What is ATPL: Everything you need to know about Commercial Pilot Licence

ATPL (A): Airline Transport Pilot Licence
The licence that will take you to the top.

Publicado por Ignacio Espila el 1 April, 2026

Última actualización: 12 May, 2026

One of the hardest academic questions that arises when you decide to obtain the ATPL license to become an airline pilot is about the syllabus. Besides choosing the best flight school, you must make another crucial decision: choose between studying integrated ATPL or modular ATPL.

In addition, if you have already started researching, you will probably have doubts about what an ATPL course consists of, which subjects it includes, or how many flight hours it includes. Or you may also want to know the differences between the various licenses and ratings that make up the Commercial Pilot course.

Below, we have cleared up all the questions you might have before you start your training as a pilot. We will also tell you about our different training programmes and the advantages of doing your ATPL course in Spain at One Air.

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ATPL COURSE IN MALAGA
✓ Diamond, Cirrus & Tecnam Fleet
✓ Alsim ALX & Alsim AL42
✓ A320 & B737 simulators
✓ Boeing 737 MAX SimLab
✓ International Airport H24

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What is ATPL?

What does it mean?

The ATPL or ATP (Airline Transport Pilot License) is the license that allows you to work as an airline pilot for specific companies transporting people and cargo. It is the highest level of aircraft pilot certification, and it enables you to pilot aircraft weighing more than 5700 kg or with more than nine passenger seats.

The EASA ATPL license is the universal standard established to guarantee an academic standard in approved training centres in European countries.

Grupo One Air, as E-ATO 190, is approved by AESA under EASA regulations to give the Airline Transport License in Spain.

What is frozen ATPL?

The frozen ATPL is obtained by completing all the theoretical phases of training and passing the 14 corresponding exams.

Therefore, owning a frozen ATPL means that the theoretical part has been passed, but the required flight hours have not been reached yet.

To ‘unfreeze’ the ATPL, EASA establishes that 1500 flight hours have to be completed under the following minimum criteria:

500 hours flown (either DM dual command, or PIC Pilot in Command).
250 flight hours as PIC.
200 hours of cross country flight (at least 100 as PIC).
75 hours of IR instrument flight.
100 hours of night flight NVFR (PIC or co-pilot).

ATPL Subjects

As mentioned above, to obtain the frozen ATPL license, you must pass the 13 exams corresponding to the ATPL subjects:

Air Law
Aircraft General Knowledge
Instrumentation
Mass and Balance
Performance
Flight Planning and Monitoring
Human Performance
Meteorology
General Navigation
Radio Navigation
Operational Procedures
Principles of Flight
Communications

What’s more, One Air is an official AESA FCL examination centre in Málaga, so you can sit your exams in the comfort of our own facilities.

And, if you’re wondering why the title says there are 14 subjects, no, we haven’t made a mistake. Subject 14 of the ATPL is the KSA, which is assessed by the school, not ‘officially’. It prioritises and encourages critical and reasoned thinking over the rote memorisation of concepts.

ONE AIR
Official Headquarters for AESA FCL Exams in Malaga
State Aviation Safety Agency

In the following video, our student Samuel Pérez tells you about his experience in the ATPL course at One Air. Don’t miss it!

Integrated ATPL vs Modular ATPL

Many students ask us whether, to become a commercial pilot, an integrated or modular ATPL is better. The truth is that both options meet the highest European standards and set you up for success.

The training consists of different phases or modules: two licence stages (PPL and CPL) and the various ratings that are noted down on them (multi-engine ME, instrument IR, night NVFR, etc.).

Based on this, the main difference between both modalities is that with a modular ATPL you become a pilot from the first time you obtain your licence and you will obtain the relevant ratings according to the modules you pass, without having to wait to complete the whole programme. In contrast, with an integrated ATPL you obtain all licences and ratings at the end of the course with the successful completion of the last phase of training.

Main differences between the Integrated ATPL and the Modular ATPL.
	Modular ATPL	Integrated ATPL
METHODOLOGY	You become a pilot step-by-step, progressively earning licenses and accreditations from the very beginning.	It is an intensive program strategically designed to optimize timeframes.
LICENSING PROGRESSION	You obtain independent licenses as you successfully complete each training module.	You earn all your licenses and ratings seamlessly at the end of the comprehensive program.
THEORETICAL DEPTH	It delves deeper into each subject, as the program features a higher number of EASA-stipulated theoretical hours.	It provides the essential, high-quality knowledge required to obtain your license in a shorter timeframe.

Furthermore, a modular ATPL course covers each subject in greater depth, as it includes more hours of theory. Each phase is taught in full, covering all the theoretical content stipulated by EASA for this type of training.

For its part, the integrated ATPL programme is designed to optimise the timeframe, providing you with the essentials to obtain your licence in less time; it also covers all the content stipulated by the Authority for this type of training.

Both training methods are valid and meet the essential requirements to become a commercial pilot; so you will need to choose based on your specific needs or personal preferences.

Three ways to take your ATPL course at One Air

At One Air, with over 15 years’ experience training professional pilots, we have developed three different programmes for you to become a commercial pilot:

✓ Integrated ATPL: The integrated ATPL course offering the best value for money in Europe. It includes over 1,000 hours of theory, 250 hours of practical training (flight and simulator), and advanced ratings such as PBN, UPRT and APS MCC.

✓ Airline Pilot Programme ATPL: Much more flight experience, double the theory hours and the FTTC course on the A320 and B737, designed exclusively by One Air. A modular ATPL with a wealth of experience whilst maintaining the best value for money in Europe.

✓ International Airline Pilot University Programme ATPL: The world’s most comprehensive ab-initio training. Includes a European University Degree in Aviation Management and Business, FI (A) instructor course and Airbus A320 type rating with real landings and take-offs.

All our programmes are based on quality and all meet the highest educational standards, but each of them is specially designed to meet the different needs of our pilots.

Integrated ATPL

The best value for money in Europe.

The Integrated ATPL is an intensive ATPL training developed by our school, in which we include the essentials to obtain the Commercial Pilot Licence CPL (A) and Airline Transport (ATPL frozen).

With 1000 hours of theory, 250 hours of real and simulator flight, SEP, MEP, IR, PBN, NVFR ratings, UPRT course, APS MCC course, ICAO English and even fees and insurance, you have a complete training with everything you need to become a commercial pilot.

If you want to see in detail what is included in our Integrated ATPL just click on the button below.

Discover our new Integrated ATPL

Airline Pilot Programme ATPL

Much more experience while retaining the best value for money in Europe.

The Airline Pilot Programme or APP is an intensive training developed by our school, in which you will complete all the necessary phases and qualifications to obtain the Commercial Pilot Licence CPL (A) and Airline Transport Licence (ATPL frozen).

What does it include?

✓ Private Pilot License PPL (A)

✓ Airline Transport Theory (ATPL Theory)

✓ PIC (Pilot In Command) flight hours

✓ Single-Engine Rating SEP

✓ Multi-Engine Rating (MEP)

✓ Instrument Rating (IFR) with PBN

✓ Commercial Pilot License CPL (A)

✓ Night Flight Rating (NVFR)

✓ UPRT course (Upset Prevention & Recovery Training)

✓ Previous IFR Instrumental Course in Garmin 1000 simulator

✓ APS MCC course in FNPT II simulator Alsim ALX

✓ ICAO English Language Proficiency

✓ Aeronautical Interview Preparation

✓ Contract work guarantee

✓ 1771 theoretical hours

✓ 365 total hours of practical training (205 of real flight)

✓ Our exclusive FTTC Full Type Training Course on Airbus A320 and Boeing 737

Discover our Airline Pilot Programme ATPL

International Airline Pilot Programme ATPL

With Business Degree in Aviation Management, A320 Type Rating and Flight Instructor FI (A).

The International Airline Pilot Programme ATPL is a modular ATPL training that we have designed exclusively for you to hace it ALL, and get the Commercial Pilot Licence CPL (A) and Airline Transport Licence (ATPL frozen) with the most comprehensive ab-initio pilot training programme in the world.

This ATPL programme includes 2786 theory hours, 507 hours of real and simulated flight, everything already included in the Airline Pilot Programme ATPL, and the following:

✓ Flight Instructor FI (A) course and rating

✓ Initial work experience as an instructor

✓ Airbus A320 Type Rating with Base Training

✓ International Business Degree in Aviation Management

✓ Specific and personalised support during your entire training

✓ New One Air Pilot Club Membership

If you want to see in detail what our International Airline Pilot University Programme ATPL includes, just click on the button below.

International Airline Pilot Programme ATPL

The most comprehensive ab-initio pilot training programme in the world.

ATPL Course Admission Requirements

✓ Be 18 years old, or turn 18 during the first year of the course.

✓ Be the holder of a Class 1 aviation medical certificate.

✓ High School or Vocational School Attendance Certificate.

✓ English level test.

✓ Test of general knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions about ATPL | FAQs

Is it possible to perform ATPL online?

At One Air, we want to make your learning as easy as possible and allow you to complete your theoretical training most conveniently for you.

You can choose to take the theory stage of the PPL (A) License online, with live bilingual classes, through our official platform and approved by AESA.

The theoretical classes of ATPL are given face-to-face daily in our school; they are bilingual classes with qualified instructors. This is the way you will make the most of your study hours, while you are nourished by the direct contact with your colleagues and the rest of the staff.

However, you will also have the option of studying ATPL at a distance, from wherever you want and entirely at your own pace. To do this, you will only have to attend the ‘revision weeks’ before the exams, in which you will resolve doubts, consolidate your knowledge and prepare to pass the different official tests.

ATPL Price: How much does it cost?

Currently, the investment to obtain an ATPL license in Spain ranges between €80,000 and €130,000, depending on whether you choose the integrated route, the modular route, or the university program.

As this is a major financial decision, we recommend checking our exhaustive analysis of pilot training costs in Spain, where we break down each concept, the return on investment, and payment options.

What ATPL exams are performed?

Each of the 13 subjects that make up the theoretical phase of the ATPL must be passed individually by official examination in SENASA. You should know that, at One Air, you can take your exams at our main base in Malaga city, as we are an official exam centre. To know everything about ATPL exams do not miss our post.

In addition, you must also take the Language Proficiency Exam by completing the tests stipulated for this purpose. You will take these exams at our school, without having to go anywhere else, since we are authorised examiners by OACI.

What is ICAO ATPL?

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is the body in charge of regulating everything related to worldwide civil aviation.

In addition, it is the organisation that establishes the standard to follow for the different academic procedures; as well as the global aeronautical regulations and norms.

Our ATPL course, Airline Pilot Programme, meets the official standards and requirements stipulated by the European Aviation Safety Agency. One Air ATO 190, is an AESA approved training organisation under EASA regulations.

ATPL vs PPL

While the PPL only allows you to fly as a private pilot, always for recreational purposes and under certain restrictions; the ATPL is the license that will enable you to exercise as a pilot in command of aircraft over 5700 kg or more than 9 passenger seats.

ATPL vs CPL

Although the ATPL is the license to carry out air transport, it is the CPL license that allows you to receive economic reward for it. Therefore, both licenses are part of the full training to be able to work as a commercial aircraft pilot.

ATPL vs ATP

ATPL and ATP are two ways of referring to the Airline Transport License; therefore, they are the same.

Why obtain your ATPL Licence at One Air?

THREE DIFFERENT PROGRAMMES
We offer you three different and specific programmes to obtain your ATPL Licence. Choose the one that best suits your needs!
DIAMOND, CIRRUS & TECNAM FLEET
The largest fleet of Diamond, Cirrus and Tecnam in Spain, with more than 30 aircraft.
SIMLAB by One Air
✓ Boeing 737 MAX
✓ Airbus A320 + Boeing 737
✓ Alsim FNPT II ALX + FNPT II AL42
✓ Full Motion RebBird Xwind
FLY FROM TWO AIRPORTS
✓ Málaga International H24 Airport
✓ Axarquía Private Airport

ONE AIR TYPE RATING
Our specific ATO for type ratings with E-ATO 316 certification.
ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORT
Luxury student accommodation and private shuttle bus to transfer you between the school, the residence and the airports.
MAINTENANCE CENTRE
Our own maintenance centre exclusively for our aircraft fleet.

UP-TO-DATE FACILITIES
More than 5000 m² dedicated to pilot training: multimedia library, digital classrooms, lounge area for students, among others.
EXCEPTIONAL WEATHER CONDITIONS
Malaga offers the best weather conditions for pilot training, with an average of more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year.
HUMAN TEAM
We are more than 100 professionals dedicated to providing you with the best training, of which more than 30 are flight instructors.
VALUE-ADDED TRAINING
We offer you our own recruitment programme, airline access course, study insurance with loss of licence, pre-approved financing, among many other advantages.

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW!

ATPL (A): Airline Transport Pilot Licence

ATPL COURSE IN MALAGA