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 on commercial air transport operations of large aircraft. 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) → CPL(A) → IR(A) → MEP → 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 750 hours ground school
Full-time classroom or distance learning. 14 examinations via EASA-approved authority.
Air Law
Aircraft General Knowledge
Flight Performance & Planning
Mass & Balance
Instrumentation
Human Performance
Meteorology
General Navigation
Radio Navigation
Operational Procedures
Principles of Flight
VFR Communications
IFR Communications
Flight Planning & Monitoring
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
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 (750h), hour-building, and all ratings.
Prerequisites
PPL(A) holder. EASA Class 1 Medical. 1,500 hours total time required for ATPL(A) unfreezing. CPL(A) and IR(A) must be completed.
EASA FCL.510.A ↗Frequently Asked Questions
What is a frozen ATPL(A)?
A frozen ATPL(A) means you have passed all 14 ATPL(A) theory exams but have not yet accumulated the 1,500 hours total time required to activate the full ATPL(A) licence.
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 750 hours of study. Most students complete it in 12-18 months alongside flight training.
What are the 14 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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