YOUR PATH TO THE COCKPIT

ATPL Pilot training

ATPL Pilot Training: All possibilities at a glance – flight schools, airline programs, foreign schools and study programs.

Where can I do an ATPL pilot training?

Who pursues the dream of becoming a commercial aircraft driver is quickly faced with the question: Where can I complete the ATPL training? In Germany and Europe, there are different paths and providers that differ in training structure, costs, duration and requirements. In principle, training can be divided into four categories.

Approved Training Organizations (ATO) in Germany


Most aspiring pilots begin their ATPL training at a private flight school. These schools are certified by the aviation authorities and offer either integrated or modular ATPL programs.

Typical characteristics:

  • Wide range of training pathways

  • Training in Germany and partly abroad (e.g. Spain, USA

  • Modern aircraft and simulator fleet

  • High flexibility – especially for modular training

Suitable for:
Students who want to go on a civilian training path and want individual care.

ATPL training at Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) and airline partner schools


Some airlines or Airline-linked training centres offer pilot training in their own system – either through internal application procedures or special training partnerships.

Examples:

  • Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT)

  • Eurowings Flight Academy / Cooperation Schools

  • Condor and Partner Programs

Typical characteristics:

  • High quality of training

  • Airline-oriented training

  • Partially better chances of later takeover by partner airlines

  • Strict selection procedures

Suitable for:
Applicants who want to commit themselves early on to an airline and prefer a structured system.

Flight Schools in European Abroad (EASA)


ATPL training can be completed in any EASA Member State. Many flight students use schools abroad because there are often more favorable weather conditions or better availability.

Popular Countries:

  • Spain

  • Portugal

  • Austria

  • Malta

  • Scandinavia

Typical characteristics:

  • High flight hours

  • International teams

  • EASA license fully recognized in Germany

Suitable for:
Students who are flexible and prefer an education in English.

ATPL education in state or higher education programmes


Some colleges and public institutions offer degree programs that integrate the ATPL education.

Examples:

  • Dual degree programmes "Aviation"

  • Universities with pilot training in cooperation with ATOs

Typical characteristics:

  • Combination of scientific studies and pilot training

  • Academic degree + ATPL (frozen)

  • Longer training period

  • Theoretically broader background

Suitable for:
High school graduates who want a university degree and do not exclude long-term management positions or activities outside the cockpit.