EASA CPL/IR/ME no ATPL written
 

Dear all,

Is it possible to work as a pilot in Europe only with EASA CPL without having ATPL written done? I know that most airlines require frozen ATPL but I recently came across a topic about CPL conversion from an FAA license and wanted to explore that option. I am fully aware one must take the written exams to be employed by the airlines but what about flying corporate or charter?Thanks all.

Hate to burst your bubble but the exams are the same and colloquially it’s known as CPL conversion but in reality it’s ATPl exams.

Just to expand on B2N2s comment - yes you could take the CPL and IR exams, but you won't - because the ATPLs are ironically easier (98% of people skip the CPL/IR exams and go straight to the ATPL exams so there are far more study resources and question banks).

What I meant was I can validate my FAA CPL to EASA CPL one but I don't plan on taking the 13 exams at this time. Would it be possible to find employment with just CPL and no frozen ATPL?

If you are converting the licence (validation is a different thing) to have an EASA CPL/IR issued based on your experience, you will need to do the theoretical course and the exams, as pointed out by others. Doing ATPL theory is the most convenient way, as it covers CPL/IR/HP/ATPL.

If you want to get a multi-pilot type rating issued (airline, bizjet, private - it makes zero difference), you will need to have passed all ATPL exams before the start of the course, ref FCL.720.A(b)(3).

No shortcuts in Europe, I'm afraid.

Thanks for the nice explanation.