Upgrading from MPL to ATPL: Options for Direct ATPL or CPL Transition
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2024
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From: Tokyo
Upgrading from MPL to ATPL: Options for Direct ATPL or CPL Transition
Hello, I am a first-officer who obtained an MPL(Japan) and PPL(US). I am currently considering obtaining an ATPL, and I have a few questions about the process.
Thank you for your assistance.
- Obtaining an ATPL through a private school:
If I were to upgrade to an ATPL with my current company, it would take about four more years, so I am considering obtaining an ATPL independently. Are there any flight schools that offer a direct upgrade course from MPL to ATPL? I have searched thoroughly in Japan and the United States but haven't found any. Do such schools exist in other countries? - Obtaining a CPL:
While obtaining a direct ATPL would be ideal to me, if such schools do not exist, I may need to obtain a CPL first before pursuing an ATPL. Are there any flight schools offering courses for MPL holders to obtain a CPL?
Thank you for your assistance.

Joined: Dec 2005
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,972
Likes: 326
From: Hong Kong
I'm not too familiar with Aviation in Japan, but in Europe there is no upgrade course. You simply get the hours and you take the ATPL check on your next LPC. If the company aren't allowing that then you'd need to pay to take an ATPL skill test, but there isn't really a course for it.





