What Is ATPL? Complete Guide to the Airline Transport Pilot Licence in India
The highest pilot licence, explained in simple words for Indian student pilots.
What Is ATPL? (Easy Explanation)
ATPL stands for Airline Transport Pilot Licence.
It is the highest and most advanced pilot licence issued by DGCA and is required if you want to become an Airline Captain.
A CPL allows you to work as a First Officer,
but an ATPL allows you to take full command of an aircraft for commercial airline operations.
In simple words:
👉 ATPL = Licence to become the Captain of an airliner.
What Can a Pilot Do With an ATPL?
With an ATPL, a pilot can:
- Fly as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) on commercial passenger flights
- Take complete responsibility for the aircraft, crew and passengers
- Make operational and safety-related decisions
- Fly large commercial aircraft like Airbus A320, Boeing 737, ATR etc.
- Earn a higher salary and hold senior positions in the cockpit
ATPL represents the highest level of authority and responsibility in civil aviation.
Difference Between CPL and ATPL (Simple Terms)
A CPL is the licence you get after flight training and lets you start your career as a First Officer.
An ATPL is what you earn later in your career once you gain experience, pass additional exams, and achieve the required flight hours. It allows you to become a Captain.
Think of it like this:
- CPL = Entry-level licence → First Officer
- ATPL = Advanced licence → Captain
Every commercial pilot ultimately works towards ATPL.
When Do You Actually Need an ATPL?
You do not need ATPL to join an airline.
A CPL is enough for you to get a job as a First Officer.
You need an ATPL when you:
- Want to be promoted to Captain
- Want to command flights
- Want to take full responsibility for the aircraft
- Want higher pay and seniority
So ATPL is earned after you join an airline and gain flying experience.
ATPL Requirements in India (DGCA)
To apply for an ATPL, a pilot must meet the following DGCA requirements:
These hours must include specific categories such as PIC time, cross-country flights, instrument flying, night flying and commercial airline operations.
There are three subjects:
Most pilots gain this experience while working as First Officers. Once all requirements are completed, DGCA approves and issues the ATPL.
✔ 1. Minimum 1500 Hours of Flying Experience
These hours must include specific categories such as PIC time, cross-country flights, instrument flying, night flying and commercial airline operations.
✔ 2. Valid DGCA Class 1 Medical
✔ 3. Passed All ATPL Theory Exams
There are three subjects:
- ATPL Navigation
- ATPL Meteorology
- ATPL Radio Aids & Instruments
✔ 4. Practical Experience in Commercial Operations
Most pilots gain this experience while working as First Officers. Once all requirements are completed, DGCA approves and issues the ATPL.
ATPL Exam Difficulty (What Students Should Know)
ATPL exams are more detailed than CPL exams. They cover:
- Long-range airline navigation
- High-altitude and jet-stream meteorology
- Complex radio navigation systems
- Automation, instruments and airline-specific operations
Many pilots attempt ATPL exams after building some flight experience, which makes them easier to understand.
How Pilots Normally Get an ATPL (Career Path)
Here is the typical journey for pilots in India:
- Complete 10+2 with Physics and Maths
- Clear Class 2 and Class 1 Medical
- Complete flying training and obtain CPL
- Join an airline as a First Officer
- Build flying hours (until you reach 1500+ hours)
- Pass all ATPL theory exams
- Apply to DGCA for the ATPL approval
After ATPL is issued, the airline may upgrade you to Captain, depending on performance, seniority and training.
ATPL Salary in India
Pilots with ATPL earn the highest salaries in the airline industry.
Captains earn significantly more than First Officers.
Typical salaries range from:
- Around ₹4 to ₹8 lakh per month for Captains
- Even higher for Senior Captains, Instructors and Examiners
Actual salary depends on the airline, aircraft type and years of experience.
Do You Need ATPL Before Applying to Airlines?
No.
All Indian airlines accept fresh pilots with just a CPL.
ATPL comes later in your career after gaining experience and flying hours.
Final Summary: Why ATPL Matters
ATPL is the final and most important licence in a pilot’s career.
It represents:
- Leadership
- Skill
- Experience
- Responsibility
- Authority
Every pilot aiming to become an Airline Captain must eventually earn an ATPL.
If your dream is to sit in the left seat of an airliner and command flights,
ATPL is your ultimate destination.
