ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence

Advanced FAA / EASA / DGCA Aviation

The highest level pilot licence required to act as Pilot-in-Command of commercial aircraft. Issued by FAA (faa.gov), EASA, or DGCA. Required by all major commercial airlines globally.

Quick Verdict

ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence is a senior-level credential best pursued once you already have hands-on experience in this field — it validates depth employers screen for at senior and lead levels, with typical compensation in the $80K–$200K range.

Overview

The highest level pilot licence required to act as Pilot-in-Command of commercial aircraft. Issued by FAA (faa.gov), EASA, or DGCA. Required by all major commercial airlines globally.

Key topics covered: Air Law & Regulations, Meteorology, Navigation & Instruments, Aircraft General Knowledge, Principles of Flight, Communications, Flight Planning, Human Performance.

Best suited for: Professional pilots pursuing careers as Captains with commercial airlines.

Common career paths: Commercial Airline Pilot, Captain, Charter Pilot, Corporate Pilot.

Who This Is For

Professional pilots pursuing careers as Captains with commercial airlines.

Exam Focus Areas

  • Air Law & Regulations
  • Meteorology
  • Navigation & Instruments
  • Aircraft General Knowledge
  • Principles of Flight
  • Communications
  • Flight Planning
  • Human Performance

Study Roadmap

Full step-by-step roadmap coming soon. See the roadmap page for updates.

Career Paths This Supports

Commercial Airline PilotCaptainCharter PilotCorporate Pilot

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence certification?

The highest level pilot licence required to act as Pilot-in-Command of commercial aircraft. Issued by FAA (faa.gov), EASA, or DGCA. Required by all major commercial airlines globally. offered by FAA / EASA / DGCA, focused on Aviation.

Who offers the ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence certification?

ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence is issued by FAA / EASA / DGCA.

Is ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence a beginner, intermediate, or advanced certification?

ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence is classified as Advanced-level. It generally assumes several years of hands-on professional experience.

How much does the ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence exam cost?

The ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence exam costs $70,000–$150,000. Always confirm current pricing on the official FAA / EASA / DGCA certification page, as fees change periodically.

What salary can I expect with ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence?

Professionals holding ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence commonly report compensation in the $80K–$200K range, though actual pay varies by employer, geography, and total experience.

What category does ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence fall under?

ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence is categorized under Aviation on CertPlanet, alongside other related certifications you can compare directly.

Is ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence worth pursuing in 2026?

That depends on your current experience level and goals — as an Advanced-level credential, it's a significant time investment best suited to professionals who already have hands-on experience and want formal recognition for it.

How does ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence compare to similar certifications?

See the dedicated comparison page for ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence to view it side-by-side against alternative certifications in Aviation.

Where do I register for the ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence exam?

Registration happens directly through FAA / EASA / DGCA's official certification portal, linked from this page.

What's the best way to prepare for ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence?

A structured, step-by-step study roadmap for ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot Licence is available on this site, built around the exam's actual focus areas rather than a generic study checklist.