ATPL Question

[Cherrypickers]

In short, can a frozen ATPL expire?

I have searched online for this answer and had a look through my ATPL books and all I have found is they expire 7 years after the date of your last IR proficiency test. Is this correct?

[Peter_CDG]

This is correct. After 7 years you have to retake all papers.

[madlandrover]

Define a frozen ATPL - no such formal licence exists. The definition will give you the answer.

[RTN11]

A frozen ATPL is a term used mainly by recruiters to define having a cpl with an spa IR and ATPL exams passed. Arguably completed an MCC course too. From licencing point of view, there is no such thing as a frozen ATPL, which is why you won't find a reference.

Once you have this, the cpl is valid for 5 years and the IR is valid for 12 months. If you let the IR expire by more than 7 years, you must retake all 14 exams to get the IR back. Once you get an ATPL you should not have to do the exams again, and will then have an mpa IR anyway.

[paco]

The ATPL exams are valid for 7 years after the expiry of the IR, which means they can actually be valid for 11 years, until you get the other qualifications. As mentioned, once you have the licence you won't need to take the exams again.

[Cherrypickers]

Great, thanks guys.

[500 above]

Not strictly true, Paco. There are many ATPL's working for overseas airlines that have also been caught out by the seven year rule.

[paco]

On the old system maybe - but the new rules are as stated

phil

[500 above]

Really? I'm not convinced.

http://www.pprune.org/middle-east/467898-has-your-uk-caa-i-r-lapsed-more-than-7-6-3-years-6.html#post7438638

Under JAA rules:

To renew an IR(A) that has EXPIRED BY MORE THAN 7 YEARS, applicants must: For single-pilot aircraft pass an IR(A) skill test in an aeroplane with a UK CAA Staff Flight Examiner. Applicants will also be required to retake the IR(A) theoretical knowledge examinations.

LASORS 2010

So you got 7 years from the expiry date to renew it without losing your ATPL exam credits.

Under EASA rules:

If the IR(A) has not been revalidated or renewed within the preceding 7 years, the holder will be required to pass again the IR theoretical knowledge
examination and skill test.

CAP804

So you get 7 years from the test date to renew it without losing your ATPL ground credits.


I tried to argue this with Adam Whitehead recently but he confirmed that you only get 6 years from the expiry date.


Adam Whitehead of the CAA would not agree with you, unfortunately. It's 6 years after expiry of the IR, not 7 as mentioned apparently. Thank you EASA.

[paco]

FCL.025(2) The completion of the airline transport pilot licence (ATPL) theoretical knowledge examinations will remain valid for the issue of an ATPL for a period of 7 years from the last validity date of:

(i) An IR entered in the licence; or
(ii) In the case of helicopters, a helicopter’s type rating entered in that licence.

Phil

[500 above]

Take a look at Linda Mollisons post Phil. She spoke to the CAA about this, they say its six years from date of expiry not seven.

http://www.pprune.org/flying-instructors-examiners/493519-ir-revalidation-renewal.html

[paco]

Well, they'd better change Part FCL then. Unless they refer specifically to the IR.

Phil