What is ATPL Theory?

Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory (ATPL) is the theoretical knowledge you have to have as a part of your airline pilot training under EASA. It can be studied in the classroom or as distance learning (eLearning) with some minimum required attendance at a flight school.

ATPL theory consists of the following 14 EASA subjects:

• 010 – Air Law
• 021 – Airframe / Systems / Power-plant
• 022 – Instrumentation
• 031 – Mass and Balance
• 032 – Performance
• 033 – Flight Planning and Monitoring
• 040 – Human Performance and Limitations
• 050 – Meteorology
• 061 – General Navigation
• 062 – Radio Navigation
• 071 – Operational Procedures
• 081 – Principles of Flight
• 090 – Communications
• 100 – Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes

It takes approximately 650 hours of study to cover all the subjects. Each of them is completed with a written exam at a CAA approved examination centre.