If you want to be an Airline Pilot then you will need an Airline Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL), but what is it and how do I get one?
What is an ATPL?
An ATPL is the highest commercial pilots licence
one can obtain. It enables you to be a pilot in command as a Captain of a commercial aircraft.
An ATPL will initially be awarded as frozen, a frozen ATPL allows you to fly as a first officer of an airline but not as a Captain. Only after 1500 hours of flying (inc. 500 of multi-crew flying) will it become unfrozen allowing you to apply as position of Captain.
Great, but how do I go about getting one?
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.
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