Theoretical trainings
The Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL(A)) course is primarily designed for those who wish to become an airline transport pilots. The ATPL(A) Theory Certificate also covers the theoretical training requirements for the CPL(A) Commercial Pilot, IR(A) Instrument Rating and HPA High Performance Aircraft, and therefore the ATPL(A) Theory Course may be of interest to pilots who are not considering becoming a transport pilot but wish to expand their qualifications and learn something extra at the same time.
The distance form of theory course consists of self-study, self-assessment exams, progress exams and final exams. In case of student’s uncertainties, the course is supplemented by a consultation with the instructor.
The ATPL(A) at Pondus Air is taught as a distance module course based on computer-based learning. At the beginning of the course a timetable of lessons and a schedule of examinations is set, where the subjects are arranged in a logical order with sufficient time for self-study. The standard length of an ATPL distance form of learning course is 650 hours. According to PART-FCL, at least 10% of the total course length must be classroom instruction. However, practice shows that this minimum is absolutely insufficient, and therefore at Pondus Air the classroom teaching ratio is set at 25%. This number of hours does not guarantee the lowest price, but it does guarantee the highest quality, which is something that should not be skimped on in transport flying.
The more comprehensive courses are split between multiple subject matter experts and you can attend several seminars beyond the regulatory requirements, e.g. RNAV and RNP procedures, complex piston engine management, introduction to CRM etc.
During self-study, the learner is expected to study for a minimum of 15 hours per week and take regular progress tests on the learning portal. During the classroom sessions, the tutor will review important and problematic parts of the curriculum and answer questions from the learners. The student must then take a final test in each subject.
An applicant for an ATPL(A) theory course must meet the following entry requirements.
The ATPL(A) course is completed when the student:
Upon completion of each subject, the student receives a certificate of completion in his/her certificate and can take the CAA examinations. Upon successful completion of all examinations, the CAA issues a certificate of successful completion of the ATPL(A) theory.