Airline transport pilot licence

Any pilot operating an aircraft for money must start by obtaining a commercial pilot license (CPL). This permits the pilot to carry out aerial work, such as crop spraying or banner towing. However, in commercial air transport (CAT) operations, a CPL holder may only act as pilot in command of single-pilot aircraft or as co-pilot of multi-pilot aircraft. Commercial air transport is defined as "the transport of passengers, cargo or mail for remuneration or hire". To act as pilot in command of a multi-pilot aircraft, the pilot must hold an ATPL. Like PPLs and CPLs, ATPLs do not expire. However, a pilot must hold a valid medical certificate and the appropriate class rating, type rating and/or instrument rating for the flying they intend to do. ==Requirements==

EASA and United Kingdom An applicant for an ATPL must already hold a CPL, a multi-engine instrument rating, and a multi-crew cooperation certificate. From the age of 60-64, pilots may only act as part of a multi-pilot crew in commercial air transport operations, however they may continue to act as Pilot In Command. From the age of 65, they may no longer act as a pilot in commercial air transport operations (from age 70 for balloons and sailplanes). Theoretical examination The EASA ATPL requires candidates to pass 13 separate theoretical exams which are often taken over 3 modules, with a six-month residential or twelve-month distance-learning course mandatory during this phase. In EASA states and the United Kingdom, ATPL exams are acceptable for the issue of a CPL, so most pilots skip the CPL exams and take their ATPL exams before they obtain their CPL. A CPL held by a pilot who has completed all ATPL theoretical exams is popularly known as a "frozen ATPL", although this term has no legal significance. United States After the crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407, an air transport certificate became a requirement for all commercial air transport pilots in the United States. This effectively raised the number of flight hours required for new commercial pilots from 250 to 1,500. Applicants with military or university flying training can apply for a restricted airline transport pilot certificate (R-ATP) with a reduced number of hours. To be eligible to take the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) ATP practical test, the candidate must have at least 1,500 hours of experience in aircraft, including 250 hours as a pilot-in-command (PIC), and be at least age 23. An R-ATP (which allow the holder to perform only second-in-command duties) may be granted to individuals that meet one of the following criteria: • Military pilot with 750 hours of total flight time and over 21 years old. • Graduates with a four-year degree in aviation from an approved university with 1,000 hours of total flight time and are over 21. • Graduates with a two-year degree in aviation with 1,250 hours of total flight time and are over 21. • Pilots with 1,500 hours total flight time and are over 21. The pilot can remove the restriction once they have passed 1,500 hours of total flight time and are over 23. The FAA ATP flight test can be taken in a light piston aircraft with 1,500 hours of 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 (aircraft specific) simultaneously via the successful completion of a part 121 airline training program and type rating check-ride. While pilot certificates in the United States do not expire, pilots must undergo periodic flight reviews to ensure they are safe to operate aircraft. == See also ==