Stefano Simoni

Subjects: GENERAL NAVIGATION, POWERPLANT, FLIGHT PLANNING.

How do you become an airline pilot?

In order to become an airline pilot, you need to achieve the Airline Pilot Transport Licence ATPL). This training foresees you take all exams needed to complete your ATPL theory and leave them ‘frozen’. You will achieve a CPL/IR (with ATPL theory), which is suitable to be recruited by an airline. As soon as you reach 1500 flight hours, you can convert your licence from ATPL ‘frozen’ into an unfrozen ATPL. To access your training you have to be over 18 (to take the exams) and submit a first class medical certificate issued by the Italian Air Force (IMAS).
Which licence is required to work for an airline?

The only licence that allows you to apply for a domestic or international airline company is the ATPL (Airline Pilot Transport Licence).
Moreover, Urbe Aero is the first certified flight school in Italy to issue the new Multi-crew Pilot Licence (MPL), a training project fully linked to an airline to train pilots working exclusively for that airline. We have been the main reference point for the training of Alitalia pilots since 2019.
How long do you need to become an airline pilot?

You can choose between two paths to achieve your ATPL: the integrated or the modular course.
The ATPL integrated course allows you to become an airline pilot in just 24 months, starting from scratch.
The ATPL modular course instead, is subdivided into different steps. The trainee decides the time it will take. In order to achieve an ATPL you need to have a private pilot licence (PPL), complete all steps foreseen by the programme and build up the hours required to achieve a commercial licence. This kind of training is perfect for those who study/work and have little time available.
Is there a minimum/maximum age to become a pilot?

The minimum age to enrol into a course is 17, but you need to be 18 to do your licence exams. There no maximum age limits as far as your medical certificate states you are psychologically/physically fit to work as a pilot.
What are the requirements to become an airline pilot?
- Be 18 in order to do the exams;
- Have a High School Leaving Diploma ;
- Hold a first class medical certificate, issued by the Italian Air Force;
- Adequate knowledge of mathematics and physics to face the study of some theoretical subjects in a simple way;
- Good knowledge of the English language;
- Attend an ATPL course in a flight school certified by ENAC (The Italian Civil Aviation Authority) such as Urbe Aero.
What is the first class medical test?

Class 1 medical visit is a pre-requirement to enrol in airline pilot courses. They will perform all normal checks, e.g. they will check your eyesight, hearing, balance, blood pressure, ECG, and do blood and urine tests; you will also undergo a detailed psychological test. The tests are held in the Medical Institute of the Italian Air Force. All students who wish to attend our ATPL courses can contact the school to book their medical test.
How much does it cost to become an airline pilot?

Becoming an airline pilot is an important investment. It is a very committing path, which requires time, energies and economic resources. However, it can guarantee a very satisfying career.
In order to help all those who cannot manage to pay in one instalment, Urbe Aero has started a collaboration with BNL, BNP Paribas Group, to finance an ATPL Integrated course through the so-called BNL Futuriamo loan. Click here to learn more about the “BNL Futuriamo” loan.
What is a Type rating and what is it for?

The so-called type rating, is a further title that allows a pilot to fly a specific type of aircraft (e.g. a Boing 737, Airbus 350). It is achieved after passing a theory and a practice test on the type of aircraft you wish to fly.
These licences are necessary to fly different types of aircraft or fly aircraft with different characteristics (such as I.R. – Instrumental Rating). You can achieve them once you finish your training to become a commercial pilot.
All pilots who pass their interviews with a given airline can then attend the course and take their type rating for the aircraft they will fly.
Pilot licence or Flight licence? What is the difference?

None. Nowadays, we just talk about a pilot licence.
First step to become a pilot?

As soon as the intention to become a pilot comes, the first step to obtain the medical certification. For the commercial pilot license, or airline pilot, the Class 1 Medical certification is required and for the first check it must be booked at IMAS (Institute of Aerospace Medicine of the Air Force) in one of the three centers present in Italy: Rome, Milan and Bari. The visit is valid for one year and the renewals can be booked both with IMAS and with a certified Aeronautical Doctor (AME).

For the private pilot licence, the Class 2 Medical certification is required, with two years of validity, and can be booked to a certified Aeronautical Doctor (AME).

Please find the lists of AME Doctors present in Italy
Difference between Integrated ATPL and Modular ATPL?

The Integrated ATPL course is a compressed course in a 24-month program, mainly aimed at those who have zero experience and can dedicate full time attendance to training, from Monday to Friday.

The Modular ATPL course is a path divided into several modules and is more suitable for those who already have flight experience and are not available for full-time attendance as they are already employed. The duration of the course depends solely on the determination of the student.
Which attendance is required for the Integrated ATPL course?

The ATPL Integrated Course requires full-time attendance from Monday to Friday. The program includes 4/6 hours of lessons a day, as well as tests, checks and English lessons.
What is the fundamental knowledge to face the ATPL path?

An adequate knowledge of mathematics and physics will facilitate the learning of some of the subjects of the course. Knowledge of the English language is essential to face the course and to successfully pass the airline selections.
What is the MPL license?

The Multi-crew Pilot License (MPL – Multi-crew Pilot License) represents a specific training project requested by an airline from a Flight School. Consequently, it is not a path that can be chosen by the student as the selection of students is usually done by the airlines.
What is the difference between commercial pilot license and airline pilot license?

The only path that allows you to become an airline pilot and make selections with the airlines is the ATPL course that allow you to obtain the CPL-IR licence with “frozen” ATPL. As soon as you have gained a flight experience of 1500 hours, the license can be unlocked also in the practical part. You can proceed through a specific simulator check which can often be performed directly with the airline.

The commercial pilot licence (CPL-IR), is not preferred by airlines because it is considered an incomplete licence, and in Europe you can work with only on small single-pilot private jets. Large long range aircraft require multi-pilot configuration and therefore frozen ATPL licence.