MPL clarifications and CAA to EASA conversion
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 17
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From: Birmingham
MPL clarifications and CAA to EASA conversion
Good evening all, firstly let me apologize if this has been asked many, many times before but I can't seem to be able to find clear answers.
I am applying for a couple of cadet pilot programs and have passed the selections so far. I have learnt in my life that many things can change and that you must be prepared for everything and, before committing further, I want to be clear on what my options would be in different scenarios. Your helpa would be massively appreciated.
Let's say I get hired and then made redundant at some point:
1. These programs (like the current Speedbird academy) will leave you with an MPL which I believe is tied to the specific airline. Will this be converted to an ATPL at 1500 hours? will it be a non-restricted ATPL?
2. if so, if done for BA, it will be a CAA license. My understanding is that after Brexit this is not valid in EU anymore. Will I have the possibility to convert it to an EASA license (i hold dual UK-EU passport) to better my chances to find a new employment? what would the process be?
Thank you very much.
I am applying for a couple of cadet pilot programs and have passed the selections so far. I have learnt in my life that many things can change and that you must be prepared for everything and, before committing further, I want to be clear on what my options would be in different scenarios. Your helpa would be massively appreciated.
Let's say I get hired and then made redundant at some point:
1. These programs (like the current Speedbird academy) will leave you with an MPL which I believe is tied to the specific airline. Will this be converted to an ATPL at 1500 hours? will it be a non-restricted ATPL?
2. if so, if done for BA, it will be a CAA license. My understanding is that after Brexit this is not valid in EU anymore. Will I have the possibility to convert it to an EASA license (i hold dual UK-EU passport) to better my chances to find a new employment? what would the process be?
Thank you very much.
Joined: Dec 2005
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,973
Likes: 326
From: Hong Kong
1. These programs (like the current Speedbird academy) will leave you with an MPL which I believe is tied to the specific airline. Will this be converted to an ATPL at 1500 hours? will it be a non-restricted ATPL?
2. if so, if done for BA, it will be a CAA license. My understanding is that after Brexit this is not valid in EU anymore. Will I have the possibility to convert it to an EASA license (i hold dual UK-EU passport) to better my chances to find a new employment? what would the process be?
2. if so, if done for BA, it will be a CAA license. My understanding is that after Brexit this is not valid in EU anymore. Will I have the possibility to convert it to an EASA license (i hold dual UK-EU passport) to better my chances to find a new employment? what would the process be?
2. You can, but it's not straightforward. You would need to sign up to an EASA ATO, take the ATPL exams again, fly a lot more hours to meet the CPL minimums and take the CPL/IR tests again. It would be fat easier to convert (just the exams and an LPC) with an ATPL. But to get an ATPL you'd already need to have a job so...
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 17
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From: Birmingham
1. If you pass the ATPL test. Which you will. It will only ever be a multi pilot licence (which isn't a problem because the ATPL is supposed to be a multi pilot licence). What you will not be able to do is fly anything single pilot. If you want PPL or CPL privileges you will need to meet the hour requirements and take those tests.
2. You can, but it's not straightforward. You would need to sign up to an EASA ATO, take the ATPL exams again, fly a lot more hours to meet the CPL minimums and take the CPL/IR tests again. It would be fat easier to convert (just the exams and an LPC) with an ATPL. But to get an ATPL you'd already need to have a job so...
2. You can, but it's not straightforward. You would need to sign up to an EASA ATO, take the ATPL exams again, fly a lot more hours to meet the CPL minimums and take the CPL/IR tests again. It would be fat easier to convert (just the exams and an LPC) with an ATPL. But to get an ATPL you'd already need to have a job so...
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham
Joined: Dec 2005
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,973
Likes: 326
From: Hong Kong
Yeah if its an fATPL that makes things easier.
The ATPL is ironically the cheapest and easiest licence to convert (can be done in a SIM) and the easiest test - an ATPL skill test is essentially a regular LPC plus a raw data ILS. The Catch-22 is because you need to get a job before you can get an ATPL - this is not going to help you find a first job.
If you don't yet have the hours for an ATPL then you'll need to do a CPL skill test and an IR skill test in an airplane, plus any required training so it gets a lot more expensive. But it may help you get a first job. The down side to this route is that unless your fATPL course is done at a dual ATO, you'll need to do a second theory course for EASA. But to do that you need to start with at least a PPL - which you won't have until AFTER you finish the whole course. So without a PPL you can't study once and take both sets of exams at the same time.
Brexit eh?
The ATPL is ironically the cheapest and easiest licence to convert (can be done in a SIM) and the easiest test - an ATPL skill test is essentially a regular LPC plus a raw data ILS. The Catch-22 is because you need to get a job before you can get an ATPL - this is not going to help you find a first job.
If you don't yet have the hours for an ATPL then you'll need to do a CPL skill test and an IR skill test in an airplane, plus any required training so it gets a lot more expensive. But it may help you get a first job. The down side to this route is that unless your fATPL course is done at a dual ATO, you'll need to do a second theory course for EASA. But to do that you need to start with at least a PPL - which you won't have until AFTER you finish the whole course. So without a PPL you can't study once and take both sets of exams at the same time.
Brexit eh?
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham
Yeah if its an fATPL that makes things easier.
The ATPL is ironically the cheapest and easiest licence to convert (can be done in a SIM) and the easiest test - an ATPL skill test is essentially a regular LPC plus a raw data ILS. The Catch-22 is because you need to get a job before you can get an ATPL - this is not going to help you find a first job.
If you dont yet have the hours for an ATPL then you'll need to do a CPL skill test and an IR skill test in an airplane, plus any required training so it gets a lot more expensive. But it may help you get a first job. The down side to this route is that unless your fATPL course is done at a dual ATO, you'll need to do a second theory course for EASA. But to do that you need to start with at least a PPL - which you won't have until AFTER you finish the whole course. So without a PPL you can't study once and take both sets of exams at the same time.
Brexit eh?
The ATPL is ironically the cheapest and easiest licence to convert (can be done in a SIM) and the easiest test - an ATPL skill test is essentially a regular LPC plus a raw data ILS. The Catch-22 is because you need to get a job before you can get an ATPL - this is not going to help you find a first job.
If you dont yet have the hours for an ATPL then you'll need to do a CPL skill test and an IR skill test in an airplane, plus any required training so it gets a lot more expensive. But it may help you get a first job. The down side to this route is that unless your fATPL course is done at a dual ATO, you'll need to do a second theory course for EASA. But to do that you need to start with at least a PPL - which you won't have until AFTER you finish the whole course. So without a PPL you can't study once and take both sets of exams at the same time.
Brexit eh?
so - providing a full ATPL with 1500+ hours - it’s actually just a matter of - essentially - sim checks? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to be fully aware of the situation before committing. Thanks
Joined: Dec 2005
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,973
Likes: 326
From: Hong Kong
That and the exams, but you'll be exempt any course so you can self certify and sit the exams. The advantage of that is you could use your first of six sittings to take all 13 at once - roll the dice and see how many you can pass based on pot-luck and whatever else you can remember! Then you only need to study for whatever is left...
