ATPL(A) Theoretical Training: Comprehensive Guide to the Theoretical Airline Pilot License
ATPL(A) Theoretical Training: Comprehensive Guide to the Theoretical Airline Pilot License
The theoretical ATPL(A) training (Airline Transport Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) represents one of the most fundamental stages in the professional development pathway to becoming an airline pilot. Recognized across European and international aviation authorities, this certification enables the acquisition of all indispensable theoretical knowledge required for the professional practice of piloting in commercial aviation.
In this article, we provide a detailed overview of this training program, including its target audience, curriculum, duration, examination modalities, and subsequent career prospects.
What is the Theoretical ATPL(A)?
The ATPL(A) is the Airline Transport Pilot Licence for Aeroplanes. It signifies the highest level of qualification attainable by a professional pilot in civil aviation. This license comprises two distinct components: a theoretical segment and a practical segment, the latter of which is only awarded following several years of operational experience as a professional pilot.
The theoretical ATPL training is undertaken relatively early in the pilot's career progression. It is typically pursued immediately following the acquisition of the PPL (Private Pilot Licence). This stage represents a pivotal moment in the trajectory of an aspiring professional pilot, serving as the initial substantive step towards professional certification.
The theoretical ATPL enables a pilot to acquire all requisite regulatory, technical, operational, and environmental knowledge essential for professional practice. It stands as the sole recognized theoretical certification that ultimately facilitates the attainment of the practical ATPL, which confers the authority to serve as Captain on a commercial airliner.
It is crucial to note that the acquisition of the theoretical ATPL alone does not yet confer the privilege to pilot an airliner. The pilot must first augment their training with several practical qualifications:
- The CPL(A) (Commercial Pilot Licence)
- The IR/ME qualification (Instrument Rating + Multi-Engine), which permits instrument flight operations on multi-engine aircraft
- The MCC (Multi-Crew Cooperation) course, which prepares pilots for multi-crew operations within a cockpit environment
Upon successful completion of these stages, the pilot is typically recruited by an airline and commences their career as a First Officer. During this period, they accrue invaluable line experience, flight hours, and seniority. Once the stipulated experience requirements are fulfilled (specifically, a minimum of 1,500 flight hours), the pilot is finally eligible to obtain the full ATPL(A) licence, often referred to as 'active', which confers the authority to serve as Captain.
Thus, the theoretical ATPL(A) is a cornerstone of the training pathway, as it determines all future progression for a professional pilot. It constitutes the sole theoretical gateway to the highest responsibilities in the cockpit.
Who is the theoretical ATPL(A) training intended for?
This training is intended for all candidates who wish to pursue a professional airline pilot training pathway. It forms the theoretical basis for "modular" training courses, but is also included in integrated curricula.
Typical candidate profile:
- Be at least 17 years old to commence training
- Hold a Class 1 medical certificate
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
- Possess foundational knowledge in mathematics and physics
- Be motivated, rigorous, and capable of working autonomously
What is the content of the theoretical ATPL training?
The theoretical ATPL(A) program is defined by the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency). It comprises 14 subjects:
| Subject | Brief Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 010 | Air Law | International air law, rules of the air, ICAO, SERA, air navigation services. |
| 021 | Aircraft General Knowledge | Structure, engines, mechanical, electrical, fuel systems, maintenance. |
| 022 | Instrumentation | Altimeters, gyroscopes, EFIS, TCAS, GPWS, flight recorders, automation systems. |
| 031 | Mass and Balance | Mass calculations, balance, loading plans, operational safety. |
| 032 | Aircraft Performance | Take-off, cruise, landing performance, influencing factors. |
| 033 | Flight Planning | VFR/IFR planning, fuel calculation, flight monitoring, regulatory documentation. |
| 040 | Human Factors | Physiology, stress, fatigue, CRM, human error, decision-making. |
| 050 | Meteorology | Atmosphere, meteorological systems, weather hazards, interpretation of METAR/TAF/SIGMET. |
| 061 | General Navigation | Cartography, heading calculations, distances, great circle navigation. |
| 062 | Radio Navigation | VOR, DME, ADF, GNSS, management of radio aids and satellite navigation. |
| 070 | Operational Procedures | Normal and emergency procedures, EU OPS regulations, specific operational environments. |
| 081 | Aircraft Principles of Flight | Aerodynamics, lift, drag, stability, flight incidents. |
| 090 | Communications | ICAO standardized phraseology, VFR/IFR communications, emergency situations. |
| 100 | KSA – Knowledge, Skills & Attitudes | Non-technical skills, threat and error management (TEM), decision-making, professionalism. |
These modules form the foundation of all theoretical airline pilot training. They are mandatory and assessed by the competent authorities (DGAC in France) through multiple-choice question (MCQ) examinations. Successful completion of these examinations is a prerequisite for proceeding with practical training (CPL/IR/ME).
What is the duration of the theoretical ATPL(A) training?
The duration of theoretical ATPL(A) training depends on several factors: the chosen training mode (in-person or distance learning), the student's learning pace, and the school's pedagogical organization. Therefore, there is no single fixed duration, but rather indicative ranges depending on the chosen path.
Classroom Training
When undertaken in-person at an approved ATO (Approved Training Organisation) school, the training typically spans a period of 9 months of full-time instruction. This format provides a structured environment with a demanding pace, classroom instruction by experienced instructors, regular assessments, and continuous support.
However, this timeframe may extend up to 12 months in certain cases, particularly if the student encounters difficulties in specific subjects and needs to attend remedial sessions.
Distance Learning (e-learning)
The distance learning (e-learning) version offers greater flexibility. It allows each student to progress at their own pace, while benefiting from pedagogical support via an online platform, featuring interactive modules, practice MCQs, and remote monitoring by the instructional team.
This format is often supplemented by a few weeks of in-person attendance (between 2 and 6, depending on the school) in the form of intensive revisions, lectures, or preparation for official examinations.
In practice, the observed durations for distance learning vary considerably:
- For the most available, diligent, and autonomous students, it is possible to complete the training in 6 to 8 months.
- For the majority of candidates, the standard pace leads to a duration of between 9 and 18 months, depending on weekly availability and personal workload.
How are the theoretical ATPL(A) examinations administered?
Upon completion of the training, student pilots must validate their knowledge by passing the official ATPL(A) theoretical examinations, organized by the competent civil aviation authority. In France, the Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC) supervises the entire process, in compliance with the standards established by European regulations (EASA).
These examinations consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), typically conducted on computer at an approved examination centre. Each subject is independent and graded separately.
Objective and Success Criteria
To pass a subject, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 75% of correct answers. There is no average grading system: each subject must be passed individually for the entire certificate to be issued.
As the ATPL is a high-level training program, the MCQs demand a precise mastery of knowledge, as well as effective time management, with some subjects comprising up to 60 questions within a limited timeframe.
Deadlines and Regulatory Constraints
The examination process is governed by several strict rules imposed by EASA:
- Candidates have a maximum of 6 sessions to pass all 14 subjects. A session corresponds to an examination period during which one or more subjects may be attempted.
- The process must be completed within an 18-month period from the date of passing the first validated examination. Beyond this period, any unacquired subjects must be retaken in their entirety.
- In the event of failure in a subject, a maximum of 4 attempts is permitted per module. Exceeding this limit requires the candidate to restart the entire theoretical training at an ATO.
These rules ensure a demanding yet equitable framework, aiming to guarantee that candidates possess the required competencies to proceed with their training towards the practical phase (CPL, IR, MEP).
What Happens After the Examinations?
Upon successful completion of all 14 examinations, the candidate receives an ATPL(A) theoretical pass certificate. This certificate is valid for 36 months (3 years) from the date of the last validated examination. It grants access to the subsequent stages of professional pilot training, specifically the practical CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) training, as well as the IR (Instrument Rating) and MEP (Multi-Engine Piston) qualifications.
It is therefore essential for candidates to carefully plan the continuation of their training within this timeframe, to avoid having to retake the theoretical examinations.
What are the Next Steps After the Theoretical ATPL(A)?
Obtaining the theoretical ATPL(A) certificate is a key milestone in airline pilot training, but it marks only the beginning of the professional phase. This foundation of regulatory, technical, and operational knowledge must then be complemented by flight training, which will enable the acquisition of the practical skills necessary to perform the duties of a pilot.
The logical progression of the curriculum includes several practical qualifications, progressively issued within an Approved Training Organisation (ATO):
- CPL(A) – Commercial Pilot Licence
This is the Commercial Pilot Licence, the first practical qualification to be obtained after theoretical training. It authorizes the holder to be remunerated for their services as a pilot, and serves as the gateway to commercial aviation. The training includes advanced flight hours and practical flight assessments.
- IR(A) – Instrument Rating
The Instrument Rating allows pilots to operate in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), relying solely on onboard instruments. It is essential for flying on commercial routes and constitutes an indispensable operational prerequisite in air transport.
- MEP – Multi-Engine Piston Rating
The Multi-Engine Rating authorizes flight in aircraft equipped with two piston engines. It introduces the pilot to more complex aircraft, closer to transport category aircraft, while preparing them for the management of emergency procedures specific to multi-engine operations.
- MCC – Multi-Crew Cooperation
The MCC training (Multi-Crew Cooperation) is designed to prepare future co-pilots to work as a crew in a multi-pilot cockpit, as found in airline aircraft. It emphasizes communication, task allocation, team decision-making, and the management of human and technical resources onboard.
- UPRT – Upset Prevention and Recovery Training
Advanced UPRT (Upset Prevention and Recovery Training) is now a mandatory training requirement within the EASA framework. It prepares pilots to recognize, avoid, and recover from unusual or critical flight situations, such as in-flight loss of control, under realistic conditions.
- Type Rating – Type Qualification
To operate a specific airliner (Airbus, Boeing, etc.), a pilot must complete a type rating, typically funded or co-organized by the employing airline. This training focuses on a specific aircraft model, incorporating simulator sessions and line training. It enables the acquisition of complete technical and operational proficiency for the aircraft in question.
Upon completion of these modules, the pilot is technically prepared for airline integration, typically as a first officer on airliners.
After accumulating the requisite flight experience, specifically a minimum total of 1,500 flight hours, the pilot can finally apply for the issuance of the full (active) ATPL(A) license. This license is an indispensable prerequisite for serving as a Captain on commercial transport aircraft.
Why Choose an Approved Training Organisation for Your ATPL(A) Training?
To undertake theoretical ATPL(A) training, enrollment with an approved school, known as an ATO (Approved Training Organisation), is not optional: it is a regulatory requirement mandated by EASA. Only these schools, certified by the competent authorities, are authorized to provide this training and register you for official examinations.
However, beyond the regulatory aspect, selecting the appropriate ATO is a strategic imperative for your success. A reputable and well-structured school will not only enable you to validate your 14 modules within the prescribed timeframe but also to establish a robust theoretical foundation, which is essential for the remainder of your professional pilot career.
By choosing an approved school such as Hexagone Aviation School, you benefit from numerous tangible advantages:
- Rigorous and personalized educational guidance, with support tailored to your pace and objectives;
- Official, updated, and EASA syllabus-compliant course materials, provided in English, the language of examinations and international aviation;
- Experienced, pedagogical, and accessible instructors, with practical field experience and trained in theoretical instruction;
- A high-performance e-learning platform, featuring hundreds of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for effective practice, wherever you are;
- Methodical preparation for the requirements of the DGAC (or other European authorities), including revision sessions and mock exams under realistic conditions.
At Hexagone Aviation School, our mission is clear: to train you to become a competent, rigorous, and operationally ready pilot, prepared to enter the professional world and perform from the initial stages of your career. Whether you choose in-person training at our Beauvais campus or e-learning with enhanced support, you join a dedicated organization that fully understands the demands of the profession.
What is the Cost of Theoretical ATPL(A) Training?
The cost of theoretical ATPL(A) training can vary significantly from one organization to another, depending on several criteria:
- the chosen training mode (in-person or distance learning),
- the included services (educational materials, e-learning platform, supervision),
- the school's reputation,
- and, of course, the quality of support provided.
Observed Average Prices
For distance learning (e-learning), prices generally range between €1,300 and €4,500, depending on the level of support.
For in-person training, prices are higher, with an average range of 8,000 to €15,000 for the most basic offerings.
At Hexagone Aviation School
At Hexagone Aviation School, we have opted for a transparent and accessible pricing strategy, without compromising the quality of instruction:
- Theoretical ATPL(A) Distance Learning Program (e-learning + instructional support): from €2,500 excl. VAT
- Theoretical ATPL(A) Classroom Training in Beauvais, in group classes with instructors: from €12,500
💡 These prices include access to our educational platform, digital course materials, supervision by our certified instructors, and mock exams under real conditions.
Ready to begin your theoretical ATPL(A) training?
At Hexagone Aviation School, we support you throughout your journey. Our instructional team assists you in succeeding in your examinations under optimal conditions and in building a robust career in aviation.
Contact us now to receive our brochure or ask your questions:
hello@hexagone.aero
