EASA Licences and ratings

To issue any flight crew licence under EASA theoretical knowledge testing is required. ATPL theory is the highest theoretical knowledge under EASA. Syllabi of tested knowledge covers the learning objectives and subjects for issue of:

• LAPL(A)
• PPL(A)
• CPL(A)
• IR(A)
• ATPL(A)

The common practice of future professional pilots is to obtain the PPL(A) and attend specific theoretical knowledge so-called ATPL-650 course. Once attended, the comprehensive testing is required at one of the EASA authotrities. The testing sessions covering following subjects:

• air law;
• aircraft general knowledge — airframe/systems/power plant;
• aircraft general knowledge — instrumentation;
• mass and balance;
• performance;
• flight planning and monitoring;
• human performance;
• meteorology;
• general navigation;
• radio navigation;
• operational procedures;
• principles of flight; and
• communications.;

As mentioned, by attending those exams the credit for issue of instrument rating, Commercial Pilot Licnence and Airline Transport Pilot Licence is granted.

So there is no need to attend additional theoretical testing. The ATPL theory credit stays valid for 7 years since the last expiry date of the Instrument Rating. So it is automatically revalidated with revalidation of any instrument rating endorsed in the licence (class or type-related instrument rating).

Even the transition from Frozen ATPL (holder of CPL licence) to full ATPL does not require additional theory testing provided the theoretical ATPL credit is still valid.