ATPL(A): Airline Transport Pilot Licence
The highest level of pilot certification. Required to serve as airline captain.
What Is the ATPL(A)?
The Airline Transport Pilot Licence is the highest certification in civil aviation. It is required to act as pilot-in-command of multi-pilot aeroplanes in commercial air transport; a CPL(A) holder may act as pilot-in-command of single-pilot aircraft in commercial air transport. The ATPL(A) encompasses all preceding licences and ratings, and represents the complete professional pilot qualification under EASA Part-FCL.
Two Pathways to ATPL(A)
Modular Route
Build your licences step by step: PPL(A) → ATPL(A) theory → CPL(A) → IR(A) → MEP and multi-engine IR(A) → MCC. Flexibility to train at your pace while accumulating flight hours between stages. Suitable for candidates who are already working or who have an existing PPL(A).
Integrated Route
Zero to ATPL(A) frozen in approximately 18 months. Intensive full-time programme combining all training phases. Typically 200 flight hours included. Ideal for candidates who want the fastest route to a first officer position.
ATPL(A) Theory
Minimum 650 hours ground school (modular route)
Full-time classroom or distance learning. 13 examinations via EASA-approved authority.
Air Law
Aircraft General Knowledge: Airframe, Systems, Power Plant
Aircraft General Knowledge: Instrumentation
Mass & Balance
Performance
Flight Planning & Monitoring
Human Performance
Meteorology
General Navigation
Radio Navigation
Operational Procedures
Principles of Flight
Communications
Practical Requirements
CPL(A) practical training completed
Instrument Rating IR(A)
Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) rating
Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) training
Minimum 1,500 total flight hours
Additional Requirements
Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) certificate
EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate
English language proficiency (ICAO Level 4 minimum)
Airline type rating for specific aircraft type
Career Paths
Airline captain or first officer
Corporate jet operations
Cargo airline pilot
Flight examiner (with a separate examiner certificate, FCL.1000)
Chief pilot or operations manager
Investment & Timeline
Cost
CHF 110,000-135,000
Full path from zero to frozen ATPL(A): CHF 110,000-135,000 (incl. CPL(A), IR(A), MEP, MCC, ATPL(A) theory). The MCC course alone: CHF 4,000-6,000.
Duration
24 - 36 months (from PPL(A))
Modular route: 2-3 years from PPL(A) including theory (650h), hour-building, and all ratings.
Prerequisites
Modular route: PPL(A) holder. EASA Class 1 Medical. 1,500 hours total time required for ATPL(A) unfreezing. CPL(A) and a multi-engine IR(A) must be completed. An MPL is the alternative prerequisite (FCL.510.A(a)).
EASA FCL.510.A ↗Frequently Asked Questions
What is a frozen ATPL(A)?
A frozen ATPL(A) is industry shorthand for a CPL(A) holder with an MEP class rating, a multi-engine IR(A), the MCC and all 13 ATPL(A) theory exams passed. The full ATPL(A) is issued once you have 1,500 hours total time, including 500 hours in multi-pilot operations, and pass the ATPL(A) skill test.
How much does the ATPL(A) pathway cost?
CHF 110,000-135,000 for the full path from zero to frozen ATPL(A), including CPL(A), IR(A), MEP, MCC, and ATPL(A) theory. The MCC course alone costs CHF 4,000-6,000.
How long does ATPL(A) theory take?
ATPL(A) theory covers 13 subjects over approximately 650 hours of study on the modular course. Most students complete it in 12-18 months alongside flight training.
What are the 13 ATPL(A) theory subjects?
Air Law, Airframe/Systems, Instrumentation, Mass and Balance, Performance, Flight Planning, Human Performance, Meteorology, Navigation, Radio Navigation, Operational Procedures, Principles of Flight, and Communications.
Can I become an airline pilot through alpaviation?
Yes. Our modular ATPL(A) pathway provides all the qualifications needed for airline employment. Graduates have gone on to fly for Swiss carriers including Helvetic Airways.
What is the difference between modular and integrated ATPL(A)?
Modular allows you to complete each stage (PPL(A), CPL(A), IR(A), ATPL(A) theory) separately over time while working. Integrated is a single continuous full-time programme. alpaviation offers the modular route.
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