The ATPL course lasts between 18 and 24 months and consists of theory and flying practice phases. The course shall be completed with a theoretical and a practical examination to be taken with the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (LBA).
The theoretical phase comprises 650 hours for a modular ATPL-training and 750 hours for an integrated ATPL-training (for both a typical lesson is 60 minutes) covering the following subjects:
Phase 1 | 10 hours flying practice before going on a solo flight for the first time (not applicable for PPL (A) holders) |
Phase 2 | 20 hours flying practice to achieve the first solo cross-country flight (not applicable for PPL (A) holders) |
Phase 3 | 45 hours flying practice to execute the VFR-navigation check flight (PPL (A) holders can shorten the training by 10 hours) |
Phase 4 | 5 hours VFR-night flying course (not applicable if VFR-night rating is available) and 100 hours CPL/IR course |
Phase 5 | 20 hours MCC course (multi-crew-cooperation) |
After having passed the ATPL written examinations and having been issued with the licence the holder is entitled to
1. | carry out commercial flights as Pilot in Command on a single pilot certified aircraft provided that the pilot has a flying experience of up to 1,500 hours (CPL/IR with ATPL credit = „frozen” ATPL) |
2. | fly aeroplanes on a commercial basis without any limitations as Pilot in Command with a total flying experience in excess of 1,500 hours (ATPL) |
3. | fly an aeroplane on a commercial basis without any limitations as co-pilot from the outset |