OK, then what about the ATPL as a whole?? Rather than just the exams?
No, sorry. The flying side of the course is skills-based, not knowledge-based. It is a test of artisanship. It's a severe test, I'll grant you, but it is not dependent on intellect, logic, discrimination, the ability to argue for or against a proposition or any of the other traditional measures of academic worth. It may most reasonably be compared to a City & Guilds qualification, I suggest.
After several (say, 10) years in the job, however, it might be reasonable to suggest that an airline pilot might qualify for the grant of a degree-equivalent recognition of experience. In fact, the Open University (and others) do indeed give credit for such experience - but not enough to avoid doing some work, unfortunately!
The ATPL and a degree are different animals; both worthwhile in different ways, but not directly comparable.
Scroggs