Home›Training›ATPL Theory

ATPL
THEORY

BUILD THE KNOWLEDGE FOR PROFESSIONAL FLIGHT OPERATIONS

ATPL Theory develops the advanced theoretical knowledge required for professional pilot progression, covering the subjects, decision-making principles and operational knowledge expected at airline transport pilot level.

OVERVIEW

MASTER THE THEORY
BEHIND PROFESSIONAL FLYING

The ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge course is completed at an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) and prepares pilots for the theoretical knowledge examinations required at ATPL level. The modular pathway is available to pilots holding at least a PPL(A), with training-hour credits depending on existing licences and ratings.

QUICK FACTS
Course LevelATPL(A)
Theoretical Knowledge
Entry LicenceAt least
PPL(A)
Training Load650 h from PPL(A)
credits may apply
Subjects13 ATPL
knowledge subjects
“

Professional flying begins with professional-level knowledge, discipline and sound judgement.

 

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE
FOR THE AIRLINE ENVIRONMENT

The programme builds advanced theoretical knowledge across aircraft systems, performance, flight planning, navigation, meteorology, operational procedures, human performance and communications, together with Area 100 KSA competencies.

VIEW DETAILED CURRICULUM

FROM FOUNDATION KNOWLEDGE TO EXAM READINESS

Training develops progressively from core knowledge consolidation to applied operational understanding, KSA integration, progress testing and examination preparation.

01Core
Knowledge
02Advanced
Subjects
03Applied
Learning
04KSA &
Progress Tests
05Exam
Readiness
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

START FROM YOUR
CURRENT LICENCE LEVEL

For the modular ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge route, applicants must hold at least a PPL(A). The applicable training load depends on the licence and instrument-rating privileges already held.

 

MODULAR ENTRYWhat you need to begin
  • Hold at least a PPL(A) issued in accordance with ICAO Annex 1
  • Complete training through an Approved Training Organisation (ATO)
  • Existing CPL(A) and/or IR(A) may reduce the required theoretical instruction hours
  • Meet the ATO admission and training-record requirements
  • Complete the approved theoretical knowledge training before the ATPL(A) skill test
ATPL SUBJECTS

THE KNOWLEDGE BASE
FOR PROFESSIONAL OPERATIONS

The ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge syllabus covers 13 subject areas defined under Part-FCL.

 

MODULAR FROM PPL(A)650 hours

 

THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE13 subject areas
  • Air Law
  • Aircraft General Knowledge — Airframe / Systems / Power Plant
  • Aircraft General Knowledge — Instrumentation
  • Mass and Balance
  • Performance
  • Flight Planning and Monitoring
  • Human Performance
  • Meteorology
  • General Navigation
  • Radio Navigation
  • Operational Procedures
  • Principles of Flight
  • Communications
EXAM PREPARATION & KSA

KNOWLEDGE THAT
MUST BE APPLIED

The programme develops the ability to integrate theoretical knowledge, solve operational problems and demonstrate the competencies addressed through Area 100 KSA.

 

AREA 100KSA Integrated

 

ASSESSMENT PATHFrom progress tests to authority examinations
  • Approved instructor-led and self-study elements
  • Progress tests throughout the programme
  • Area 100 Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes integration
  • Scenario-based application of theoretical knowledge
  • Preparation for competent-authority examinations
  • ATO training records and course-completion requirements
TRAINING CREDITS

YOUR EXPERIENCE
COUNTS

Part-FCL defines different minimum theoretical instruction hours depending on the licences and ratings already held.

PPL(A)650 hMinimum instruction.

CPL(A)400 hReduced instruction.

IR(A)500 hInstrument-rating credit.

CPL(A) + IR(A)250 hMaximum listed modular credit pathway.

NEXT STEPS

TURN KNOWLEDGE INTO
PROFESSIONAL PROGRESSION

Completing ATPL theoretical knowledge is an important milestone, but does not by itself issue an ATPL. Continue building the licences, ratings, experience and multi-crew competencies required for your professional pathway.

EXPLORE TRAINING

01

Instrument Rating

Develop instrument-flight privileges for advanced operations.

02

MCC

Build multi-crew cooperation skills for the airline cockpit.

03

Professional Pathway

Continue toward the licences, ratings and experience required for airline progression.

PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE

THINK AHEAD. OPERATE SMARTER.

Develop the depth of knowledge and judgement expected in advanced commercial and airline operations.

AIRLINE PREPARATION

KNOWLEDGE FOR
THE NEXT LEVEL.

ATPL Theory strengthens the technical, operational and decision-making foundation needed as your training progresses toward complex aircraft and multi-crew operations.

READY TO ADVANCE?

BUILD YOUR ATPL KNOWLEDGE

Take the next step in your professional pilot pathway. Contact our training team for course structure, credit assessment and enrolment information.