An airline transport pilot licence (ATPL) gives its holder the right to act as pilot-in-command on multi-pilot aircraft in commercial air transport by either aeroplane (A) or helicopter (H). This means that pilots-in-command on commercial air transport hold an ATPL.
You cannot apply for an airline transport pilot licence solely on the basis of training. You are also required to have experience of multi-pilot aeroplanes and more total flight experience. The ATPL is usually applied for by the airline in whose service the commercial pilot licence (CPL) holder has gained a sufficient number of flying hours to meet the requirements.
How to obtain an airline transport pilot licence
Age requirement
To apply for an ATPL, you must be at least 21 years of age.
Licence requirements
You must hold one of the following licences:
Training
The training consists of theoretical knowledge instruction.
You are also required to have sufficient flight experience.
Medical certificate
You are required to have a medical certificate.
Theoretical knowledge examinations arranged by Traficom
You may participate in theoretical knowledge examinations after completing the theoretical knowledge instruction.
Flight experience
To apply for an ATPL(A), you must have completed the required training and have sufficient flight experience. For more information on the minimum requirements for an ATPL, please see Subpart F in Annex I to the Aircrew Regulation or the forms for reporting experience.
Designation of a flight examiner
Traficom designates an examiner for the ATPL skill test. You can apply for designation by proposing a suitable examiner at the latest 14 days before the planned skill test. Proposals must be submitted by an electronic form.
Skill test
You can take the skill test once you have successfully completed the theoretical knowledge instruction and Traficom’s theoretical knowledge examinations and have sufficient experience to apply for an ATPL.