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.