What is a Frozen ATPL?

What is a Frozen ATPL?

A Frozen ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) refers to the status of a pilot who has completed all the theoretical exams required for the Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence but has not yet met the required flight experience of 1,500 hours to obtain a fully active ATPL. It represents an intermediate stage in a pilot’s career, signaling significant progress in training while still requiring further flying experience to qualify as a captain in commercial operations.

Understanding the Frozen ATPL

To become a fully qualified airline captain, aspiring pilots must achieve the Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (ATPL), which is considered the highest level of pilot certification. This qualification includes two main components:

1. Theoretical Study: Covering various subjects such as aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, aircraft systems, and flight performance. These studies culminate in 14 rigorous exams that must be passed with a minimum score of 75% in each subject.
2. Practical Flying Experience: Building the necessary flying hours through training and operational experience.

When a pilot passes all ATPL theoretical exams but has not yet completed the 1,500 hours of flying experience, their ATPL is considered “frozen.” This frozen status allows the pilot to work as a First Officer on commercial flights, gaining the required experience to eventually “unfreeze” their licence.

How to ‘Unfreeze’ a Frozen ATPL

Unfreezing a Frozen ATPL involves accumulating the required flight hours and meeting specific criteria. To be issued with a full ATPL by either the EASA or the UK CAA, a pilot must achieve the following:

Total Flight Time Requirements

• 1,500 hours of total flight time, which includes:
• 500 hours as a multi-pilot in transport or commuter aircraft: These hours demonstrate experience in multi-crew operations.
• 250 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC): This can also be partially substituted with 100 hours as PIC and 150 hours as PIC under supervision.
• 200 hours of cross-country flight time, including at least 100 hours as PIC.
• 75 hours of instrument flight time: This ensures proficiency in flying and navigating solely by instruments.
• 100 hours of night flight time, either as PIC or as a co-pilot.

Additional Considerations

• Type Rating Training: Most pilots undergo type rating for specific aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, as part of their transition from a frozen ATPL to an active ATPL. This training is typically conducted alongside their role as a First Officer.
• Multi-Crew Coordination (MCC): Completing MCC training is essential for operating as part of a multi-pilot crew and is often completed before securing a First Officer position.

Career Opportunities with a Frozen ATPL

A frozen ATPL enables pilots to begin their careers in the airline industry. Most pilots with a frozen ATPL are employed as First Officers, gaining valuable experience under the supervision of a captain. These roles are critical for building hours and fulfilling the practical requirements for unfreezing the ATPL.

Industries and Roles:

• Airline Operations: First Officer roles on regional, short-haul, and long-haul flights.
• Charter Services: Working for private jet companies or corporate aviation.
• Flight Instruction: Some pilots with frozen ATPLs work as flight instructors to build hours while sharing their knowledge with new students.

Why is it Called ‘Frozen’?

The term “frozen” reflects that the pilot has completed all theoretical knowledge but has not yet fully activated their licence due to insufficient flight hours. However, this “frozen” status is not a limitation; rather, it represents an important milestone in a pilot’s journey. It indicates readiness to work in commercial aviation while progressing toward the ultimate goal of becoming a captain.

Tips for Unfreezing Your ATPL

1. Secure a First Officer Position: This is the most common way to accumulate hours. Airlines often hire pilots with a frozen ATPL for entry-level roles.
2. Build Hours Strategically: Focus on accumulating the specific types of flight hours required, such as PIC, night flying, and cross-country hours.
3. Consider Modular Training Programs: If you’re pursuing flying hours independently, modular training can help tailor your experience to meet ATPL requirements.
4. Stay Current: Ensure your knowledge and certifications, such as medical and type ratings, remain valid throughout your career progression.

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A frozen ATPL is a significant achievement that opens the door to commercial flying opportunities. It represents the culmination of rigorous theoretical training and the beginning of real-world flying experience. By meeting the flight hour and experience requirements, pilots can “unfreeze” their ATPL, enabling them to take on the responsibilities of a captain and further their careers in aviation.