ATPL Exams Validity

[JB57]

Hi
I have been told that doing a IR locks in your ATPL exams and gives you time to do the CPL is this correct ? Due to family Issues I won't be able to complete the IR and CPL in time and I am just wondering if there are any options to save the ATPLs from expiring. If I complete the IR will this work or is it a complete exam resit ? I have done the UK CAA ATPLs. Anyone done this or have any info on it Thanks

[rudestuff]

Expect the worst. The ATPLs themselves don't expire - the time limits are on what you can use them for. If you use them for a PPL then they last 24 months, for CPL or IR is 36 months, for FI there is no expiry and for ATPL it's 7 years from your last IR.

Here's where it gets a bit grey and becomes open to interpretation: if you get ONLY the IR within 36 months then technically you could (try) to argue that they're expired for CPL but still valid for ATPL then just do the CPL exams, thus maintaining a fATPL. The reality is the CAA will probably tell you to do them again.

So just do them again, it's not as big a deal as people make out! In terms of study and more importantly available studying resources - ATPLs well probably be a better option than CPL anyway.

When do your exams expire?

[JB57]

Thanks for the info my exams expire early November