Obtaining an EASA pilot license is a structured, demanding journey that requires careful planning, consistency, and a significant financial commitment. This guide walks you through the main stages – from your initial decision to train as a pilot to holding a frozen ATPL and being ready to apply for airline jobs.
Introduction
The EASA licensing system is built to ensure that every licensed pilot meets strict safety and competency standards. While it may take longer than in some other regions, it provides a very solid foundation: strong theoretical knowledge, standardized procedures, and extensive practical experience.
Overview of the Process
On a high level, the path to a frozen ATPL includes medical certification, ATPL theoretical knowledge, practical flight training, additional ratings (such as IR, ME and MCC), and the final administrative steps with your authority. Depending on whether you choose an integrated or modular route, the overall timeline is typically between 18 and 36 months.
Prerequisites and Initial Considerations
Step 0: Self-Assessment and Decision Making
Before you commit to training, it is worth taking an honest look at your personal situation. Relevant factors include your age, physical and mental health, English language level (at least ICAO Level 4), financial resources (around €60,000–€150,000 for the full journey) and the time you can realistically invest over the next 18–36 months.
From a career perspective, you should also think about the current job market, where in Europe (or beyond) you might want to work, whether you see yourself in an airline environment or in general/business aviation, and what your long-term goals are.
For a comparison of training routes, see Integrated vs Modular Training.
Choosing Your Training Path
An integrated course takes you from zero experience to a frozen ATPL in one continuous, highly structured program, usually in about 18–24 months. It is full-time and requires a higher upfront investment, but everything is planned as a single package.
A modular path breaks the journey into stages (PPL, hour building, ATPL theory, CPL, IR, ME, MCC). This approach is more flexible, often spread over two to five years, and allows you to pay module by module, sometimes alongside a job.
Phase 1: Medical Certification
Obtaining Your Class 1 Medical
The Class 1 medical certificate is the first truly critical milestone. Without it, progressing to professional licenses does not make sense, so it is wise to obtain it as early as possible.
You will need to book an appointment with an Aeromedical Examiner (AME) or approved aeromedical center authorized to issue Class 1 medicals. Appointments typically take a few hours and cost between €300 and €800, depending on the country. Allow a couple of weeks for scheduling.
During the initial examination, you can expect a general health check, cardiovascular assessment (including ECG), vision tests (distance, near and color), hearing tests, and a basic neurological evaluation. Additional investigations such as blood tests, urinalysis and a chest X-ray may also be required. Specific standards exist for visual acuity, color vision, hearing thresholds and, in some cases, BMI. Full details are listed under EASA Medical Requirements.
The validity of the Class 1 medical depends on your age: up to 40 years it is usually valid for 12 months, after that the renewal interval shortens to six months, with some additional requirements for older age groups.
Common Medical Issues
Some conditions do not automatically disqualify you but may require extra documentation or monitoring. Typical examples include well-controlled hypertension, certain types of diabetes, corrected vision problems, partial hearing loss or a history of mental health issues. Many of these are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
One point is non-negotiable: always disclose your medical history honestly. Non-disclosure can lead to serious consequences, including license suspension or revocation later on.
Phase 2: ATPL Theoretical Knowledge
Registering for Theory Exams
The ATPL theory consists of 14 subjects, as defined in Part-FCL. You register for the exams via your national aviation authority, which usually works with test centers such as Prometric. Depending on your training setup, you can book all subjects at once or spread them over multiple sittings.
Integrated programs often plan around 6–9 months of intensive ground school. Modular and distance-learning students usually need more time, typically between 9 and 24 months, depending on how many hours per week they can study.
The 14 ATPL Subjects
The syllabus covers everything from air law and human performance to complex navigation and performance calculations. Each subject has its own exam with a fixed duration and question count. You must sit and pass all 14 to complete the theoretical phase.
Examination Rules
To pass, you need at least 75% in each subject. You have up to four attempts per subject and 36 months from the date of your first exam attempt to complete all 14. Once you have passed them all, the passes remain valid for seven years for the purpose of issuing the associated licenses and ratings. In special circumstances, authorities can grant extensions.
Study Strategy
A common strategy is to start with the “building block” subjects such as navigation, meteorology and principles of flight, then move on to more technical systems subjects and, finally, the calculation-heavy papers such as performance and flight planning. Many students benefit from a fixed weekly schedule, a dedicated study space and systematic use of ATPL question databases [?] and practice exams. Study groups and occasional tutoring can also make a noticeable difference.
Booking and Taking Exams
Once you are ready, you log into the exam system, choose a test center and date, and pay the examination fees (commonly €80–€120 per subject). On the day, arrive early with a valid ID and your booking confirmation. Materials such as an approved calculator and navigation computer are normally provided. Results are usually available immediately after you finish the exam.
Phase 3: Practical Flight Training
With your Class 1 medical in place and ATPL theory underway or completed, you move into practical training.
Selecting a Flight School (ATO)
Choosing the right ATO is one of the most important decisions you will make. Besides Part-FCL approval, factors such as the size and age of the aircraft fleet, instructor experience, pass rates, school reputation, local weather, and available financing options all play a role. You can find more guidance under Choosing a Flight School.
PPL Phase (If Modular)
On the modular route, you usually start with the PPL. This phase focuses on basic handling, navigation and emergency procedures, leading up to your first solo flights and a qualifying cross-country. The PPL skills test is a structured check of your general handling, navigation and abnormal/emergency drills with an examiner.
Hour Building (Modular Only)
After the PPL, you need to increase your total flight time to meet CPL entry requirements. That often means flying club aircraft, participating in hour-building packages, or sharing costs with passengers on cross-country flights. The goal is typically to reach around 150–200 total hours before starting CPL training.
CPL Training Phase
The CPL phase raises the standard: you practice more precise flying, advanced navigation, complex aircraft operations and more structured emergency training. Integrated courses usually require at least 150 total hours by the end, while modular routes target at least 200 hours. Night flying and instrument instruction are also part of the syllabus.
At the end, the CPL skills test checks your knowledge of aircraft systems, departure and arrival procedures, general handling, limited-instrument flying, navigation and emergency action. The standard is higher than for the PPL, but still firmly focused on safe and consistent operation rather than perfection.
Phase 4: Instrument Rating (IR)
The Instrument Rating qualifies you to fly under IFR and in IMC, and is essential for most professional roles.
IR Course Structure
The IR includes theoretical consolidation and a significant amount of instrument flight training. You will plan and fly IFR routes, departures, arrivals, holdings and both precision and non-precision approaches, partly in a simulator and partly in the aircraft. Competency-based modular IR (CB-IR) routes allow prior experience to be credited and focus more strongly on demonstrated skill rather than strict hours, within the limits set by the regulations.
IR Skills Test
The IR test follows a logical flow: pre-flight IFR planning, departure, en-route segment, arrival, at least one precision approach (often ILS), a non-precision approach (such as VOR or NDB), a missed approach and holding. Engine failures and other abnormal situations are also checked. The typical duration is around 90 minutes of flight time.
Phase 5: Multi-Engine (ME) Rating
The ME rating is required to operate multi-engine aircraft and is a standard part of professional training.
During ME training, you learn about the aerodynamics of twin-engine aircraft, performance with one engine inoperative, asymmetric flight, engine failure procedures and specific limitations. The skills test focuses heavily on single-engine performance, engine failures (including at or after take-off), asymmetric approaches and landings, and go-arounds with one engine out.
Phase 6: Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC)
The MCC course is the bridge from single-pilot flying to a multi-pilot airline environment.
You will work through CRM theory, standard operating procedures, communication and decision-making in a multi-crew context. In the simulator, you alternate between Pilot Flying (PF) and Pilot Monitoring (PM), practice normal flows and checklists, and handle abnormal and emergency situations together as a crew. There is no separate exam; instead, you are continuously assessed and receive a course completion certificate at the end. Once completed, an MCC certificate does not need to be revalidated.
Phase 7: License Application
Compiling Your Application
When all practical tests, theory exams and courses are completed, you can apply for your license. The application package typically includes the completed form, your valid Class 1 medical, proof of identity, ATPL theory pass certificates, training records, skills test reports, MCC certificate and payment of the applicable fee (which varies by state but is usually in the low hundreds of euros).
Before submitting, make sure all documents are complete, correctly signed and legible, and that your logbook is up to date and consistent with your training records.
Submission and Issuance
Depending on your authority, applications are submitted either through an online portal or as a physical package. Processing time is usually between two and eight weeks. Once your license is issued – either electronically or as a physical document – check every detail carefully and inform the authority immediately if you spot any errors.
What You Receive
At this stage, you hold a frozen ATPL: a CPL with IR and ME privileges plus proof that you have passed the ATPL theory, usually annotated as “ATPL restricted to co-pilot”. You can now work as a co-pilot on multi-pilot aircraft within the scope of your ratings.
Once you meet the experience requirements (typically 1,500 total hours and 500 hours in multi-pilot operations), you can apply for the reissue of your license as a full, unfrozen ATPL without any additional theoretical exams.
Timeline Examples
Integrated Pathway Timeline
A typical integrated program might look like this:
- Months 1–6: Class 1 medical, ground school and early flight training (PPL phase)
- Months 7–12: ATPL exams, further flight training and basic instrument work
- Months 13–18: IR, ME, final CPL skills test and MCC
- Month 19: License application and start of job applications
Modular Pathway Timeline
A modular pathway is more flexible:
- Year 1: Class 1 medical, PPL (around 3–6 months), start ATPL theory and initial hour building
- Year 2: Complete ATPL exams, continue hour building to 150–200 hours, begin CPL training
- Year 3: Finish CPL, complete IR and ME, attend MCC, submit license application
Costs Breakdown
Integrated Training
| Item | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Ground school | 5,000–8,000 |
| Flight training | 60,000–90,000 |
| Exams & tests | 3,000–5,000 |
| MCC course | 2,500–4,000 |
| Medical & admin | 1,500–3,000 |
| Total | 72,000–110,000 |
Modular Training
| Item | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| PPL | 8,000–12,000 |
| ATPL Theory | 3,000–6,000 |
| Hour building | 8,000–15,000 |
| CPL training | 10,000–15,000 |
| IR | 10,000–15,000 |
| ME rating | 3,000–6,000 |
| MCC | 2,500–4,000 |
| Medical & admin | 2,000–4,000 |
| Total | 46,500–77,000 |
Common Challenges and How to Handle Them
Many students encounter similar issues along the way:
- Medical surprises – Early contact with an AME and, if necessary, pre-assessment can help you identify potential problems before you commit large amounts of money.
- Failed theory exams – Rather than rushing back into a re-sit, it is usually better to analyse what went wrong, adjust your study method and focus on weak topics.
- Training delays – Weather, aircraft maintenance and instructor availability can slow you down. Choosing a well-resourced school, being flexible with scheduling and, if possible, training in regions with more stable weather can reduce this risk.
- Financial pressure – Running out of money in the middle of training is a common and serious problem. A realistic budget with a contingency buffer, clear financing arrangements and – if needed – a modular approach can help keep your plan on track.
Administrative Tips
Good administration saves time and stress later. Keep your logbook meticulously updated, with regular instructor or CFI signatures. Store copies of training records, exam results, medical certificates and important email correspondence. Many students keep scanned copies in cloud storage so they can quickly provide documentation if an authority or airline asks for it.
When dealing with aviation authorities, answer questions promptly, provide complete and accurate information and keep a copy of everything you submit. If processing takes longer than the stated timeframe, a polite follow-up is usually appropriate.
EASA Learning Objectives
The EASA learning objectives include not only technical and operational knowledge but also licensing administration. Under LO 010.05, you are expected to understand how license applications work, what documentation is needed, how validity and renewal periods are defined and when revalidation or renewal applies to ratings and medicals.
These topics are frequently examined, so it is worth learning the relevant timelines and document requirements thoroughly.
Exam Tips & Common Question Areas
In ATPL exams, questions often return to the same core themes: Class 1 medical validity periods, minimum ages, required flight times for each license, the difference between revalidating and renewing ratings, and what distinguishes a frozen ATPL from a full ATPL. Confusion also commonly arises between integrated and modular hour requirements and the validity window of the theory passes.
Simple memory aids such as “Medical – Theory – Practice – Apply” for the main phases, or remembering that you have 36 months to complete all exams and up to seven years of validity for issuing the license, can make recall easier under exam pressure.
Practical Application
Understanding the full licensing process makes planning your career significantly easier. You can align your finances, schedule training blocks realistically, and see clearly at what point it makes sense to start applying for airline or entry-level pilot roles. Airlines will look at the quality of your training organization, your exam record (including first-time pass rate), total and recent flight hours and how professionally you present your documentation.
Conclusion
The EASA pilot licensing process is thorough and demanding, but it is also transparent and highly structured. With realistic planning, disciplined study habits and good record-keeping, you can move efficiently from your first research into training options to holding a frozen ATPL.
Whether you choose an integrated or modular path, understanding each phase, its requirements and its typical timeline will help you make better decisions, reduce surprises and stay focused on your final goal: a safe, sustainable and rewarding career as a professional pilot.
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Part of the Fasttrack ATPL Wiki - Professional Pilot Knowledge Base