ATPL
Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Aviation
| Stands for | Airline transport pilot licence |
|---|---|
| Categories | Transportation & Travel |
ATPL stands for Airline transport pilot licence, an aviation abbreviation.
Highest pilot licence under ICAO and EASA rules, required to command a multi-crew airliner. In Europe a "frozen ATPL" describes a pilot who has passed the ATPL theory exams and holds a CPL but has not yet logged the 1,500 hours needed for the full licence.
Example: Most European cadet programs train pilots to frozen ATPL level before they join an airline as first officers.
Usage notes
Spelled "licence" in British and ICAO English. The theory exams cover subjects from air law and meteorology to aircraft systems and human performance, and must be passed within set time limits. The licence "unfreezes" automatically once the hours and multi-crew experience are met, without another checkride in most systems.
Related abbreviations
More aviation abbreviations
- ASOS – Automated Surface Observing System
- ATA – Actual time of arrival
- ATC – Air traffic control
- ATD – Actual time of departure
- ATIS – Automatic Terminal Information Service
- ATP – Airline transport pilot
- AWOS – Automated Weather Observing System
- BFR – Biennial flight review
- BVLOS – Beyond visual line of sight
- CASM – Cost per available seat mile
- CAVOK – Ceiling and visibility OK
- CFI – Certified flight instructor