Privileges and Limitations of ATPL

ATPL Privileges Explained

With an Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), you are authorised to:

• Act as PIC or co-pilot of aircraft in commercial air transport, provided you hold the relevant type or class rating.
• Exercise all privileges of lower licences: CPL, PPL, and LAPL within the appropriate aircraft category.
• Command multi-crew and single-pilot commercial flights (subject to age and operational restrictions).

ATPL Limitations

• Age Restrictions: You must be at least 21 to be issued an ATPL. Full privileges as PIC in commercial air transport are available until age 60. From 60 to 64, you may only operate as part of a multi-pilot crew. At 65, you can no longer act as a pilot in international commercial air transport.
• Medical Validity: You must hold a valid Class 1 medical certificate to exercise ATPL privileges.
• Type Rating: You cannot act as PIC of an aircraft unless you have completed the required type rating for that aircraft.

Requirements for Issue

• Flight Experience: Minimum 1,500 hours total flight time (for aeroplanes), with limits on how many hours can be credited in simulators (up to 100 hours, with no more than 25 in certain trainers).
• Theoretical Knowledge: Successful completion of the ATPL theoretical exams.
• Skills Test: You must pass a skills test in the relevant aircraft category and type.

Comparison with Other Licences

• CPL Privileges: CPL holders may act as PIC in commercial operations but with more restrictions (e.g., not as PIC of multi-crew commercial air transport).
• MPL Privileges: MPL holders are limited to co-pilot roles in multi-crew commercial operations.

Understanding these distinctions is vital for both operational readiness and passing the air law ATPL exam.