Pilot career guide
How to Become an Airline Pilot in Europe
To become an airline pilot in Europe, you need an EASA professional pilot licence, usually a “frozen” ATPL(A) obtained through an Integrated ATPL programme, together with an EASA Class 1 medical certificate, Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) training and an aircraft type rating. Most students start with no previous flying experience.
This guide explains every stage of the pathway, from your first conversation with a Sevenair Academy Training Advisor to your first job as a First Officer.
Becoming an airline pilot at a glance
Starting point
No previous flying experience required for integrated training.
Licence you train for
EASA CPL(A) with a multi-engine instrument rating and ATPL theory credit (“frozen ATPL”).
Medical
EASA Class 1 medical certificate, initial examination at an approved Aeromedical Centre (AeMC).
Duration at Sevenair Academy
Approximately 24 months for the Integrated ATPL, subject to training progression, weather and operational factors.
Training location
Ponte de Sor, Portugal.
Minimum age to apply
17 years old.
English level
Fluent English; non-native speakers need ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 4 or higher.
Typical cost
Sevenair Academy training investment starts at €100k.
The 13 steps from zero experience to First Officer
The professional pilot pathway in Europe follows a clear sequence. Each step builds the knowledge, skills and qualifications required by EASA and by airlines.
- 1
Start with zero experience
Integrated professional pilot training is designed for people with no previous flying experience, so a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is not required to start. You do need to meet the entry requirements: be at least 17 years old to apply, have a high-school level education or equivalent, including mathematics and physics, and be fluent in English.
- 2
Get guidance from a Sevenair Academy Training Advisor
Sevenair Academy Training Advisors explain the available training routes, entry requirements, timelines and financing, and help you choose the programme that fits your goals before you commit. You can book a session with an advisor online or meet the team at an Open Day.
- 3
Pass your initial EASA Class 1 medical
An EASA Class 1 medical certificate is required for commercial pilots. The initial examination must take place at an approved Aeromedical Centre (AeMC). Completing it before you start training confirms that you meet the medical standard for a professional flying career.
- 4
Choose a flight school
Choose an EASA Approved Training Organisation (ATO). Compare approval status, fleet, training location, weather, course structure, airline links and total cost. Sevenair Academy is an ATO (PT.ATO.009) and a member of the Airbus Flight Academy network.
- 5
Enrol on an Integrated ATPL or the Airbus ATPi Cadet Programme
An integrated programme is a full-time course that combines theory and flight training in one structured pathway. At Sevenair Academy you can choose the Integrated ATPL(A) or the Airbus ATPi Cadet Programme, delivered with Airbus Flight Academy using competency-based training and assessment (CBTA).
- 6
Complete ground school
Ground school covers the EASA ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge subjects (13), including air law, aircraft general knowledge, flight performance and planning, human performance, meteorology, navigation, operational procedures, principles of flight and communications. As Sevenair Academy is approved under Austro Control, ATPL theory examinations will be sat at the Academy premises.
- 7
Complete flight training
Flight training progresses from single-engine piston aircraft to multi-engine aircraft and instrument flying, combining real aircraft with flight simulators. It includes visual flying, cross-country navigation, night flying, instrument flight, Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) and Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA).
- 8
Pass the CPL, MEP and IR skill tests
At the end of flight training you take skill tests with an examiner for the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), the Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) class rating and the Instrument Rating (IR). These, together with your ATPL theory passes, give you a “frozen” ATPL.
- 9
Complete UPRT
Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) teaches you to prevent, recognise and recover from aircraft upsets such as unusual attitudes and stalls. EASA requires UPRT within professional pilot training and an advanced UPRT course before the first multi-pilot type rating.
- 10
Complete MCC or APS MCC
Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) trains you to operate as part of a two-pilot crew in a multi-pilot aircraft simulator. APS MCC (Airline Pilot Standards MCC) is an enhanced course that trains you to a standard closer to what airlines expect before selection and type rating.
- 11
Pass airline selection
Airlines assess applicants through aptitude tests, technical knowledge tests, group exercises, interviews and simulator assessments. Strong training records and structured preparation improve your chances of success.
- 12
Complete a type rating
A type rating qualifies you to fly a specific aircraft type, such as the Airbus A320. It includes simulator training, a skill test and base training. Depending on the employer, it may be airline-sponsored or self-funded.
- 13
Start flying as a First Officer
After your type rating and line flying under supervision (LIFUS), you start working as a First Officer. Your ATPL is “unfrozen” once you meet the ATPL experience requirements, including 1,500 hours of flight time, which allows you to progress towards Captain.
Pilot training explained
Short, clear answers to the most common questions about becoming an airline pilot in Europe.
What is an ATPL?
An ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) is the highest level of aeroplane pilot licence and is required to act as captain (pilot-in-command) of a multi-pilot commercial aeroplane.
Under EASA rules, a full ATPL(A) requires a minimum age of 21 and at least 1,500 hours of flight time, among other experience requirements. New pilots therefore usually begin their airline career with a CPL(A), combined with a “frozen” ATPL and work as First Officers while building experience.
What is a frozen ATPL?
A frozen ATPL is the common name for holding an EASA Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with a multi-engine instrument rating plus approvals in all ATPL theoretical knowledge examinations.
It is the qualification airlines expect from new First Officers. The licence “unfreezes” into a full ATPL once the pilot meets the EASA ATPL experience requirements and passes the ATPL skill test.
Integrated ATPL vs Airbus ATPi Cadet Programme
Both are full-time EASA integrated training routes that take a student from little or no flying experience to a frozen ATPL. The Airbus ATPi Cadet Programme is delivered with Airbus Flight Academy and follows Airbus competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) standards. This programme includes an APS MCC (Airline Pilot Standard MultiCrew-Cooperation Course) which is fully developed with real world airline operation in mind.
An Integrated ATPL is a full-time EASA professional pilot training programme designed to take a student from little or no previous flying experience to the qualifications required to apply for airline First Officer positions. Compare the Integrated ATPL and the Airbus ATPi Cadet Programme to see which suits you.
CPL vs ATPL: what is the difference?
A CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) allows you to be paid to fly, while an ATPL allows you to act as captain of multi-pilot airliners.
The minimum age is 18 for an EASA CPL and 21 for an ATPL. Airline First Officers typically hold a CPL with instrument rating and ATPL theory credit (a frozen ATPL), and progress to a full ATPL as they gain experience.
What is an EASA Class 1 medical?
An EASA Class 1 medical certificate is the medical standard required to hold a commercial pilot licence in Europe.
The initial examination must be carried out at an approved Aeromedical Centre (AeMC) and assesses medical history, general health, eyesight, hearing and heart function, among other checks. Sevenair Academy recommends obtaining it before starting training. Once issued, it must be revalidated at regular intervals, according to EASA regulations.
What are pilot aptitude tests?
Pilot aptitude tests measure the abilities that predict success in flight training, such as spatial awareness, multitasking, mental arithmetic, hand–eye coordination and reasoning.
The Sevenair Academy assessment includes computer-based aptitude testing, a personality questionnaire, cognitive reasoning, control and coordination, mathematics and physics, English language and competency-based interviews.
How much does pilot training cost?
The cost of integrated pilot training is a significant yet promising investment on your career. The final cost will vary according to which programme you choose.
Ask a Sevenair Academy Training Advisor for a current, itemised quote and information about payment plans.
How long does pilot training take?
Sevenair Academy’s Integrated ATPL programme takes approximately 24 months to complete, subject to training progression, weather and operational factors.
The period covers ground school, flight training, skill tests, UPRT and MCC.
Where does Sevenair Academy conduct flight training?
Sevenair Academy conducts professional pilot training in Portugal from its training facilities in Ponte de Sor.
Learn more about the campus and the training fleet.
What is UPRT?
UPRT (Upset Prevention and Recovery Training) teaches pilots to prevent, recognise and recover from aircraft upsets such as unusual attitudes and stalls.
EASA requires UPRT as part of professional pilot training, and an advanced UPRT course must be completed before a pilot’s first multi-pilot type rating.
What is MCC?
MCC (Multi-Crew Cooperation) is EASA training that teaches pilots to work effectively as a two-pilot crew.
It covers crew resource management, task sharing, communication and standard operating procedures in a multi-pilot simulator. An MCC certificate is required before a pilot’s first multi-pilot type rating.
What is APS MCC?
APS MCC (Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation) is an enhanced EASA MCC course that trains pilots to the standard airlines expect from new First Officers.
It goes beyond the minimum MCC requirements and prepares pilots for airline selection and type rating training.
How does airline pilot selection work?
Airline pilot selection is the assessment process airlines use to choose new First Officers, usually combining online aptitude tests, technical knowledge tests, group exercises, interviews and a simulator assessment.
Airlines look for solid technical knowledge, good flying skills, teamwork, communication and decision-making. Training records from your flight school form part of the evaluation.
What is a first airline pilot job like?
Most newly qualified pilots join an airline as a First Officer (co-pilot), often on short-haul jets such as the Airbus A320 family or the Boeing 737.
The first months include type rating, base training and line flying under supervision (LIFUS) before the pilot flies as a fully released First Officer.
Sevenair Academy pilot training courses
Choose the training route that matches your experience and career goals.
Airbus ATPi Cadet Programme
Integrated ATPL delivered with Airbus Flight Academy using competency-based training, from zero experience to airline-ready.
Integrated ATPL(A)
Full-time EASA programme from little or no flying experience to a frozen ATPL.
Flight Instructor Course
Become an EASA flight instructor and build hours while teaching.
ATO Transfer
Already in training elsewhere? Continue your pilot training at Sevenair Academy.
Start your airline pilot career
Speak to a Sevenair Academy Training Advisor about entry requirements, course dates and the right route for you.
