Pilotium Editorial Team
6 Nov 2026
How European pilots reach an airline seat: Class 1 medical, ATPL theory, CPL and multi-engine IR, MCC, a type rating, and the 1,500 hours needed for a full ATPL.
Under EASA rules you can join an airline as a First Officer with a CPL(A), a multi-engine instrument rating and passed ATPL theory exams, often called a "frozen ATPL". The full ATPL(A) follows once you reach 1,500 flight hours and pass the ATPL skill test.
The steps in order
Class 1 medical. Get a Part-MED Class 1 medical certificate before you pay for training, so a medical issue does not end your plans halfway.
Choose integrated or modular training. An integrated course trains you full time at one approved training organisation. Modular training builds the same licences step by step, often while you work.
Pass the ATPL theoretical knowledge exams. These cover the full EASA syllabus. Once passed, they stay valid for 7 years from the last validity date of an instrument rating entered in your licence.
Earn your CPL(A) and multi-engine IR. These licences let you fly commercially under instrument rules.
Complete MCC training. Multi-crew cooperation teaches you to work as one of two pilots on the flight deck; many courses combine it with jet orientation (APS MCC or JOC).
Get a type rating and join an airline. Most airlines train new First Officers on a type rating such as the B737 or A320.
Build hours to 1,500. Your ATPL(A) is issued once you meet the experience requirements below and pass the skill test.
ATPL(A) experience requirements (EASA FCL.510.A)
Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
Total flight time in aeroplanes | 1,500 hours |
Multi-pilot operations | 500 hours |
Pilot in command | 250 hours as PIC, or 500 hours PIC under supervision, or 250 hours including at least 70 as PIC |
Cross-country | 200 hours, at least 100 as PIC or PIC under supervision |
Instrument time | 75 hours, no more than 30 as instrument ground time |
Night flight | 100 hours as PIC or co-pilot |
Simulator credit | Up to 100 of the 1,500 hours in an FFS or FNPT |
The minimum age for an ATPL is 21.
Common mistakes to avoid
Paying for training before the Class 1 medical.
Letting ATPL theory credit lapse before getting an instrument rating.
Choosing a school without checking its graduates' airline placements.
Pilotium's Career Programs include EASA ATPL theory preparation, and Mentor Pilot offers one-to-one guidance from experienced pilots.
Sources
Checked on 6 November 2026.
