ATPL Frozen vs ATPL Unfrozen – What It Means in Career Terms in India?
Generally, there are four types of pilot licenses. Holding a Private Pilot License (PPL) allows one to operate a light aircraft and carry passengers, provided the aircraft is not hired or used for commercial purposes. A CPL allows the license holder to fly for hire or compensation. To become a captain of a large multi-crew aircraft, an ATPL is required. Along with training, a pilot needs at least 1500 hours of flight time to get an Airline Pilot License or an ATPL. Therefore, CPL is the highest license available upon completing flight training. There is a substitute for a CPL. The Multi-Pilot License (MPL) is a restricted license allowing the holder to work as a co-pilot on a multi-crew aircraft only. The theory is the same as the ATPL. To get any of these licenses, a pilot should undergo theoretical and practical training. A pilot without 1,500 hours of flight time can also complete ATPL theory and exams. To work as a co-pilot on large multi-pilot aircraft, one should have a CPL and have passed the ATPL theory exams. Therefore, it is normal to complete ATPL theory training and exams as part of a CPL course.
