Our ATPL modular course can be studied 100% online, Full or Part-time, from Anywhere in the World

EASA and UK CAA approved

Login here to start studying from home the ATPL Theoretical knowledge 'online' ground course using our very modern Distance Learning web-based training (WBT) platform.

Fly EPT Spain's ATPL theoretical knowledge instruction course is EASA and UK CAA approved under approval number AT.ATO.0173 and GBR.ATO.0176, respectively.

Fly EPT Spain's dual-approved course is a unique opportunity to complete the EASA and/or UK ATPL theoretical knowledge ground course and pass the exams including KSA in only nine (9) months, excluding study or exam breaks. There are 13 ATPL subjects to pass, divided into three (3) stages with each stage comprising of approximately 3 months of Distance Learning (average study time 15 hours per week), accompanied with web based training. A 4-day Ground School is scheduled at the end of each stage (which includes subject overviews and exam preparation), is delivered virtually (over ZOOM, so you can remain at home) and this is taken just prior to sitting each stage of the EASA and/or UK CAA exams. Tried and tested over 3 decades, this pioneering 3-stage system is the perfect balance for airline pilot students in the modern world.

The minimum eligibility criteria for ATPL theoretical course enrolment is to:

• Hold at least any ICAO PPL(A)

You must hold (or have held) any ICAO-recognised Private Pilot licence (PPL) in order to undertake the CPL or ATPL theory course in a regulated manner and take the EASA and/or UK CAA exams. You may purchase the course without such a licence but your study will be 'for information only' and you will not be able to take official study or exams until you actually have an ICAO PPL.

• Demonstrate sufficient academic ability in Mathematics and Physics to successfully complete the ATPL course
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of written and spoken English, to a minimum of ICAO ELP Level 4 (Details here) 

ATPL Theory Course Enrolment

To enrol into the CPL or ATPL theory course, please complete this ground school enrolment form, attaching copies of your (a) PPL; and (b) Passport copy

ATPL Theory ‘Full’ Course - description

There are 13 CPL(A) and ATPL(A) subjects, grouped as follows:- 

Stage 1 (Operational) - 6 weeks

• 040 - Human Performance & Limitations
• 010 - Air Law
• 070 - Operational Procedures
• 091 - Communications (VFR & IFR)
• 050 - Meteorology

Stage 2 (Navigation) - 8 weeks

• 081 - Principles of Flight
• 032 - Performance (A)
• 033 - Flight Planning & Monitoring
• 061 - General Navigation
• 031 - Mass & Balance

Stage 3 (Technical) - 6 weeks

• 021 - Aircraft General Knowledge (AGK) - (Airframes, Systems & Powerplant) 
• 022 - Aircraft General Knowledge (AGK) - (Instrumentation)
• 062 - Radio Navigation 

Pre-ATPL Exam ‘Brush Up’ Course Dates

After finishing your ATPL home study, plan to attend a 4-day classroom session before sitting the ATPL exams.

The 4-day pre-ATPL exam 'brush-up' course is delivered by live TV over ZOOM so you can tune into the classroom from home.

The 'brush-up' course must be completed, or be scheduled to be finished, before sitting the ATPL exams.

KSA 100 - Knowledge, Skills, Attitude

An applicant for a professional pilot licence should have successfully completed the applicable Area 100 KSA summative assessments and mental mathematics test before final examination.

Knowledge, skills, and attitudes (100-KSA) is a new subject area recently introduced as a compulsory module for students. It explores the pilot competencies, the non-technical aspects that airline pilots are assessed against. There is no associated EASA exam, however, your ATO is required to sign you off for this module prior to booking your final Austro Control examinations. The new Austro Control booking form incorporates a KSA section to be signed by your ATO.

ATPL Theory course - Distance Learning

Our complete ATPL theory ground course is a distance learning 'online' training solution and is delivered by CATS Aviation Training under the regulatory approval of EASA and the UK CAA. It allows for 100% 'online' delivery with ‘classroom hours’ built up by students attending ‘live webinars’ and online revision weeks. CATS run a revision week for each of the 3 modules of the ATPL course. Students are required to attend at least 65 hours (10% of the total course hours) of live online classroom tuition in order to meet the regulatory course requirements and complete their CBT. 

In terms of timing, the pace of training can be determined by the student, which is perfect for those trying to fit in their ATPL studies around their own personal schedules. Students would study as a CATS Aviation distance learning student using a digital e-learning platform, while also attending the live classroom teaching over ZOOM. The webinar revision weeks are delivered by instructors and cover topics across the whole ATPL syllabus.

Students are responsible for their own learning. While CATS would deliver the training and have oversight of the students’ progress, and be responsible for completing the official forms for your licensing authority to allow ATPL students to sit their EASA and/or UK CAA exams once they have completed their training.

CATS Aviation is the UK & Europe’s leading specialist in training for the EASA & UK CAA Instrument Rating (IR), Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL), and Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (ATPL) theory exams for both fixed-wing and helicopter pilots. ATPL, IR, and CPL training programs are well‑tested and trusted in the industry, and in use across the UK, EU and the rest of the world.

Students will enjoy access to the best learning materials available. CATS have the unique ability to update training materials and the question bank, and to continually update and improve the material based on students’ feedback from the exams.

Aviation Study Guide Books

Digital books only. The course price includes full e-digital access to every subject's study guide but if you would prefer to have a hardcopy book they can be ordered separately.

ATPL Question Bank

There are over 10,000+ ATPL questions across all 14 subjects (13 exams) in the European Central Question Bank (ECQB) and we have an extensive question bank for you to study for your ATPL theory. Lovingly developed by students for students giving you all the questions you need to help you pass your ATPL theory exams. The database is regularly updated in real time, following student feedback after their exams. New ATPL questions are constantly added to the question bank to help you practice. Rest assured you will be kept up to date with the latest EASA and UK CAA questions, saving you any worry and allowing you to stay focused on the questions you need to concentrate on.

What is NOT included:

• ATPL Exam fees, which is payable directly to the test centre. Note: there are 13 exams, before any re-sits. The cost to sit an ATPL exam can be checked with your chosen test centre; you should email the testing centre direct, and request latest price. The cost to sit exams will vary, and is dependent on who you book with. Also, as the ATPL Theory course is approved by UK CAA and EASA, if students plan to sit both sets of exams, each test would need to be paid for separately. 
• A CRP-5 Computer and Jeppesen 'General Student Pilot Route Manual'
• Box shown for Illustrative purposes only. No box will be shipped.

ATPL Theory Course - Price

ATPL (Modular) 'Online' Theoretical Full Course UK CAA + EASA

What is included:

• Full Web-Based-Training 18-months course access, including online Study Guides, Question Bank and Progress Tests
• Three (3) 4-day Distance Learning Ground Schools via TV (one per stage, week days only)
• An online CAA Document Library (including CAP696, CAP697, CAP698 and CAP758)

There are 13 subjects to pass at CPL and/or ATPL level. Each stage is comprised of approximately 3 months of Distance Learning (average study time 15 hours per week), accompanied with web-based training. A 4-day brush up course is delivered (over ZOOM) at the end of each Stage (which comprises subject overviews and exam preparation) and is scheduled just prior to sitting each stage of the exams.

ATPL 'In-House' Full Course - Virtual

This is the full 100-day ATPL theoretical course delivered over ZOOM using live TV.

This virtual course allows you to study from the comfort of your own home anywhere in the world and yet have full daily access to instructors and teaching.

What is included:

• 20 weeks (5 days a week) Full time Ground School via TV
• Full Web-Based-Training 18-months access (Including Online Study Guides, Question Banks and Progress Testing)
• An online CAA Document Library (Including CAP696, CAP697, CAP698 and CAP758)

ATPL 'Residential' In-House Full Course

This is the Full ATPL theoretical residential in-house course held in Luton, UK.

What is included:

• 100-days (5 days a week) Full time Ground School 
• Full Web-Based-Training 18-months access (Including Online Study Guides, Question Bank and Progress Testing)

Description

The UK-EASA dual-approved full time in-house residential course covers all 13 ATPL theoretical knowledge subjects including KSA in only five (5) months, excluding revision or exam breaks. 

The course is scheduled Monday to Friday, 1000 - 1600 hr. GMT. Students are expected to attend every lecture and complete online progress tests as home study. All 13 subjects are grouped into a 3-stage system; 6, 8 and 6 weeks (20 weeks in total). 

During training students undertake Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude (KSA) assessments in groups that allows us to determine and feedback desirable pilot attributes for the airline world. 

Deeper learning is encouraged with field trips to museums, air traffic control, and simulator centres', as well as social trips to encourage team building. We invite all potential students to visit and talk with current students and staff, so you can be completely comfortable with this important next step in your pilot career.

ATPL Theoretical Online 'Short' Course - Distance Learning

EASA + UK ATPL Online Question Bank

What is included:

• Over 15,000+ ATPL exam questions, in line with what you’ll see in your exam
• EASA and UK CAA approved
• Regularly updated, consisting of questions generated from real exam feedback
• 1-year online subscription access to the question and answers database
• ATPL(A)&(H), CPL(A)&(H) and IR question options available 
• Access to the online course, if further resources are needed
• Ability to filter questions by subject, topic and keyword
• Detailed explanations and illustrations included after each question, prepared by subject matter experts.
• Ability to generate unlimited customized mock exams
• Progress tracking feature.

Note:  This modular ATPL theoretical ‘short' course is for existing ICAO / FAA / UK CAA ATPL licence holders with a valid type rating on a multi-pilot aircraft or helicopter and meet the minimum experience requirements for an EASA ATPL (listed below), who wish to convert their licence to EASA. 

You do NOT need to attend a formal ground school course. 

Typically, for example, if you are a non-European flight crew member holding an ICAO / FAA ATPL, who has joined a UK or European airline, and are flying on a ‘general validation’ subject to converting your licence to UK CAA or an EASA Member State within 2 years, this 'short' course is for you. In these instances, you do NOT need to enroll in a 'full' theoretical course. You can go straight to the exams. Before then, however, you will need to brush up on the exam questions and answers and this is the 'short' course, where you only study the Q&A's.

To become eligible to enroll, you need to first request written approval from Austro Control by directly emailing:

examinations@austrocontrol.at

Download the relevant application form:

Application Form - ATPL (Conversion to EASA)

Electronically type in your details in sections 1-4 (No hand written forms will be accepted), and include in section 6 any supporting documentation:

1. Copy of at least last 5 pages of logbook
2. Copy of valid ICAO ATPL licence with valid type rating
3. Copy of valid medical certificate
4. Copy of Passport

Austro Control GmbH will check that you meet the minimum requirements and they will send you confirmation if you do qualify for exemption. 

You will receive exemption NOT to attend a formal ATPL course if you: -

• hold an ICAO ATPL licence
• have a valid type rating on a multi-pilot aircraft or helicopter 

And you meet the following minimum flight time experience requirements for an ATPL: -

• 1,500 hours
• 500 hours on multi-pilot aircraft
• 250 hours pilot in command (or 500 hours PIC under supervision; or 70 hours PIC and 180 hours PIC under supervision)
• 200 hours cross country
• 75 hours instrument time
• 100 hours night flying

Note:  the multi-pilot hours must be flown on an aircraft approved for multi-pilot operations by EASA

It is NOT mandatory for foreign ICAO ATPL holders to complete the full EASA ATPL theoretical knowledge instruction course once Austro Control GmbH confirm that you are qualified for exemption based on your previous flying experience.   

Once you receive Austro exemption approval, forward it to cfi@flyEPTspain.com and then we can start your enrollment process into the 'short' ATPL course. 

Fly EPT Spain is able to offer a 100% remote learning solution, whereby you study the ECQB questions and answers from home using a PC / iPad / tablet. We can book you in for the ATPL exams, or you can do it yourself.

ATPL Exams

Once you start the ATPL exams, you have 18-months to pass all 13 exams. The time starts from the last day of the month in which you sit your first ATPL exam. You are allowed four (4) exam attempts at each subject. If you fail a subject four (4) times, you must start again. You must pass all 13 ATPL exams within six (6) sessions. A 'session' being defined as a 10-day timeframe in which you can sit exams in multiple subjects.    

If you are unable to pass a subject within the permitted 4 exam attempts, or pass all 13 exams within 6 sessions within 18-months since you started your first exam, you will need to start again and repeat the cycle. If you are compelled to repeat the cycle, you need to pass again any subjects you have already passed. 

So to summarize, you need to pass all 13 subjects within 18-months, with a maximum of 4 exam attempts per subject. 

Top Tip and words of advice for ATPL students

How you approach the study is down to you and it will be different between all students, but what is important to appreciate is that once you start by attempting your first ATPL exam, the 18-month clock is ticking and the pressure is on. To ease the workload and the pressure, give some thought to the following, especially if you are taking this academic challenge on while still employed with the added burden of family chores to take care of at home.

As a tip, I would strongly urge you to complete the online study for two (2) complete stages before attempting your first ATPL exam session. Stage 2 (Navigation) and stage 3 (Technical) are arguably more academically heavier than stage 1 (Operational) which is, I would say, comparatively easier. You do NOT necessarily need to start at stage 1 (Operational). 

You can consider starting with the more challenging stage 2 (Navigation) + stage 3 (Technical) subjects, and even studying these two (2) stages all at once, before taking your first exam. In this order, while subjective, the heaviest of the academic study is behind you. 

Full list of Austro-Control GmbH EASA ATPL Exam Centre's in Europe.

Here below, you will find the full list of all Austro-Control GmbH exam centre's in Europe / the world for the year ahead, where you can sit EASA ATPL exams. 

Austro Control EASA ATPL Exam Dates in Luton, UK

Luton, UK - CATS Innovation Centre, 110, Butterfield Great Marlings, Luton LU2 8DL, UK        

Check Map here

Accommodation while sitting PPL Exams in Luton, UK

You can book the Hilton hotel across the road from the Luton exam centre here. Select the 'Special Rates' tab. In Corporate Account, insert: N3068061 and you will receive a discounted rate along with free Wi-Fi, breakfast, at times a more flexible checkout as well as the ability to cancel up until the last minute (typically until 11:59 PM local hotel time the day before).

Hilton Garden Inn Luton North:  Butterfield Business Park, Hitchin Rd, Luton LU2 8DL, UK    See Map

Note:  The exam fees are not included in the course price.

How to Book EASA ATPL exams with Austro Control

To apply to take the EASA ATPL theoretical exams, choose the relevant Austro Control application form; electronically type in your details using a home PC (No hand writing).

ATPL (A) Application Form (First time enrollment)

ATPL (A) Application Form (Conversion)

Email the form to CFI@flyEPTspain.com and we will arrange for the ground school ATO to counter sign it. You will then need to email it to your chosen exam centre 21 days before test date. 

A new examination application form must be prepared before every sitting.  

How to Book ATPL exams with UK CAA

The UK CAA examination timetable can be checked here

You can register directly with the UK CAA in order to take a Professional Pilot Exam here.

Permitted aids ALLOWED in Austro-Control ATPL exams: (with recommendations) 

According to Austro Control GmbH, and in accordance with AMC1 ARA.FCL.300, the following aids are permitted during the examination:

• Mechanical Flight Computer/slider - We recommend:  CRP-5 for CPL / ATPL
• Only a scientific calculator which is non-programmable, non-alphanumeric which does not have specific aviation functions is permitted - We recommend:  Casio fx-85GT X
• Protractors - We recommend:  Nautical square protractor 
• Drafting Compass - We recommend:  Rotring Compact Universal Compass
• Ruler - We recommend:  Pooleys NM-2
• a non-aviation specific, Translation dictionary (non-digital)
• Jeppesen Manual (GSPRM) + Charts
• CAA CAP documents:  

The use of CAP documents is permitted for ATPL, CPL, IR, BIR and CB-IR exams in the following subjects:

• 031 – Mass and balance
• 032 – Performance (Aeroplanes)
• 033 – Flight planning and monitoring
• 034 – Performance (Helicopter)
• 061 – General navigation

The pages of permitted documents must be not marked in any way (e.g. highlighted) and there must be no notes of any kind.

Items NOT allowed in the examination room:  •Mobile phone •Laptop/tablet •Wristwatch digital or analog •Any lecture notes, handwritten or typed •ASA CX-3 Digital Flight Computer or similar

Finally 

If you have any questions left or you experience any problems with the exam booking process, please do not hesitate to contact us

I wish you the very best of luck with your ATPL exams !