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AIR1 AVIATION ACADEMY

AIR1 AVIATION ACADEMY

Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

Take your aviation career to new heights with the most advanced level of pilot certification available.

If you’ve always dreamed of a career in the airline industry, the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) is your ultimate goal. Designed for those who are passionate about aviation and committed to reaching the pinnacle of the profession, the ATPL is the key to unlocking opportunities as a pilot in command of large, multi-crew aircraft.

 

Pursuing an ATPL demands dedication, patience, and a deep love for aviation. After all, this is the license that prepares you to fly advanced commercial aircraft like Boeings, Airbuses, and other large jets. At Air1 Aviation Academy, we pride ourselves on training pilots who go on to become captains in the industry.

 

As the highest certification in aviation, the ATPL is your gateway to the world of airlines, where you’ll take on the responsibility of commanding sophisticated aircraft and leading a crew. Choose Air1 Aviation Academy to begin your journey toward this prestigious achievement.

ATPL Requirements:

Theory

You can complete the ATPL theoretical exams before reaching the required 1,500 flight hours needed to qualify for an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Until you meet the flight hour requirement, this is referred to as a “Frozen ATPL.” A Frozen ATPL means you hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with all the ATPL theoretical subjects successfully passed.

 

Exam Subjects Include:

 

  • Meteorology
  • Navigation General
  • Air Law & Procedures
  • Radio Aids
  • Aircraft Technical and General
  • Flight Performance and Planning

 

The theoretical exams are structured to be straightforward, focusing on equipping pilots with the knowledge necessary for safe and enjoyable recreational flying.

Practical

Practical Requirments:

 

  • Minimum age of 21 years
  • Class 1 medical certificate
  • General Radio Licence
  • Valid Commercial Pilot Licence
  • Minimum of 1500 hours of flight time of which:
  • 500 hours must be PICUS; or
  • 250 hours must be as PIC, of which up to 150 hours may be PICUS; and
  • 200 hours must be cross-country flight time, of which 100 hours may be as co-pilot or PICUS;
  • 75 hours must be instrument time, of which not more than 30 hours may be acquired in an FSTD approved for the purpose; and
  • 100 hours shall be night flight time as PIC or as co-pilot.

 

To obtain a full ATPL, the practical flight test must be conducted in a multi-engine aircraft under multi-crew and instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions. This assessment is carried out by a designated flight examiner, either in an actual aircraft or a high-fidelity simulator.

To begin your Private Pilot License (PPL) training, you must be medically certified by a designated aviation medical examiner approved by the Commissioner for Civil Aviation. A minimum Class II medical certificate is required, valid for 60 months if you’re under 40 years old or 24 months if you’re 40 or older. For the initial examination, a chest X-ray is also required.

 

The medical requirements are comparable to those for a standard life insurance policy. At Air1 Aviation Academy, we are here to guide you through the process and assist in scheduling the necessary appointments.

PPL Requirements: Citizenship & Legal Age

To pursue a Private Pilot License (PPL), you must meet the following criteria:
 

Be at least 15 years old to apply for a Student Pilot License.
 

Be 16 years or older to undertake solo flights.
 

Be 17 years or older to obtain a Private Pilot License.
 

Additionally, you must be a South African citizen or hold a valid study permit. Proficiency in English at a minimum of Level 4 is required, and you must also possess a valid Student Pilot License to begin training.

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