The ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) is the airline pilot licence, which allows one to operate as a captain on commercial flights for airlines.

It is the highest level of licence under European (EASA) regulations for civilian pilots and is mandatory for anyone wishing to become an airline pilot.

There are two ways to obtain the ATPL:

• Integrated ATPL: a full-time intensive program that leads directly to the licence, usually in 18–24 months.
• Modular ATPL: a more flexible, phased path, ideal for those who want to balance study and work.

The difference between integrated ATPL and modular ATPL mainly concerns the structure, flexibility, and target audience of the courses, but both lead to obtaining the same airline transport pilot license.

• Integrated ATPL: an intensive program designed for those who want to become airline pilots starting from zero in a short time (on average 18–24 months), with full-time attendance and a fixed schedule. No prior flight experience is required, and there are no intermediate stages: the ATPL license is obtained only at the end of the course.
• Modular ATPL: more flexible and suitable for those who already have flight experience and a PPL license. It allows training to be divided into multiple modules, obtaining intermediate licenses that can also be used individually. Duration and costs may vary according to personal needs.

The difference between ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) and CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) mainly concerns the level of qualification, the permitted responsibilities, and career opportunities in civil aviation.

• The CPL licence allows you to work as a professional pilot on commercial flights (e.g., air taxi, charter flights, cargo transport) and as a co-pilot on multi-crew aircraft, but does not allow you to serve as captain on airline flights.
• The ATPL licence is the highest and most complete licence: it allows you to be a captain and co-pilot on airline aircraft and to access airline selection processes. It is obtained after accumulating at least 1500 flight hours and passing specific theoretical and practical exams.
• In Europe, the term “frozen” ATPL is often used: after passing the ATPL theory exams and obtaining the necessary ratings, you can work as a co-pilot. The licence becomes “full” (unfrozen) after reaching 1500 flight hours.

In conclusion, the CPL is the first step to becoming a professional pilot, but to work as a captain on airline flights and access all airline opportunities, it is necessary to obtain the ATPL licence.

The frozen ATPL is a qualification obtained after passing all the theoretical exams required for the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and acquiring the necessary practical ratings (such as CPL, IR, and ME), but before accumulating the 1,500 flight hours required for the full ATPL (“unfrozen” or “full”).

With a frozen ATPL, you can:

• Work as a co-pilot (first officer) on airline aircraft at European airlines.
• Continue gaining experience and flight hours needed to “unfreeze” the licence and obtain the full ATPL, which allows you to become a captain.

In summary, the frozen ATPL represents the intermediate theoretical and practical milestone that allows you to start a career with an airline, while the licence becomes “full” only after meeting the flight experience requirements (1,500 total hours and at least 500 hours on multi-crew aircraft).

To enroll in the ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) course and start a career as an airline pilot, the following fundamental requirements are needed:

• Minimum age: you must be at least 18 years old to take the final exams; however, enrollment in the course may be allowed from 17 years old, as the training lasts about 2–3 years.
• Education: a high school diploma is required.
• Basic knowledge: good preparation in mathematics, physics, and English, often assessed through an entrance test to evaluate the students’ basic level.
• Medical fitness: it is necessary to obtain a first-class medical certificate issued by an authorized aeromedical institute, certifying psychophysical fitness.
• Personal aptitude: good personal motivation and aptitude are required.

In summary, to access the ATPL course you need: minimum age (17–18 years), diploma, basic knowledge in science and English, first-class medical fitness, and adequate personal aptitude.