ATPL Preparation After CPL: When Should You Start?

The process for obtaining a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is significant; however, for many this is just the beginning and the next key milestone in a professional pilot’s career is to attain an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).

The key question is not should a CPL holder study for the ATPL, but when should this preparation be undertaken? Invariably, this is dependent upon other factors such as flying experience and career plans. Preparation for the ATPL is likely to need to be coordinated with the completion of flying experience and other regulatory requirements.

What Does ATPL Represent?

For a large part of a professional pilot’s career, the ATPL represents an important step in their career progression, especially for pilots wishing to pursue an airline career. It is the licence required to act as captain (Pilot-in-Command) of a multi-crew aircraft in airline operations and encompasses a larger body of theoretical knowledge. However, obtaining an ATPL is a significant career milestone rather than the end of a pilot’s professional journey.

For a student undertaking a CPL course, the ATPL can and should be viewed as a planned progression of training rather than an immediate replacement.

There are parallels between the training for the CPL and ATPL. During a CPL course many of the subjects learnt remain valid and are built upon in preparation for the ATPL.

Should You Start ATPL Preparation Immediately After CPL?

Not necessarily.

A CPL holder can become familiar with ATPL-level subjects, but completely switching from CPL preparation to ATPL preparation is not advised for most people.

The first factor worth mentioning relates to the requirement for flight experience. According to the relevant ICAO and DGCA regulations regarding the licenses issued to pilots, one needs to have 1,500 hours of flight time before obtaining the ATP license. Meanwhile, the ATPL theory exams are completed far earlier, based on the specific DGCA requirements. Thus, taking into consideration this situation, one should make certain that his/her preparation timing is correct.

The factors to consider when choosing when to sit for the ATPL exams are:

• Has the necessary CPL exam been passed?
• What is the experience of the pilot?
• What are the career aspirations and plans of the pilot, and what type of operation does he/she want to perform?
• How can the pilot gain the necessary flying experience?
• What are the DGCA requirements at the moment of submitting the application?
• Is there any ATPL training appropriate for the case?

In the case of the fresh CPL license holder, there may be certain benefit in acquiring flying experience instead of taking another syllabus of theory. However, familiarisation with ATPL subjects early may help the pilots in organising their preparation process.

CPL Preparation vs ATPL Preparation

The CPL level prepares the pilot to operate on an international scale, as per ICAO requirements, and covers areas such as Air Regulations and Air Navigation, Meteorology and Technical Knowledge.

The ATPL builds on this.

Preparation includes a broader and deeper perspective on the areas covered in the CPL and other professional operations. Subjects such as Air Navigation, including radio aids, instruments and flight planning, Aviation Meteorology, and Air Regulations come into focus. Other areas included in this preparation may cover Technical General and Technical Specific, along with operational procedures, aircraft systems and equipment, performance, and safety-related aspects. The exact requirements should be aligned with the latest applicable DGCA requirements and not an outdated study plan. It is at this point that structured preparation comes into play. At 70Knots Aviation, our concern is on the value addition in the preparation of pilots-in-training and experienced pilots as well.

Is There a Best Time to Start?

There is no single ‘ideal point’ for all pilots.

Those with a CPL can begin ATPL preparation soon after completing their CPL examinations, while their theoretical knowledge is still fresh. Many CPL holders choose to clear their ATPL theory papers early because subjects such as Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology and Air Regulations have considerable overlap with the CPL syllabus.

Getting flying experience right after getting CPL in India is not necessarily possible all the time. It may be costly building additional flying hours privately, and quite often, new CPL license holders wait till they get an airline selection opportunity for their type rating.

It can also be helpful in preparing pilots for the selection process in airline and in knowing the advanced knowledge which airlines expect from them theoretically. Yet, it should be noted that getting good marks in theory exams is just a part of getting the ATPL license. Pilots need to fly the required amount of time to be able to get the license according to the DGCA requirements, and pilots usually need to have 1,500 flying hours to be eligible for the license.

This way, pilots can make full use of their knowledge on CPL when preparing to ATPL exams.

A Student-Counsellor Discussion

Student: I’ve completed my CPL, what next?

Counsellor: You can familiarise yourself with ATPL subjects, but intensive ATPL preparation is not a must.

Student: Should I fly first?

Counsellor: Yes, flying is a must, but don’t ignore your theoretical knowledge. Keep it sharp by revising CPL subjects.

Student: When is it time for intensive ATPL prep?

Counsellor: When you and the DGCA are ready. Once you have a general idea as to when the relevance of the ATPL kicks in, then you’ll be able to create a more efficient preparation plan.

Student: Will my CPL studies be of any help to me later?

Counsellor: Definitely. An understanding of your CPL subjects is useful. Anything you learn for your ATPL preparation should be an extension of your understanding of CPL subjects and not starting from scratch.

Understanding DGCA Pariksha Properly

There are times when students, in the process of communication, will use the term DGCA Pariksha to refer to a pilot subject or examination. In such cases, it is important to understand the difference.

The DGCA Pariksha online portal is the DGCA’s online registration and examination portal for Flight Crew and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. The portal provides online examination-related services including registration and information about the sessions. The actual Flight Crew examinations are conducted under the relevant DGCA framework.

Currently, the portal provides information about Flight Crew examinations, calendars, and syllabus, among other things.

Therefore, “DGCA Pariksha” should not be part of an ATPL candidate’s schema. They should determine the examinations applicable to them in the context of the licensing pathway and use the relevant DGCA documentation.

Importance of Continued Theoretical Study

It is a misconception that once a CPL is earned, continued learning is no longer needed.

As flying experience increases, a pilot may encounter practical situations that help to reinforce theories. However, sustained study can help a pilot understand practical situations better.

An CPL holder further preparing for the next phase can work on:

• Navigation and flight planning concepts
• Meteorology
• Air regulations and air operational procedures
• Aircraft performance
• Technical and systems
• Human factors and decision making
• Knowledge gaps which practical flying experience has revealed

70Knots Aviation encourages students to consider examination preparation as part of a whole life career development process as opposed to isolated subjects to be memorised.

Keep checking current DGCA requirements

One of the most important aspects for any pilot planning an ATPL pathway is that regulatory requirements can change.

Therefore eligibility, documentation, examination procedures, experience requirements and other licensing conditions must be checked against the latest DGCA circulars, notices and examination guidance.

The current Pariksha portal states that its information should be read in conjunction with the latest DGCA instructions, user manuals and notices, and if there is a conflict the latest DGCA instructions will take precedence.

This is more relevant to pilots who completed their CPL a number of years ago, as the preparation plan for their last licence may no longer be relevant.

Besides preparing for the ATPL, experience building should also be carried out simultaneously.

Post CPL licensing experience can be utilised by a pilot to build practical flying experience, improve operational awareness, and also build more responsibility in flying professionally. Preparation can continue in the background.

Stop and think. Instead of wondering, “How rapidly can I complete ATPL preparation?”, consider, “How can I prepare for ATPL so that I become a stronger professional pilot?”

This type of consideration can help strengthen the process.

70Knots Aviation considers the next phase of preparation as a continuation of the pilot development process whereby the CPL professional foundations are established, followed by the next stages of development (i.e. further building knowledge, skills and experience, and appropriate examinations).

Student Questions

1. Am I allowed to start ATPL preparation after CPL?

Yes, you can begin to learn at the ATPL level after you have your CPL, however, the pace and intensity of the preparation should be based on your experience, your career plan and the applicable requirements of the DGCA.

2. Is ATPL preparation totally different from CPL preparation?

No. There are similarities. There is an existing foundation of knowledge from your CPL preparation; however, for the preparation of ATPL, one needs to develop a broader and more in-depth understanding of various subject areas.

3. Do I have to take a break from flying to do ATPL preparation?

No. You can plan the preparation in a way to combine flying and other experiences with the theoretical preparation.

4. Is DGCA Pariksha the ATPL exams?

No. The DGCA Pariksha is the online registration and examination portal of the DGCA. The ATPL exams are conducted through the Flight Crew Examination System; Pariksha is the portal to perform and access relevant processes and information.

5. Where should I check ATPL requirements?

DGCA official notices, regulations, exams guidance, and the current Pariksha portal are the latest and the most applicable to you. 70Knots Aviation can assist the student on the pathway to prepare for the next stage, but it is always advisable to verify the latest requirements from the official sources.

Preparing for the Next Stage

There is no point in treating the ATPL as a race immediately after obtaining a CPL. A better approach is to understand the professional progression, enhance your theoretical knowledge, gain flying experience and keep track of the conditions that will be applicable when you are ready.

Timing is key. Understanding the next phase of professional progression as a pilot and undertaking the required preparation logically extends a pilot’s training and does not feel as if you are taking additional exams in isolation. 70Knots Aviation can offer students Structured guidance in the right direction as they prepare for the next stage of their long-term career in aviation.
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