Switching From Integrated to Modular after finishing ATPL Theory Exams
 

Hi Everyone,

I am currently completing my last three ATPL theory exams on an integrated course as part of a university degree. Due to changed circumstances I would preferably like to change to a Modular course, but I am not even sure if that is possible once completing the ATPL theory exams. Could anyone give me any information if switching part way through an integrated course is possible, and whether it would look bad to future employers? I have been told by my current flight school that this isn't possible without abandoning my current theory exams and restarting, is this true? I am not sure my flight school have my best interests in mind and would really like a second opinion before making such a big decision.

Any advice or recommendations would be really appreciated, there is a similar thread on the forum but with slightly different circumstances, I have found it difficult to find any information on switching and am not sure who to turn to for some impartial advice.

Many thanks in advance.

Hi joenovo123,

When I was a TKI at one of the integrated schools there were a few of students who due to various reasons once they had finished their ATPLs (and that's the key bit) quit the integrated training & went modular. Your ATPL exams will exempt you from the PPL exams once you start on the modular route & the exam credits belong to you not the school. So it is perfectly possible, though your current flight school might not like it due loss of revenue - check your training agreement with a fine tooth comb there could be exit penalties. No potential employer is going to give a damn about you switching at such an early stage & unless you tell them they are unlikely to know (but don't mislead).

In summary it's possible but you might have to negotiate some obstacles, make sure your training records are transferred to your new FTO. This was the case a couple of years ago, I doubt it's changed but it would be wise to check with the CAA before jumping ship.

It is possible and the ATPL credits (as long as you passed all of them) will exempt you from the PPL theory training and exams. Get this verified though by your CAA (the one who will issue the license i.e. the authority that holds your initial medical file) so they will not be surprised when you sent them the skill test report for the PPL requesting the license.
Regarding any flight hours you have done so far, these will not be credited towards your PPL. You will need to do the full structured PPL practical training under one ATO. The flight hours you have logged during the integrated training program will count towards your total time of which you need 200 to pass the CPL skill test.
It is a smart thing to do as you will be able to pace your training in a modular course and time your completion with when the first signs of market recovery are starting to show.

It is possible for sure. 2 friends of mine tried it 2 years ago, first eveything seemed like flawless but then The CAA (Poland) and the ATO gave them many extra things (exams, flights, ground school)
So You are suppossed to be very careful to choose the CAA and ATO where you wanna change. It depends on them even if there are tons of written rules. Good luck :)

Why not take the exams then leave. If they make getting your PPL hard, just take those hours somewhere they are recognised (like the US) and get a PPL there.

Prerequisite for atpl theory for the modular route is holding an ICAO ppl.

The theory exams can only be taken before any flight training(ie not holding a ppl) as part of an integrated course.

If you already hold a ppl no issue.
But I am not sure how it works if you dont hold a ppl. It would seem extreme for the exams not to have cross credit.

Get written confirmation from the authority that will issue the license that the ATPL theory credits are accepted for the PPL. This should provide all the clarity you need. Expect to do all flight hours from zero.

Hello everyone

Has anyone succedded on keeping the theory credits from atpl integrated, and dropping the integrated course before the start of any flying part?
For medical reasons, i'll have to do it, contacted the ATO, they're saying I'll need to do the PPL with them within the 3yr period of my integrated to keep the theory credits.
But that won't suit me, i'm moving elsewhere for treatment, and once i'm able to i'll do ppl and cpl (non easa), and in the future, once i have enough hours to skip the TR fee in Europe i'd use the theory credits.

Also having trouble from my local CAA to get any info on it, anyone has any letter from any ATO in regards to it?

cheers,

good weekend to everyone