What Is a Frozen ATPL, and How Do You Unfreeze It?

If you research pilot training in Europe, you will quickly come across the phrase “frozen ATPL”. It sounds like something has gone wrong, but it is actually the normal starting point for almost every new airline pilot. Here is what it means and how a frozen ATPL becomes a full Airline Transport Pilot Licence.

What is a frozen ATPL?

“Frozen ATPL” is not an official licence. It is industry shorthand for a pilot who holds:

• a Commercial Pilot Licence for aeroplanes, CPL(A);
• a multi-engine piston rating (MEP);
• an Instrument Rating (IR); and
• a pass in all ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge exams.

In other words, you have done all the training and theory for an ATPL, but you do not yet have the flying experience the licence requires. Your ATPL is “frozen” until you build that experience, usually while flying as a first officer with an airline.

Why the ATPL is frozen

The ATPL is the highest level of pilot licence, and it is required to act as captain on large multi-pilot airliners. EASA rules require substantial real-world experience before it can be issued, which no training course can provide on its own. A frozen ATPL lets you start your airline career as a first officer while you build that experience.

How to unfreeze your ATPL

Under EASA Part-FCL, to have the ATPL(A) issued you need to:

• be at least 21 years old;
• hold a valid Class 1 medical certificate;
• have at least 1,500 hours of flight time in aeroplanes, including:
  • 500 hours in multi-pilot operations;
  • 500 hours as pilot-in-command under supervision, or 250 hours as pilot-in-command, or 250 hours including at least 70 as pilot-in-command with the rest under supervision;
  • 200 hours of cross-country flight time, of which at least 100 as pilot-in-command or pilot-in-command under supervision;
  • 75 hours of instrument time, of which no more than 30 may be instrument ground time;
  • 100 hours of night flight as pilot-in-command or co-pilot;
• pass the ATPL skill test in a multi-pilot aeroplane, which is often linked to type rating or airline training.

Up to 100 of the 1,500 hours can be completed in a full flight simulator or flight navigation procedures trainer, with limits on how many can be done in the latter. Once you meet the requirements, you apply to your licensing authority to have the full ATPL issued.

How long does it take?

There is no fixed answer. It depends on how much your airline flies, your roster and the type of operation. As a rough guide, many first officers reach the requirements within a few years of joining an airline. Short-haul flying tends to build sectors and multi-pilot hours steadily, while long-haul flying builds hours quickly but with fewer take-offs and landings.

Do your theory exams expire?

Your ATPL theory credit does not last forever, so it is worth understanding the rules. Under EASA Part-FCL, a pass in the theory exams is valid for 36 months for the issue of a CPL or IR. For the issue of an ATPL, it remains valid for 7 years from the last validity date of an instrument rating entered in your licence. In practice, keeping your instrument rating current is important. Check the exact rules that apply to you with your licensing authority.

What changes when you unfreeze it?

A full ATPL allows you to act as pilot-in-command (captain) of multi-pilot aeroplanes in commercial air transport. Unfreezing it does not automatically make you a captain. Command upgrade depends on your airline's requirements, your seniority and a command course. However, it is an important milestone on the way.

Frequently asked questions

Can I fly for an airline with a frozen ATPL?

Yes. Most new first officers in Europe start their airline careers with a frozen ATPL plus a type rating for the aircraft they will fly.

How many hours do I need to unfreeze my ATPL?

At least 1,500 hours of flight time, including 500 hours in multi-pilot operations, along with other specific experience requirements.

Is a frozen ATPL the same as a CPL?

Not quite. A frozen ATPL is a CPL with multi-engine and instrument ratings, plus a pass in the ATPL theory exams.

Does a frozen ATPL expire?

The underlying licence does not expire, but ratings and your medical must be kept valid, and ATPL theory credit has a validity period linked to your instrument rating.

An Integrated ATPL course is designed to take you from little or no experience to a frozen ATPL in one continuous programme.

Sources

• UK CAA – Airline transport pilot licence for aeroplanes (requirements mirror EASA Part-FCL)
• EASA – Easy Access Rules for Aircrew (Part-FCL)

This article is for general information only. Licensing requirements can change; always check the current Part-FCL text and the guidance of your licensing authority before making training or career decisions.