What is a 'frozen ATPL' and how does it work?

A frozen ATPL means you've passed all 14 ATPL theory exams and hold a CPL with IR, but don't yet have the 1,500 hours needed for a full ATPL. You fly as a First Officer under your CPL, and your ATPL 'unfreezes' when you reach 1,500 hours total time (including 500 hours multi-crew). This is the standard European pathway—unlike the US, there's no minimum hours to start flying for airlines.

How much does it cost to become a pilot in Europe?

Integrated ATPL programs cost €80,000 - €130,000. Modular training can be €60,000 - €90,000 spread over several years. Add €25,000 - €40,000 for a type rating (A320/B737) if not included. Total investment: €85,000 - €170,000 depending on pathway. Some cadet programs offer financing or airline-backed loans with deferred repayment.

Do I need to self-fund my type rating in Europe?

Often, yes. Unlike US regionals, most European airlines expect candidates to arrive with a type rating (A320 or B737). Some charge a 'type rating bond' (€20,000 - €40,000) deducted from salary. Cadet programs and some legacy carriers (Lufthansa, BA, Air France) include type ratings. Budget carriers (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz) typically require self-funded type ratings or bonds.

What's the difference between EASA and UK CAA licenses post-Brexit?

After Brexit, UK CAA and EASA licenses are separate. A UK license is valid only in the UK; EASA licenses work across 31 European countries. To work in both, you need both licenses (conversion possible). If you plan to work in mainland Europe, train at an EASA ATO. UK training requires conversion exams and flight tests for EASA privileges.

How long does EASA ATPL theory take?

ATPL theory involves 14 exams covering 750+ hours of material. In integrated programs, expect 6-8 months of ground school. Modular students often take 12-18 months of self-study or part-time courses. You have 18 months to complete all exams from your first attempt, with a maximum of 6 sittings. Once passed, theory is valid for 7 years to complete practical training.

What are the medical requirements for EASA Class 1?

EASA Class 1 medical is required for commercial pilots. It includes comprehensive vision tests (correctable to 6/6), hearing, cardiovascular (ECG), blood/urine analysis, and general physical examination. Valid for 12 months (6 months if over 40). Get your medical FIRST before investing in training to ensure you qualify. Many conditions are acceptable with waivers.

Is it better to train in Spain or the UK?

Spain offers better weather, lower costs, and EASA licensing. UK has English language, strong aviation heritage, but post-Brexit complexity and higher costs. For EU airline careers, EASA (Spain, Portugal, Germany) is simpler. For UK-based careers, UK CAA works. Many choose Spain for training, then work across Europe with their EASA license.

How do I build hours in Europe without CFI jobs?

Unlike the US, CFI jobs are less common in Europe. Options include: banner towing, aerial survey, glider towing, parachute dropping, small charter operators, and ferry flying. Some pilots work as cruise ship/safari pilots or instruct at flying clubs. Many go directly to airlines with 200 hours (frozen ATPL) as European airlines hire low-hour pilots, unlike US regionals.

What airlines are hiring in Europe?

Major hiring: Ryanair (largest), easyJet, Wizz Air, Vueling, and Eurowings for LCCs. Legacy carriers (Lufthansa, BA, Air France-KLM, IAG) hire through cadet programs or direct entry. Cargo growing at DHL, ASL, and Amazon Air. Regional carriers like CityJet, Air Nostrum, and Helvetic offer stepping stones. Competition is strong—networking and timing matter.

Can I train in the US and work in Europe?

Yes, but you'll need to convert your FAA license to EASA. This requires: passing EASA ATPL theory (14 exams), a skill test with EASA examiner, language proficiency test, and EASA Class 1 medical. It's a significant investment of time and money. Many train FAA for lower costs, then convert. Consider whether conversion costs offset initial savings.

EASA Focus

Europe Pilot Training Guide
Your Path to European Airlines

The complete guide to EASA flight training - from choosing between integrated and modular, to landing your first job at Lufthansa, Ryanair, or British Airways.

By Captain Joe, airline pilot with 17+ years of experience flying in European airspace.

Complete Guide US Training Guide

€80-130K

Integrated ATPL Cost

18-24 mo

Integrated Duration

200 hrs

Min. for Frozen ATPL

EASA Member States

Integrated vs Modular Training

The two main pathways to your EASA frozen ATPL—each with distinct advantages depending on your situation.

Integrated ATPL

Full-time intensive program from zero to frozen ATPL in 18-24 months. All training at one approved training organization (ATO) with structured syllabus.

Advantages

•Fastest route
•Structured environment
•Often includes MCC
•Airline connections
•Potential cadet programs

Considerations

•Most expensive upfront
•Full-time commitment
•Less flexibility
•High pressure

Best for: Young career starters with funding, those seeking airline cadet programs

Duration

18-24 months

Cost

€80,000 - €130,000

Modular Training

Build licenses step-by-step at your own pace. Complete each module separately, potentially at different schools across Europe.

Advantages

•Flexible timing
•Can work between modules
•Choose best schools
•Often cheaper total
•Spread costs

Considerations

•Takes longer
•Requires self-discipline
•No cadet programs
•Must coordinate between schools

Best for: Career changers, those who need to work while training, budget-conscious students

Duration

2-4 years

Cost

€60,000 - €90,000

MPL (Multi-Crew Pilot License)

Airline-specific ab-initio program designed for multi-crew operations from day one. Only available through airline cadet programs.

Advantages

•Tailored to airline ops
•Often subsidized
•Guaranteed job
•Most modern approach
•Type rating included

Considerations

•Limited to specific airline
•No single-pilot privileges
•Competitive entry
•Bound to one carrier

Best for: Those committed to one airline, successful cadet program applicants

Duration

18-24 months

Cost

Varies (often airline-sponsored)

EASA Licenses & Ratings

The licenses and ratings you'll earn on your journey to a frozen ATPL and airline cockpit.

License/Rating	Min. Hours	Typical	Cost
PPL(A) Private Pilot License 45 hours	45 hours	50-60 hours	€10,000 - €15,000
ATPL Theory Airline Transport Pilot License Theory 750 hours ground school	750 hours ground school	12-18 months study	€8,000 - €15,000
CPL(A) Commercial Pilot License 200 hours total time	200 hours total time	200-250 hours	€25,000 - €40,000
IR(A) Instrument Rating 50 hours instrument time	50 hours instrument time	55-65 hours	€12,000 - €18,000
ME Multi-Engine Rating 6 hours minimum	6 hours minimum	8-12 hours	€4,000 - €7,000
MCC Multi-Crew Cooperation 20 hours (simulator)	20 hours (simulator)	20-25 hours	€3,000 - €5,000
Total Frozen ATPL		€62,000 - €100,000 Excluding type rating

Understanding "Frozen ATPL"

In Europe, you complete all ATPL theory exams and hold a CPL/IR, but your ATPL is "frozen" until you accumulate 1,500 total hours (including 500 multi-crew hours). You can work as an airline First Officer with a frozen ATPL—it "unfreezes" automatically when you meet the experience requirements. This is different from the US 1,500-hour rule, which prevents airline flying until hours are met.

Airline Cadet Programs

Major European airlines offer structured pathways from zero experience to their cockpit—with mentorship, training, and job guarantees.

Lufthansa Group

European Flight Academy

One of Europe's most prestigious programs training pilots for Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, and Brussels Airlines. Full ab-initio training with guaranteed employment.

Benefits

Guaranteed job at Lufthansa Group
World-class training facilities
Type rating included
Salary during training (final phase)

Requirements

Abitur/A-levels, excellent English & German, rigorous selection process

Cost

€110,000 - €130,000 (financing available)

Timeline

2 years training + direct airline entry

British Airways

Speedbird Pilot Academy

BA's pathway program for aspiring pilots. Training conducted at approved ATOs with a clear route to British Airways.

Benefits

Conditional job offer
BA mentorship
Structured pathway
UK CAA license

Requirements

5 GCSEs including Maths & English, right to work in UK

Cost

£90,000 - £110,000

Timeline

18-24 months to airline

KLM / Air France

KLM Flight Academy

Train at KLM's own flight academy in the Netherlands with direct pathway to KLM or Air France cockpits.

Benefits

Direct KLM/Air France pathway
High-quality Dutch training
Multicultural environment
Strong airline culture

Requirements

Higher secondary education, Dutch or English proficiency

Cost

€100,000 - €120,000

Timeline

2 years to airline

Ryanair

Ryanair Mentored Programme

Partner with approved ATOs for training with a pathway to Europe's largest airline. High volume of opportunities.

Benefits

Europe's largest operator
Many base options
Fast career progression
High flight hours

Requirements

Frozen ATPL, 200+ hours, completed MCC

Cost

Self-funded training + €29,500 type rating bond

Timeline

Direct entry after training completion

easyJet

easyJet Pilot Training Programme

Structured pathway through approved training partners with mentorship and support from easyJet pilots.

Benefits

Strong UK/Europe network
Good work-life balance
Mentorship program
Growing fleet

Requirements

A-levels or equivalent, EASA frozen ATPL

Cost

Self-funded (various ATO options)

Timeline

Apply with frozen ATPL + 200 hours

Type Ratings in Europe

Unlike the US, many European airlines require you to have or pay for your type rating. Here's what to expect.

Airbus A320 Family

Cost:€25,000 - €40,000

Duration:4-6 weeks

Operators: Most European airlines (Lufthansa, easyJet, Ryanair, Vueling, etc.)

Most in-demand type rating in Europe, essential for LCC jobs

Boeing 737 NG/MAX

Cost:€25,000 - €38,000

Duration:4-6 weeks

Operators: Ryanair, TUI, SunExpress, Transavia

Strong demand, especially at Ryanair (Europe's largest 737 operator)

Embraer E-Jet

Cost:€20,000 - €30,000

Duration:3-4 weeks

Operators: KLM Cityhopper, Helvetic, LOT, Air Dolomiti

Good stepping stone to majors, regional jet experience

ATR 42/72

Cost:€15,000 - €25,000

Duration:3-4 weeks

Operators: Stobart Air, Braathens, various regional carriers

Turboprop experience, lower cost entry point

Type Rating Bonds

Many airlines (especially LCCs like Ryanair, Wizz Air) use "type rating bonds" where the airline pays for your type rating upfront, but deducts €20,000 - €40,000 from your salary over 2-3 years. If you leave early, you owe the remaining balance. Understand the terms before signing—some bonds are more favorable than others.

Training Locations in Europe

Where you train affects cost, weather, and airline connections. Here's what each region offers.

Spain

Jerez, Malaga, Valencia, Murcia

Advantages: Excellent weather (300+ VFR days), lower living costs, many international ATOs

Consider: Some schools have mixed reputations—research thoroughly

Schools: FTEJerez, Flybyschool, European Flyers

Avg. Cost: €70,000 - €100,000 integrated

Portugal

Cascais, Ponte de Sor, Évora

Advantages: Great weather, lower costs than northern Europe, English-friendly

Consider: Smaller aviation community, fewer airline connections

Schools: Gestair Flying Academy, Nortávia

Avg. Cost: €65,000 - €95,000 integrated

United Kingdom

Oxford, Bournemouth, Cranfield, Bristol

Advantages: English language, strong aviation heritage, good airline connections

Consider: Post-Brexit requires EASA conversion for EU jobs, higher costs, variable weather

Schools: CAE Oxford, L3Harris Airline Academy, FTA Global

Avg. Cost: £80,000 - £120,000 integrated

Germany

Bremen, Rostock, Strausberg

Advantages: Strong aviation industry, Lufthansa connections, high standards

Consider: Higher costs, German language helpful, weather challenges

Schools: European Flight Academy, RWL German Flight Academy

Avg. Cost: €90,000 - €130,000 integrated

Sweden / Finland

Västerås, Stockholm, Helsinki

Advantages: High quality training, excellent safety culture, unique flying conditions

Consider: Weather limitations, higher living costs, winter challenges

Schools: OSM Aviation Academy, Patria Pilot Training

Avg. Cost: €85,000 - €110,000 integrated

Greece / Cyprus

Athens, Megara, Larnaca

Advantages: Excellent weather, lower costs, growing aviation sectors

Consider: Smaller industry, fewer direct airline pathways

Schools: Egnatia Aviation, Global Aviation

Avg. Cost: €60,000 - €85,000 integrated

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about EASA flight training in Europe

Explore Other Training Regions

Complete Pilot Guide

Step-by-step guide covering licenses, costs & career paths

US Pilot Training

Part 141 vs Part 61, airline cadet programs, 1,500-hour rule

Asia-Pacific & Middle East

Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines cadet programs

10 Mistakes to Avoid

Common training pitfalls that cost aspiring pilots thousands

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License/Rating

Typical

Cost

PPL(A)

Private Pilot License

45 hours

50-60 hours

€10,000 - €15,000

ATPL Theory

Airline Transport Pilot License Theory

750 hours ground school

12-18 months study

€8,000 - €15,000

CPL(A)

Commercial Pilot License

200 hours total time

200-250 hours

€25,000 - €40,000

IR(A)

Instrument Rating

50 hours instrument time

55-65 hours

€12,000 - €18,000

Multi-Engine Rating

6 hours minimum

8-12 hours

€4,000 - €7,000

MCC

Multi-Crew Cooperation

20 hours (simulator)

20-25 hours

€3,000 - €5,000

Total Frozen ATPL

€62,000 - €100,000

Excluding type rating