ATPL(A) – The Commercial Pilot License
The ATPL(A) – Airline Transport Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) is the highest civil flight license for aircraft pilots in European air law. It entitles you to work as pilot-in-commander on multi-pilot commercial aircraft and thus represents the completion of professional pilot training. On this page, we provide information about content, prerequisites and training paths – without offering an education yourself.
What is the difference between ATPL(A) and „frozen ATPL“?
The fully-fledged ATPL(A) shall be issued only after all required flight hours have been reached.
Most flight students initially acquire:
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CPL/IR (Professional pilot licence with instrument rating)
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ATPL theory
This combination will ‘frozen ATPL’ called. This means that pilots can already First Officer fly in commercial air transport. Once all flight experiences have been met, the status is “freezed” and the pilot receives a Unrestricted ATPL(A).
Pilot training and additional qualifications
| Further education/qualification | Description / Content | Typical areas of application |
|---|---|---|
| Type rating | Eligibility for a specific type of aircraft (e.g. Airbus A320, Boeing 737). | Airline, charter, freight |
| MCC – Multi Crew Cooperation | Collaboration in the two-pilot cockpit, CRM, communication. | Airline, Business Aviation |
| UPRT / Advanced UPRT | Training for unusual attitudes, stable/spin management. | Compulsory for commercial piloting |
| SFI – Synthetic Flight Instructor | Simulator flight instructor training. | Airlines, training centres |
| TRI – Type Rating Instructor | Instructor for a particular type of aeroplane. | Airlines, type rating ATO |
| FI(A) – Flight Instructor | Flight instructor for PPL, CPL or IR – depending on the extension. | Flight schools, clubs, ATOs |
| CRI – Class Rating Instructor | Teaches aircraft classes such as SEP or MEP. | General aviation |
| IRI – Instrument Rating Instructor | training of instrument pilots. | Flight schools, ATOs |
| IR – Instrument rating | Flight by instrument, IFR flight procedures. | Airline, Freight, Business Aviation |
| MEP – Multi-engine authorisation | Eligibility for multi-engine aeroplanes. | Airline, charter, freight |
| ICAO Language Level 4–6 | Language rating and radio-telephone training. | All commercial activities |
| CRM – Crew Resource Management | Teamwork, decision-making, safety culture. | Airline, Business Aviation |
| PBN – Performance Based Navigation | RNAV/RNP method, modern IFR navigation. | Airlines, IFR operations |
| Operator Conversion Course (OCC) | Airline specific procedures, SOPs, preparation for flight operations. | Entering the new airline |
| Line Training (LIFUS) | scheduled flights under the supervision of a training captain. | Airlines |
| Flight test rating | Specialised training for test, test and acceptance flights. | Shipyards, manufacturers, authorities |
| Special Aviation (Alpine/Bush) | STOL training, high mountains, short/demanding slopes. | Bushflying, Alpine flight, special operations |
| Business Aviation Training | Specific procedures and contact training. | Private Jets, Company Fleet |
| Freight & Dangerous Goods Training (DG) | Dealing with special charge, DG courses. | Cargo Airlines |
| Air rescue / ambulance flight | Specific type and operational training (e.g.) B. PC-12, King Air. | Ambulance & Rescue services |
| Aviation Management / Safety Management | Management training, safety & Quality. | Airline management, safety departments |
Professional prospects
With ATPL(A) different career paths are open:
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Airline pilot
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Business and charter flying
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Cargo flight
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Specialised flight services
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Extensions by type ratings on commercial aircraft types