sponsorship, self-sponsored type rating or employer-funded progression.
DIFFICULTY ESTIMATE
The ATPL(A) represents the highest level of aeroplane pilot licensing. The challenge is not only academic: it requires airline experience, multi-crew competence, instrument proficiency, command judgement and operational discipline.
out of 5 · Airline-focused
Most pilots complete ATPL theory early, but earn the full ATPL(A) only after several years of professional line flying.
REGULATORY BASIS
Last reviewed: 8 July 2026
This page is based on the EASA Easy Access Rules for Aircrew, Part-FCL provisions for LAPL, including FCL.100, FCL.105.A, FCL.110.A and FCL.140.A. National authority procedures, examination systems and fees can vary.