Mpl to cpl/atpl conversion
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2026
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Ethiopia
Mpl to cpl/atpl conversion
Hello
how do I convert my MPL to CPL or if possible to ATPL/FAA ATP. I have 4000 hours on 777/787 with SIC type rating. Anyone with the experience,I really need your help
thanks
how do I convert my MPL to CPL or if possible to ATPL/FAA ATP. I have 4000 hours on 777/787 with SIC type rating. Anyone with the experience,I really need your help
thanks
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2026
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Ethiopia
I prefer FAA BUT Any country is good for as long as it ICAO members.
How long will it take to get the FAA ATP? Do you have any idea on how much will it cost me. Which route would you recommend me? My Goal is just convert the MPL so that I can enhance my job opportunities just in case my current employment is terminated.
Joined: Dec 2005
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,973
Likes: 326
From: Hong Kong
I'll have to make some assumptions - You're in Ethiopia and your company won't let you take an ATPL test until you upgrade so you want to get an ICAO ATPL by yourself? The problem you might have is lack of PIC time, often MPL holders have to hour build even to get to CPL level and some authorities don't even have MPLs which complicates things.
UK or EASA are pretty straightforward - Medical, Exams, Sim check but not exactly easy because you have to pass 13 exams which takes 6-12 months.
FAA has much easier theory (1 exam) but you have to do a mandatory ATP-CTP course (kind of like an MCC) then a type rating course so it's much more expensive. There is the option to take the test on a piston twin with all the extra training that involves but I'd stick to jets.
If you have 150 hours of actual PIC I would probably go for a Canadian TCCA ATPL it's kind of between the two - you need 3 exams and a sim check. If you've got money then FAA will be the quickest. If you've got time on your hands then UK and/or EASA will be the cheapest and give you the most options.
UK or EASA are pretty straightforward - Medical, Exams, Sim check but not exactly easy because you have to pass 13 exams which takes 6-12 months.
FAA has much easier theory (1 exam) but you have to do a mandatory ATP-CTP course (kind of like an MCC) then a type rating course so it's much more expensive. There is the option to take the test on a piston twin with all the extra training that involves but I'd stick to jets.
If you have 150 hours of actual PIC I would probably go for a Canadian TCCA ATPL it's kind of between the two - you need 3 exams and a sim check. If you've got money then FAA will be the quickest. If you've got time on your hands then UK and/or EASA will be the cheapest and give you the most options.
