Choosing another career and ATPL theory

[Flyingsnowman]

Hi guys
I have completed integrated training and my ATPL theory approximately 1 year ago. I have currently "ATPL frozen" with 210 hours in the aircraft and been placed in a holding pool for FO position. I have been waiting for 737 type rating in Semptember 2020. After the pandemic the company had to fire a lot of pilots so I am sure I will not be among the guys who will be hired after the pandemic is gone. I am fresh graduated university student and I am tired of waiting for miracle in the industry. With a lot of sadness I have made a decision to survive a couple of years in another industry with a hope that aviation will recover. The career I have chosen has a bond of 2 years minimum. I read that you have to "unfreeze" your ATPL until 7 years since your ATPL theory exams.

I would like to ask if that is really true and if yes, then what happens if you do not make 1500 hours till 7 year is over. Will I have to complete ATPL theory again? Is there any way how to make it longer?
Thank you

[eimin]

I also got my license following a crisis, it took me several years to find a job.

Don't give up. If you want the job, you will eventually manage. But be realistic, be positive, and stay focused. Unfortunately, no one knows how long will it take for the situation to stabilize. But given the number of very experienced pilots already flooding the market, and the ones to come, it won't be anytime soon.

If I am not mistaken, the expiry after 7 years happens if you didn't renew your IR/ME?

[KingAir1978]

Presumably you have a licence issued in accordance with EASA? If this is the case, it is important to make sure to keep your instrument rating current. If you let it lapse by more than 7 years, you'd be looking at a new ATPL theory credit. Check Part-FCL 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."

DISCLAIMER: check with you local authority if they have not applied a variation to Part-FCL in this regard.

[Flyingsnowman]

Thanks both of you guys for answer. That is exactly what I have been trying to find! And yes kingAir1978, I have EASA licence. So if I understand it right, as long as i renew my IR I do not need to be afraid of loosing my theory credit. That is awesome.

And Eimin: I totally agree with your words. Being realistic in these hard time is a key feature. Good luck to everyone out there in making right decisions. I also hope that I have made a good one :)

[KingAir1978]

Thanks both of you guys for answer. That is exactly what I have been trying to find! And yes kingAir1978, I have EASA licence. So if I understand it right, as long as i renew my IR I do not need to be afraid of loosing my theory credit. That is awesome.
Flyingsnowman, read the disclaimer again. On your EASA licence under item 1, you'll find your state of issue. It is possible that your state of issue has applied a variation to the EASA standard. Double check with your local authority!

[Flyingsnowman]

Yes, sure, I will double check. I was just not able to get in contact with local authority. Probably because of covid situation.
Thank you again