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)?
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.
Flying Academy is highly specialized in offering training from ab-initio to “frozen” ATPL(A). You will start with PPL(A) and, upon obtaining the necessary flight experience, will continue with IR(A), MEP (multi-engine aircraft) and CPL(A) flight programs.
After successful completion of the zero to ATPL(A) course, you will be issued an EASA CPL(A) license with ATPL(A) theory completed and will be authorized to act as a co-pilot (First Officer) on aircraft engaged in commercial air transportation and exercise all the privileges of a holder of a PPL, MEP/IR and CPL.
What are the 0-ATPL(A) course entry requirements?
The 0-ATPL(A) course entry requirements are as follows:
- to be at least 16 years old
You need to be at least 16 years old (PPL license can be issued at the age of 17 years and CPL license can be issued at the age of 18 years). - to be Class 1 Medical holder
You need to be physically fit for commercial flying (capable of holding a Pilot Medical Certificate Class 1 link to the article about EASA medical). - to be proficient in the English language
During the PPL(A) training link, you will obtain ICAO English Language Proficiency check link minimum level 4 and during IR(A) training link, you will extend the privileges of ICAO English Language Proficiency check to IFR. - 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) training?
The EASA Commercial Pilot from 0-ATPL(A) training consists of the following modules:
- Private Pilot License
Private Pilot License – PPL(A) module consists of theoretical training and 45 hours of practical training. - Night Rating
Night Rating training contains theoretical training and 5 hours of practical training. - Airline Transport Pilot License
This module will prepare you for ATPL theory exams at the Civil Aviation Authority of the Czech Republic. - Instrument Rating (practical training)
Instrument Rating – IR(A) includes 50 hours of practical training and also extensive ground training with prolonged briefings and debriefings after each flight lesson. - Multi-Engine Piston Rating (practical training)
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. - Commercial Pilot License (practical training)
Commercial Pilot License – CPL(A) training consists of 15 hours of practical training and theoretical training. - Time Building
After obtaining you will be building your PIC hours at your own pace throughout the 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 Commercial pilot from 0-ATPL(A) training?
1. Ground training
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
At the end of the flight training, you will have at least 200 hours total time (including PPL time), out of which:
- 100 hours as pilot-in-command,
- 20 hours of VFR cross-country flight time as pilot-in-command, including a cross-country flight of 540 km (300 NM) with full-stop landings at two aerodromes different from the aerodrome of departure,
- 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
At the end of the PPL module, you will have to pass theoretical exams at the CAA testing 9 subjects (Meteorology, Navigation, Communications, Aircraft General Knowledge, Principles of Flight, Air Law, Flight Performance and Planning, Human Performance and Limitations, Operational Procedures).
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
After successful completion of the written exams, you will have to pass practical skill exams.
There are 4 practical exams at the end of each module: PPL, IR, MEP, and CPL.
You will need to demonstrate the ability to:
- Operate the airplane within its limitations,
- Complete all manoeuvres as smooth and as accurate as requested by the EASA,
- 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) course cost?
Flight school Flying Academy is offering one of the most cost-efficient Zero to ATPL packages in the European Union. The fees for the complete course from ab-initio to ATPL(A) includes all modules needed for being able to comply with the EASA CPL(A) issuance requirements.
The course price starts from 37683 EUR. Training fees are covering the following items and services:
- All training manuals
- Access to the Learning Management System and EASA question bank
- Instructor time for ground school & practical training
- Planes, including fuel
- Subsidized iPad mini 4G + WiFi
*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)?
From 0 to ATPL the minimum time needed is about 12 – 14 months. However, depending on the trainee’s availability, the training and its duration can be tailor made to suit your needs.
