How to become a commercial airline pilot?

Today, more than ever, the airline industry needs highly trained and skilled professionals for the growing industry to safely fly over 5 bn. passengers annually to their destinations.
Being a Commercial Pilot also comes with a lot of responsibility, complex decision making and the ability to understand and cope with abnormal situations.

What is the Zero to Airline Transport Pilot License 0-ATPL(A) with US experience?

ATPL is the highest level of aircraft pilot certification. ATPL course is meant for future airline pilots. ATPL certified pilots are authorized to act as Pilot-in-Command of an aircraft in any airline.
0-ATPL(A) course is designed for students with little to no flying experience and that want to pursue a career in aviation according to EASA regulations.
The course “0-ATPL with US experience” guides the students through the process of getting their Private Pilot License in the US all the way to the ATPL level. This includes the frozen ATPL(A) written exam as well the required practical exams for the Instrument Rating as well as the CPL+MEP.

What are the FAA Private Pilot License course entry requirements?

  1. To be at least 16 years old
    You need to be at least 16 years old (license can be issued only at the age of 17 years).
  2. To have at least Class 3 Medical
    You need to be physically fit for recreational flying and capable of holding a Pilot Medical Certificate Class 3.
  3. To be proficient in the English language
    You need to be able to read, write, understand and speak English in a fluent way.

What are the EASA 0-ATPL(A) with US experience course entry requirements?

  1. to be at least 17 years old
    You need to be at least 17 years old at the date of enrollment to ATPL(A) theory course
    (CPL(A) license can be issued at the age of 18 years).
  2. to be Class 1 Medical holder
    You need to be physically fit for commercial flying (capable of holding a Pilot Medical Certificate Class 1).
  3. to be proficient in the English language
    During the PPL(A) training, you will obtain ICAO English Language Proficiency check minimum level 4 and during IR(A) training, you will extend the privileges of ICAO English Language Proficiency check to IFR.
  4. to have sufficient knowledge of Mathematics and Physics
    You must be able to make some basic mental calculation and have a minimum of knowledge in Mathematics and Physics, no degree or scholarship are needed but an evaluation will be done by the Academy.

Which modules are there in 0-ATPL(A) with US experience training?

The EASA Commercial Pilot from 0-ATPL(A) with US experience training consists of the following modules:

  1. FAA Private Pilot License in United States
    FAA Private Pilot License – PPL(A) module consists of theoretical training and minimum of 35 hours of flight under Part 141.
  2. Time Building in United States
    After obtaining PPL(A) you will be building your PIC hours.
  3. EASA Night Rating
    Night Rating training contains theoretical training and 5 hours of practical training.
  4. EASA Airline Transport Pilot License
    This module will prepare you for ATPL theory exams at the Civil Aviation Authority of the Czech Republic.
  5. EASA Instrument Rating
    Instrument Rating – IR(A) includes 50 hours of practical training and also extensive ground training with prolonged briefings and debriefings after each flight lesson.
  6. EASA Multi-Engine Piston Rating
    Multi-Engine Piston – MEP(A) class rating contains 11 hours of practical training (6 hours of VFR training and 5 hours of IFR training) and theoretical training.
  7. EASA Commercial Pilot License
    Commercial Pilot License – CPL(A) training consists of 15 hours of practical training and theoretical training.

Theoretical preparation and practical training are done concurrently – we offer a perfect combination of both without wasting your time.

  • The training includes iPad mini for a subsidized price of 10 000 CZK
    (VAT not included), through which we will provide all the study materials via our dedicated application.

What will I do during my 0-ATPL(A) with US experience training?

1. Ground training

During the course “Zero to ATPL with US experience”, the trainee will complete theoretical courses for PPL(A), IR(A), MEP(A) and ATPL 650(A).
Theoretical preparation lays the foundation for practical flight training.
During the zero to ATPL course, you will complete theoretical courses for PPL(A), IR(A), MEP(A), CPL(A) and ATPL 650(A).
Throughout the 0-ATPL(A) training, you will cover the following subjects:

  • Air law and ATC procedures
  • Airframes & Systems, Electrics, Power Plant, Emergency Equipment
  • Instrumentation
  • Mass and Balance
  • Performance
  • Flight Planning & Monitoring
  • Human Performance & Limitations
  • Meteorology
  • General Navigation
  • Radio Navigation
  • Operational Procedures
  • Principles of Flight
  • Communications

2. Flight Training

Flight training will start with the PPL(A) including the NIGHT in the USA, continues with IR(A) and MEP(A) in Europe, and finalizes with the CPL(A).
At the end of the training, the trainee must have a minimum of 100 total flight hours (including PPL(A) time collected in the USA):

  • 100 hours as pilot-in-command
  • 20 hours of VFR cross-country flight time as pilot-in-command, including a cross-country flight totaling at least 540 km (300 NM) in the course of with full-stop landings at two aerodromes different from the aerodromes of departure
  • 50 hours of instrument training
  • 5 hours of night flying including one cross-country flight and 5 solo take-offs and 5 landings
  • 5 hours on a complex airplane

3. Theoretical Examinations

For the ATPL theory, you will have to pass 14 exams to prove a sufficient level of knowledge appropriate for the privileges of the holder of an ATPL (A) in accordance with the EASA Part FCL requirements.

4. Practical Examinations

The practical skill exams in the airplane with the examiner can be taken after successful completion of the written tests – PPL(A) & ATPL(A).
The applicant must demonstrate the ability to:

  • Operate the airplane within its limitations
  • Complete all maneuvers as smooth and as accurate as requested by local authority
  • Exercise good judgment and airmanship
  • Apply aeronautical knowledge
  • Maintain control of the airplane at all times.

How much does the Zero to Airline Transport Pilot License 0-ATPL(A) with US experience course cost?

The course price starts from 33959 EUR. No taxes are applied for pilot training in Florida. The price in does not include the VAT (+ 21 %).
Training fees are covering the following items and services:

  • Access to the Learning Management System and EASA question bank
  • All training manuals
  • Subsidized iPad mini 4G + WiFi
  • Instructor time for ground school & practical training
  • Plane rental, including fuel

*All training fees are bound to the actual exchange rates of the local currency of the Flying Academy base where the training or a part of the training is provided. Learn more about complete training fees.

How long does it take to complete 0-ATPL(A) with US experience?

From 0 to ATPL with US experience the minimum time needed is about 63 weeks, however, depending on the trainee’s availability this can be tailor made.

Recommended Posts