The ultimate license to fly commercial aircraft
ATPL - Airline Pilot License
The ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) is the highest license in civil aviation. It is required to serve as aircraft commander on commercial transport flights. The course is long and demanding, combining intensive theory, flight hours and aircraft type ratings. It can be followed via the integrated route (full ab initio course) or the modular route (step by step from a PPL).
The essentials
The ATPL is the highest civil aviation licence in Europe, mandatory to be captain on a commercial airliner. Demanding training: 14 EASA theory subjects (650h+), 200h flight including type rating on the target aircraft (Airbus A320, Boeing 737...). Cost between EUR 60,000 and EUR 100,000 in a professional school (ESMA, Cassidian, Aerocampus). Class 1 EASA medical, mandatory English level 4 ICAO.
Pricing and rates for ATPL - Airline Pilot License
The price of ATPL Airline Pilot training ranges from €60,000 to €100,000 depending on schools and the chosen path (integrated or modular). Integrated path (full ab initio over 18 to 24 months): €80,000 to €100,000 in DGAC-approved schools. Modular path (PPL then CPL then IR then MEP spread over 2 to 4 years): €60,000 to €80,000 with budget spread. Type Rating on A320/B737: €25,000 to €35,000 additional. Class 1 EASA medical mandatory: €250 to €400 initial then annual renewals. Funding: France Travail (retraining), bank loans partner of schools, CPF via Mon Compte Formation (limited ~€10,000).
How it works
01
ATPL theory
750 hours of theoretical tuition on 14 EASA subjects. Official exams at the DGAC.
02
PPL/CPL flight training
Building flight hours, multi-engine rating (MEP), instrument rating (IR).
03
Frozen ATPL
Once theory is validated and flight hours reached, the Frozen ATPL is obtained.
04
Type rating
Qualification on a commercial aircraft type (A320, B737...) to join an airline.
What's included
- ATPL theory training (14 EASA subjects)
- CPL and IR flight training
- Multi-Engine Rating (MEP)
- Simulator flight hours (FNPT II or FFS)
- Frozen ATPL on completion (activated after 1,500 hours)
Prerequisites
- EASA Class 1 medical fitness (mandatory)
- Baccalauréat level or equivalent (integrated route)
- ICAO English proficiency minimum level 4
Frequently asked questions
How much does an integrated ATPL course cost?
ATPL training is the most expensive aviation course. Fees range from €60000 to €100000 depending on the school and country of training.
Are there career openings for airline pilots in France?
The air transport market is growing and airlines are regularly recruiting. A type rating and several hundred flight hours are generally required to be hired.
How long are ATPL theory results valid?
ATPL theory exam results are valid for 7 years to access a CPL/ATPL license. The deadline runs from the date of passing the first exam.
Can ATPL training be financed with a loan?
Yes, several financial organisations offer loans specifically for airline pilot training (Pôle Emploi via the CPF, partner-bank loans through schools). France Travail can fund cases of professional retraining. The CPF via Mon Compte Formation remains limited (~€10,000 max) compared to actual cost. Several DGAC-partner schools offer payment facilities spread over the training.
What medical certificate is required to become an airline pilot?
The ATPL requires an EASA Class 1 medical fitness certificate, the most demanding tier. Issued by a Class 1 Aero-Medical Examiner (AME) (DGAC list). Validity: 1 year. Comprehensive check: full cardiovascular exam, ECG, audiogram, vision (corrected acuity 1.0), psychological test. First visit at an Aero Medical Centre (AMC), then annual renewals. Initial cost: €250-400. Disqualification possible for epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions.
Frozen ATPL vs full ATPL: what is the difference?
The Frozen ATPL is obtained after passing the 14 EASA theory exams + flight hours and ratings (CPL, IR, MEP). It allows you to fly as co-pilot on a jet/multi-engine. The full ATPL (captain) requires 1,500 total flight hours including 500h IFR multi-engine and 100h night flying. The transition from frozen to full happens progressively at an airline, with no major additional EASA exam.
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