Originally Posted by
rudestuff
You can let your ATPL exams lapse by 7 years and get your IR back via CBIR with no exams. Technically you could even get an airline job as the requirement for a first MP TR is to have passed the ATPLs, there is no validity date specified.
Indeed, but if you took ATPL exams in the first place the intent was probably to get a full ATPL licence at some point, furthermore if you get an airline job.
For the purpose of getting an ATPL licence if the theory is expired, the CBIR will be no use. You have to do all the ATPL theory again to be able to get your ATPL practical licence.