ATPL Training at Lufthansa

The ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) training Lufthansa is one of the most famous and traditional ways to become a commercial pilot in Germany. Even if Lufthansa itself does not sell training in the classical sense, the Group offers the European Flight Academy (EFA) – the official flight school of the Lufthansa Group – a structured training program for aspiring pilots, which is tailored to airline operations.

The ATPL is the highest level of the pilot licence and, after further flight experience, entitles you to operate commercial aircraft as pilot-in-command. The training will be completed in two phases:

• Theoretical ATPL training

• Practical flight instruction

The Lufthansa Group usually forms according to the Integrated training concept from – that is, all content is conveyed in a coherent program without the need for previous flight experience.

EFA operates various locations in Germany and abroad. The training modules are precisely tailored to the later requirements in airline operations. Typical components:

• Modern training aircraft and simulators

• Training by experienced airline pilots and flight instructors

• Early orientation towards a cockpit within the Lufthansa Group

• Uniform standards according to European EASA regulations

1. Training model

Whether modular or integrated – both paths lead to Commercial pilot licence ATPL(A), but differ in the process and cost structure.

2. Flight hours & Aircraft types

The number of flight hours, the type of aircraft used and the proportion of simulator training have a major impact on the overall cost.

3. Additional costs

• Teaching materials & Licences
• Medical Class 1
• Audit and management fees
• Equipment such as headset
• Accommodation and living expenses

A typical course of ATPL training at Lufthansa/EFA includes:

1. Selection procedure (DLR test)
   In order to be accepted into pilot training, applicants must complete a multi-stage selection process that examines cognitive skills, teamwork, English language skills and aviation aptitude.

2. Theoretical ATPL phase
   Education of all relevant subjects such as navigation, meteorology, flight performance, human performance, air law and much more.
   The lessons are mostly full-time.

3. VFR and IFR flight instruction
   Practical training flights first under VFR, later instrument flight (IFR). This part often takes place in locations with stable weather conditions.

4. MCC/JOC – Multi-Crew Cooperation & Jet Orientation
   Preparation for later operation in the two-man cockpit and introduction to the operation of modern jet systems.

5. Type rating
   Typerating on a specific commercial aircraft is usually only completed with an airline of the Lufthansa Group as soon as a cockpit seat is in sight.

For the ATPL training at Lufthansa, the following basic prerequisites usually apply:

• Minimum age 17–18 years to start training

• General or subject-related university degree (Abitur)

• Good English skills

• Medical certificate (Class 1 Medical)

• Successful completion of the selection procedure

Integrated ATPL training usually lasts 18 to 24 months. The Costs depending on the year and place of training, are in the area of about 80,000 to 110,000 euros.
Financing can vary depending on the selection process and group program; Lufthansa Group often offers special financing solutions or repayment systems.

With the successful completion of the ATPL training, graduates are basically open the doors to all airlines. Since the program is specifically tailored to the Lufthansa Group, there are often good chances of a later application within the Group airlines, e.g. :

• Lufthansa

• Lufthansa CityLine

• Eurowings Discover

• Austrian Airlines

• Swiss

• Brussels Airlines

However, an automatic takeover is not guaranteed. Applicants shall continue to undergo a regular selection procedure after training.