The airline transport pilot license, or in the United States of America, an airline transport pilot certificate is the highest level of aircraft pilot certificate. Those certified as airline transport pilots are authorized to act as pilot in command on scheduled air carriers' aircraft under CFR 14 Part 121. In the UK, pilots must hold an ATPL before they can be pilot in command on an aircraft with 9 or more passenger seats.
Context
Any pilot operating an aircraft for pay must start by obtaining a commercial pilot licence. Airline transport pilot certifications do not have special endorsements, such as an instrument rating, as airline transport pilots must already possess knowledge and training in these areas. However, aircraft heavier than 12,500 pounds still require pilots to have a "type rating" certification.
Examination
Theoretical subjects included in the examination of ATPL applicants are:
To be eligible to take the Federal Aviation Administration's ATP practical test, the candidate must have at least 1500 hours of experience in aircraft, including 250 hours as pilot in command and be at least 23 years old. Restricted Licenses may be granted to individuals that meet one of the following criteria:
Military pilots who are 21 years or older with 750 hours total time.
Graduates with a two-year degree in aviation, who have 1250 hours and are 21 years or older.
Pilots with 1500 hours who are 21 years or older.
The pilot can remove the restriction once they have achieved the normal prerequisites.
Differences between FAA and EASA
The two most common pilot licensing systems worldwide, FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency have some fundamental differences. The FAA ATP certificate requires one theoretical knowledge test covering the required knowledge areas. A $5,000 ATP CTP course is required but this alone does not prepare an applicant for the knowledge test. Several weeks of additional self study using training software is required for a realistic chance of passing the test. The EASA ATPL requires candidates to pass fourteen separate theoretical exams, with a six-month residential or twelve-month distance-learning course mandatory during this phase. Course costs of $4,000–$8,000 are typical, along with time off work and living expenses. The FAA ATP flight test can be taken in a light piston aircraft with 1,500 hours experience, however the FAA additionally requires a 'Type Rating' to pilot any large or jet powered aircraft. Most FAA certified pilots earn their ATP certificate and Type Rating simultaneously via the successful completion of a part 121 airline training program and type rating checkride. The EASA ATPL, by contrast, requires 500 hours experience as a co-pilot of multi-crew aircraft, with the ATPL flight test being taken on a multi-crew aircraft.
