ATPL(A) Skills Test v LPC

[blueskies92]

Hi,

Hope you're all doing well. I have a couple of questions regarding the ATPL skills test.

Me being lazy, I didn't bother applying for the skills test during my last LPC which was a few months ago....but now I need to unfreeze my ATPL and can't wait until next year. What I'm thinking about doing is going to a 3rd party ATO to get the test done.

Here are my questions:

1. If for whatever reason I failed the test, would that invalidate my CPL/IR/type rating? Obviously I can't have that happen since I'm actively flying.
2. Would there be any issues with upgrading my license with a 3rd party ATO rather than my own airline?

My understanding is that since it's a new license issue, and not a revalidation, it wouldn't affect my current license/IR/type rating in any way if I failed...kinda like failing your CPL wouldn't invalidate your PPL...but that's just a theory made up in my own head.

Thanks in advance!

[FlyingStone]

An ATPL skill test will replace your LPC and it will also revalidate your type rating, if you are successful.

1. Should you not pass all items of the test (i.e. partial pass or fail), you cannot exercise the privileges of the type rating, until you have passed all items - that means no flying. Have a look at FCL.1030(b)(1). It won’t affect other ratings, such as SEP, etc. The same would apply if you’d fail CPL skill test in a SEP; you wouldn’t be able to fly SEP aircraft on your PPL until you would have passed all items of the skill test.

2. Nothing, except that you will have to inform your airline about the new expiry date of the type rating, and (I think most airlines want this) send them a copy of the new licence when it is issued.

[blueskies92]

Bugger, I have applied to another airline that requires a full ATPL but obviously I can't take the risk of failing my ATPL skills test with a 3rd party whilst actively flying for an airline.

Thanks for the reply.

[rudestuff]

Not much if a risk though is it? If you think you might fail an LPC should you really be flying?