Step by step
ATPL, MPL, CPL, frozen ATPL: the world of aviation licences can be confusing. In this article we explain each type, compare the ATPL with the MPL and share views from pilot discussions. Licence overview Licence In full What does it allow? Required hours PPL Private Pilot Licence Private flying, no passengers for payment 45+ CPL Commercial Pilot Licence Commercial flying, single-pilot 200+ Frozen ATPL Airline Transport Pilot Licence (frozen) Commercial flying as FO with an airline ATPL theory + CPL hours Full ATPL Airline Transport Pilot Licence Captain with an airline 1,500+ (of which 500 multi-crew) MPL Multi-crew Pilot Licence Commercial flying as FO in multi-crew Minimum 240 (mostly simulator) Frozen ATPL vs full ATPL After an integrated or modular course you hold a frozen ATPL: you have completed all ATPL theory but do not yet have enough flying hours for a full ATPL.
You may work as a first officer with an airline. After 1,500 flying hours (of which 500 multi-crew) you can have your frozen ATPL "unfrozen" into a full ATPL: you apply for the ATPL and pass a skill test. Only then can you become a captain. The difference between a CPL and a frozen ATPL: a CPL holder has not yet completed ATPL theory.
A frozen ATPL holder has all the theory but lacks the flying hours. In practice almost everyone aims for a frozen ATPL as the first goal. What is an MPL? The Multi-crew Pilot Licence (MPL) is a relatively new licence type (introduced by ICAO in 2006, in EASA Part-FCL since 2012) designed specifically for multi-crew airline operations.
Unlike the ATPL route, an MPL has no PPL phase and far fewer flying hours in real aircraft; the emphasis is on simulator training. MPL programmes are always offered in cooperation with an airline. You are trained directly for the aircraft type and procedures of that specific airline. Airlines offering MPL: Brussels Airlines (Skywings), easyJet/CAE, Lufthansa, British Airways, Etihad, Scoot.
ATPL vs MPL: pros and cons ATPL (integrated) MPL PPL included Yes No Real flying hours 200+ about 40 to 80 Simulator training Limited Extensive (the majority) Single-pilot experience Yes No Tied to an airline No Yes (usually) Moving to another airline Easy More difficult (additional training needed) Job guarantee No (unless cadet) Often yes Costs €80,000 to €130,000 Variable (sometimes financed) Views from pilot discussions Supporters of the MPL point to the direct airline integration, the more modern training and the job guarantee. They argue that simulator training is more effective than old-fashioned VFR flying hours. Critics call the MPL the "Mysterious Pilot Licence" and warn of the dependence on one airline. The European Cockpit Association (ECA) has criticised the lack of single-pilot experience.
If the sponsoring airline goes bankrupt, an MPL holder is left with a licence that is hard to transfer. In pilot discussions the ATPL vs MPL debate is polarised. The advice that comes up most often: choose the ATPL if you want flexibility, the MPL if a concrete job guarantee matters to you.
