ATPL Exam queries
Hello,
I am currently considering, after gaining my PPL (hopefully soon), to continue my training to a commercial level.
I am almost certain I want to attain a CPL/MEP, but am also considering possibly extending this to include an IR for a fATPL. If I decide also to make the transition from scientific academia (currently at university studying Physics) to airline flying, I would also go through the standard route of obtaining an MCC and going through JOT.
As I am not sure yet what it is I want exactly, I have been considering the timeframes for validity of ATPL examination passes.
I have been reading through the formidable CAP 804, and from what I can gather, there are 14 ATPL exams to pass in total. My understanding is that for the issue of a CPL (no IR) then it is only necessary to pass 13 of these (no need for IFR communications), and that in both cases the passes are valid for 36 months before they expire if either the CPL or IR have not been obtained by then.
What isn't clear to me however is how to keep the passes current. CAP 804 mentions that the 14 exams remain valid for 7 years from the last IR renewal date. However, there is no mention of what happens if you only have a CPL, with no IR, and passed only the exams required for CPL.
What about if I take all 14 exams, decide not to take an IR, keep my CPL up to date, and after over 3 years, decide to take the IR? Would I only need to resit the IFR communication exam?
I'd hugely appreciate any advice on these questions.
I have done a few searches prior to posting, but my main concern with this was the information being out of date now that we're past the magic date of 17th September for EASA.
Thanks!