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Aviation Pacific - JAA ATPL Distance Learning Ground Training Course

JAA ATPL Ground Course FAQs


Do I need to convert the JAA License to an Indian ATP License

Yes, any license issued by a contracting state needs to be converted to an Indian License. The requirements remain the same as the CPL. Examinations in the Composite paper and Air Regulation. The Composite paper covers the subjects of Air Navigation, Radio Aids & Instruments and Aviation Meteorology. This should not pose a serious challenge, especially after clearing the Air Navigation, Radio Aids & Instruments in the JAA ATPL syllabus. The regulations paper is almost the same as the CPL regulations; which you'd have cleared.
For more information see the Examination for Issue/Extension for Flight Crew License/Rating - Procedure thereof. click here

Is the frozen ATPL a license that will be issued to me?

No, the frozen ATPL is not a license, but it is a term used worldwide and quite recognized by the industry. This indicates that except for the flying experience, you have all the other requirements to hold a full JAA ATPL.

If it is not a license, then what does it indicate?

Quite straightaway, it indicates to the airline employer, that you are career minded pilot and that you posses the academic skills to eventually take over in command. Most importantly, it indicates to him that with the required flying experience; something you will gain on the job, you will automatically qualify for a full JAA ATPL

Why should an airline employer prefer a pilot with a frozen ATP over a pilot without one?

A CPL holder with some ME experience, can only be employed to work as a First Officer/Co-Pilot. To get his command, he needs to get an ATPL. This, he would have to do on the job, sometime during his employment in the company. If such a pilot takes time to clear his ATPL exams, then he continues to remains in the company as a First Officer. On the other hand, by employing a pilot with a frozen ATPL, the company will be employing a pilot who is academically qualified to fly in command from the first day; even though he will fly, in the interim period, as a co-pilot. The employer also knows that the more he scheduled to fly, the faster he would get his full JAA ATPL. Today, this is the standard practice or a defacto qualification for an airline job in the U.K. and the European Union.

Is the JAA License acceptable in other countries?

A full JAA ATPL with type qualification is recognized by several international carriers, and a frozen ATPL is just a point in your aviation carrier before you would get there.

How long are these examinations valid for before I can get to complete my flying experience?

These examinations are valid for 7 years. So hopefully in that time, you will gain some employment to be able to accomplish these requirements.

What is the maximum time allowed to complete the distance learning course?

The maximum time permitted from the first examination is 18 months. If you do not complete all the 14 examinations within 14 months, you will have to repeat these examinations again.

Do I have to attend the JAA ATPL ground training classes?

Yes, the attendance of the ground training is mandatory. You will not be allowed to appear for the examination unless you have the documentation that certifies that you have attended these classes and completed the ground course. This is a JAA requirement.

Can I do my ground training privately with any other training institution?

No, these classes will be conducted by a JAA certified instructor. Instructors for this course in Mumbai will fly down from the UK/USA to conduct these courses.

What are the other flying requirements for converting my ICAO license to a JAA license?

You need to convert you CPL and IR to a JAA CPL/IR. This must be done in UK airspace. Briefly, this involves the following:
a) UK Class 1 Medical conducted at Gatwick Airport
b) UK R/T License
c) MEPCR - Multi-engine Piston Class Rating. This is a check ride conducted in the UK for the ICAO ME experience that you hold
d) MEPIR - Multi-engine piston Instrument Rating. Approx 15 hours of IR flying in UK airspace and an IR check ride.

At the end of this exercise, you would hold a JAA CPL.

Can I do this at any flying school in the UK?

No, flying schools need to be certified to conduct this training for foreign pilots. In other words, these schools have to be immigration approved; just like in the U.S>

Do I need a special UK visa to do this flying training?

No, as long as you hold a valid visa for entry into the UK

Aircraft TyresHow long should this flying training take?

Under normal circumstances, this should take 6 to 8 weeks at the most.

Are these JAA ATPL examination difficult?

When compared to the FAA written examinations, they are far more difficult. Let's put it this way, these are the toughest license examinations to clear. The rules and conditions make it even more difficult. This is for the serious minded professional pilots and that is why it is respected all over the world. However, our distance learning program has a very high passing rate in Europe and the UK - approx 90 %.


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