CPL v ATPL

[fox13wfd]

Just wondered if anybody thought it was worth doing the CPL exams befor ATPL or just going guns for ATPL straight out?

Has anybody done both? What are the basic differences?

Any input greatly appreciated !!

[metar]

Defo do ATPLs straight off. The CPL exams don't have much use on their own as far as I can see.

While you are in the habit of studying you will save a lot of extra time and effort doing the full set from the start.

[G-SP0T]

CPL are the same exams as ATPL, theres just less of them. if u intend on getting the ATPL dont piss about with them and do the ATPLs

best of luck

[FlyingForFun]

Only reason for doing CPL exams is if you're definitely never (and absolutely certainly not within the next 5 years) going to want an IR.

For most commercial applications, you'll need an IR, so go straight for the ATPL exams. There are a few jobs out there which you can do with a CPL but no IR (things like aerial photography, for example), but not very many. The only exception is instructing, and the CPL exams seem to only really be of use to people who only intend to use the CPL purely for instructing.

FFF
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[Mercenary Pilot]

The only real reason for the CPL theory is to become a flight instructor that doesn’t anticipate gaining an IR within 3 years of passing the exams.

There is about 1/3 content removed from the CPL theory (no global climatology, no NATS, no turbine powerplant etc. etc.) so they are a little easier and the candidate is subjected to a little less time pressure as the exams are fewer and generally contain less questions.

[jerezflyer]

At 35 I want t become an Instructor so I am seriosly considering the CPL distance course at GTS, would it not be overkill to do the ATPLs ?? If I ever wanted to add an IR in the future, I could do the IR theory separate when needed - would this not be a valid approach for a more cautious "mature" pilot??

Is the general feeling that even if you will only end up instructing (which is not so bad - as I feel it would be very rewarding even if not financially!!!) that the ATPLs are the only way forward???

[chris2005]

Depends on how much you are willing to fork out. If you got the money I would do the whole lot and get them over and done with. Then you can always add an IR after.

Same goes if you want to be an instructor. Instructing the IR might be a good why of climbing the ladder.

[FlyingForFun]

If I ever wanted to add an IR in the future, I could do the IR theory separate when needed

Yes, you could.

If you then used your IR to get yourself an airline job, you would very soon find yourself with 500 hours of multi-pilot time, and all the other requirements for applying for an ATPL. But unfortunately, you wouldn't be able to apply for the ATPL because you wouldn't have done the ATPL exams......

FFF
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[Unusual Attitude]

Does anyone else not find it a bit odd that there is no easy way of upgrading from CPL theory to ATPL theory ?

Seems strange to me that if the CPL theory is basically the ATPL theory with 1/3 removed, then why do you have to do all 14 exams again to upgrade from CPL theory to ATPL theory??

Also, there will be other people now starting to emerge like myself and a few others I know who did the ATPL theory, obtained a CPL but not an IR within the 3 years and hence have expired ATPL credits.
If we now want to upgrade to a Fz ATPL we'll also have to do all 14 exams all over again. (Despite holding a JAA CPL, having done the ATPL exams and in some cases having a large amount of flying/instructing hours)

Since I was amongst the very first group of people to undertake the new JAA exams and mine have only recently expired, I suspect as the months go by more and more people will be finding themselves in the same situation.

Has anyone brought this up with the CAA / JAA ? Seems to me they forgot to even consider an upgrade option from CPL to ATPL when putting the theory syllabus together.
Since its only just over the last few months that peoples exams have started to expire then its only now that this is becoming a glaringly obvious omission.

If anyone has raised this with the CAA/JAA then please let me know what response you had? Failing this it looks like its time for a very thorough study of LASORS and some legal advice......

Regards

UA

[jerezflyer]

I have given this so much thought my brain hurts!! The plan that seems to get most of the points for my particular case (almost PPL, 35 y/o, married, daughter, well paid job, professionally qualified) and circumstances is to do this in two completely self contained independent stages:

stage 1 - become a flying instructor by doing the CPL theory + flight training in UK, followed by an FI rating in Spain (which is where I live). This way, I would concentrate on instructing at weekends without the pressure and expense of getting an IR in 3 years, and therefore not wasting the effort at the ATPL exams. This way I could accure plenty of "quality" hours, without spending any money and leaving my job for poor wages (something that I currently could not afford). This way I could leave it there or maybe get an IR for instructing purposes only eventually.

stage 2 - If, and only if, after years of instructing, opportunities arise, I could work towards upgrading to an ATPL by sitting the exams at ATPL level, doing the IR/ME etc. perhaps closer to the experience requirements and not "low hours" with fATPL. It would be alot better of course if there existed such a thing as an ATPL "upgrade" and not have to sit the same exams as if I had no experience.

I think by doing it in stages manages the risk better of getting all the licences and ratings then not getting anything in return.

How does this sound? Has anyone thought of doing something similar? Does it make sense?

Thanks for any replies.

[moggiee]

Go for the ATPLs - there is not THAT much extra work compard to CPLs and it keeps your options open.

Never say never.