ATPL theory

The Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) training is addressed to all people who have a valid PPL(A) tourist aircraft pilot license. ATPL theory is the next step in the development of your professional path, which allows you to start practical training for the CPL(A) professional license and obtain the IR(A) instrument flight rating.

Once you have your PPL(A) private pilot license, you can start the theoretical course for your ATPL(A) airline pilot license. The training ends with an internal examination, which entitles you to take the ATPL theoretical examination at the Civil Aviation Office (ULC). After passing it, you can start practical training for the CPL(A) professional license and obtain the IR(A) instrument flight rating.

The complete set of qualifications obtained — a theoretical examination for ATPL and CPL(A) + IR(A) + MEP(L) passed at the CAA — constitutes the so-called “ frozen license”, entitling you to apply for a multi-crew aircraft type rating.

ATPL theoretical training involves learning general subjects such as:

• aviation law,
• general knowledge about the aircraft – airframe structure / systems / power unit,
• general knowledge about the aircraft – instrumentation,
• performance,
• man – possibilities and limitations,
• meteorology,
• radio navigation,
• flight rules,
• communication.

At UnitedSky, we also place a strong emphasis on computational subjects: general navigation, operational procedures, flight planning and monitoring, mass and balance.

Lectures and stationary classes take place in our office, on the 11th floor of the Widok Towers skyscraper, in the very heart of Warsaw. The remaining part of the training, i.e. e-learning, is independent learning on the modern CBT platform from Evionica. You can learn from anywhere, at your own pace. All you need is a computer with internet access.

Airline Transport Pilot License theoretical training includes:

• 101 hours of lectures
• 551 hours of self-study on the e-learning platform
• 100 KSA classes
• self-tests and progress tests
• 3 weeks of consultation

The total duration is 168 days.

It all depends on the type and extent of the defect. If the defect was detected during medical examinations, you probably need to use correction and wear glasses. It is essential to carry a spare pair with you during flight operations. The permissible limit value of vision defect is -5 diopters. If the defect worsens, Polish legal regulations prohibit further work as a pilot.

Age: Pilot age restrictions vary by license type. In the case of training for a PPL(A) tourist aircraft pilot license, you must be 16 years old before starting the theoretical part and 17 years old before taking your first flights.

In order to obtain a CPL(A) commercial pilot license, the minimum age is 18 years.

For an ATPL transport aircraft pilot license, the minimum age is 21 years.

The maximum age for a pilot is 65 years, with the possibility of extension to 70 years, provided that regular medical examinations and health requirements are met.

Weight: There are no regulations regarding the minimum and maximum weight of a professional pilot. However, class 2 obesity (with a BMI over 35) may be a problem.

Height: There are no regulations regarding the minimum and maximum height of a commercial pilot.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) sets health requirements for the pilot profession. Detailed guidelines can be found here.

Before registering for training, we recommend a doctor’s visit and check-ups to make sure that there are no contraindications to work in the profession. Before taking the tests and starting the course, factors such as obesity, diabetes, heart and circulatory system function, neurological problems and fainting should be taken into account. The research also assesses mental health.

All detailed cost information can be found in our price list. In addition to the amount for the course itself, you should also remember about additional costs, such as: required medical examinations (cost PLN 1,500), pilot equipment (PLN 2,000), fees at the Civil Aviation Office of PLN 7,000 and an optional ICAO English language exam (cost approximately PLN 900).

Before making a payment, please contact our office. You will receive a message from us confirming receipt of your application and further details.

Payment for the training can be made via bank transfer. To reserve a place on the course, you must pay an advance payment of EUR 1,000.