Airline Transport Pilot Licence facts for kids

The Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) is the highest pilot license you can earn. It allows pilots to fly very large aircraft, like those used by airlines. If you have an ATPL, you can be the main pilot (called the pilot-in-command) of planes that weigh more than about 5,670 kilograms (12,500 pounds) or carry more than nine passengers.

Before a pilot can get an ATPL, they usually start by getting a Commercial pilot licence (CPL). This license allows them to fly aircraft for money. The ATPL is the next big step for pilots who want to fly for major airlines.

What is an Airline Transport Pilot License?

An Airline Transport Pilot License, or ATPL, is like the ultimate achievement for pilots. It shows that a pilot has a lot of experience and knowledge. This license is needed for pilots who want to fly big passenger jets or large cargo planes. It's a very important qualification for anyone dreaming of a career as an airline captain.

What Pilots Can Do with an ATPL

Pilots with an ATPL are qualified to fly the biggest and most complex airplanes. They can be the main pilot in charge, making all the important decisions during a flight. This includes flying planes that carry hundreds of passengers or tons of cargo across countries or even continents. It's a job that requires a lot of skill, responsibility, and training.

How to Get an ATPL

To get an ATPL, pilots need to complete many hours of flight training and pass tough exams. They must already have a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and a lot of flight experience. The training covers many different subjects to make sure pilots are ready for any situation in the air.

Key Subjects for ATPL Training

Pilots studying for their ATPL learn about many important topics. These subjects help them understand how planes work, how to plan flights, and how to stay safe in the sky. Some of the main subjects include:

• Air Law: Learning the rules and regulations for flying.
• Aircraft General Knowledge: Understanding how different parts of an airplane work.
• Flight Planning and Monitoring: How to plan a safe and efficient flight path.
• Human Performance and Limitations: How a pilot's body and mind work under pressure.
• Meteorology: Studying weather patterns and how they affect flying.
• Operational Procedures: The standard ways to operate an aircraft safely.
• Principles of Flight: The science behind how airplanes fly.
• Communications: How pilots talk to air traffic control and other planes.
• Performance: How a plane performs in different conditions.
• General Navigation: How to find your way using maps and charts.
• Radio Navigation: Using radio signals to guide the aircraft.
• Instrumentation: Understanding and using the many dials and screens in the cockpit.
• Mass and Balance: Making sure the plane is loaded correctly and balanced.

All these subjects help pilots become experts in flying large aircraft safely and efficiently.

See also

In Spanish: Licencia de piloto de transporte de línea aérea (avión) para niños