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License conversion (ICAO to EASA)

Conversions – ICAO to EASA for 'high time pilots'

In order to convert an ICAO ATP to an EASA ATPL including a valid type rating on a multi-pilot aircraft, the hours experience requirements and underlying requirements for issuing an EASA ATPL must be met. The type rating must be valid, also during the conversion period as such. The EASA medical certificate must have been issued in the same EASA Member State where one actually wishes to apply for the certificate. After passing the theory exams, you must take a skill test on the type of aircraft (simulator) for which you have a valid type rating by an EASA recognized (TRE) examiner.

Minimum requirements and/or preferences

  • be in possession of at least an ICAO recognized ATP
  • preferably in possession of an EASA Class 1 medical certificate
  • valid type rating on a multi-pilot aircraft
  • sufficient knowledge of English as well as mathematics and physics
  • meet the issuance requirements of an EASA ATPL

To be issued with an EASA ATPL(A) you will need 1500 hours flight time, including:

  • 500 hours on multi-pilot aircraft;
  • 250 hours pilot in command (or 500 hours pilot on command under supervision; or 70 hours pilot in command and 180 hours pilot in command under supervision);
  • 200 hours cross-country;
  • 75 hours instrument time; and
  • 100 hours of night flying

Course structure and build-up

All theory courses consist of a 'distance learning' phase (home study at your own pace) and a short session of half a day per subject (morning or afternoon) based on question and answer as a check on ready basic knowledge.

After completion of each module, the exams follow. These are administered monthly online in our own exam center. Candidates who fall within the specified category will be exempted from participating in this mandatory classroom training.

Prior to the course, a 'refresher' module has been inserted concerning basic knowledge of mathematics and physics with a compulsory test as well as an introduction to Knowledge, Skills & Attitude (KSA).

In order to keep the theory course clear and to ensure that specific components connect well with each other, the teaching material, consisting of 13 theory courses, is divided into two modules:

1 Module

  • 061 – General Navigation

  • 022 – Instrumentation

  • 033 – Flight Planning and Monitoring

  • 050 – Meteorology

  • 040 – Human Performance and Limitations

  • 090 – Communications

  • 031 – Mass and Balance

2 Module

  • 021 – Aircraft General Knowledge

  • 062 – Radio Navigation (PBN)

  • 071 – Operational Procedures

  • 081 – Principles of Flight

  • 032 - Performance

  • 010 – Air Law

After passing your first exams of module 1, you continue with module 2 through self-study. You then participate in the last classroom exam training in Arnhem (exemption) and take the remaining exams.

Self study

The big advantage of our 'distance learning' ATPL(A) training is that you can organize your pace and study time yourself. The home study work program is structured schematically in weeks and daily tasks, whereby with approximately fifteen study hours per week, a turnaround time of about six months is easily feasible for both modules, excluding exams.

An average student completes the ATPL(A) theory course in approximately four to six months. Module 1 takes about fourteen weeks, module 2 about ten weeks. Of course you can determine your study load. The lead time depends on your own time effort.
In the self-study, you are guided through all courses and subjects via a simple work program per module. Study progress is checked by means of compulsory 'progress' tests. The 'progress' tests are administered in a varying number of chapters and can be made at home on the computer. Then you can send the test online to Orbit Groundschool for checking with one push of a button.

Course Material
  • ATPdigital CBT software – for Mac, iPad or PC (downloadable)
  • Activation code for 2 installations per license on PC or Mac
  • Jeppesen General Student Pilot Itinerary Manual
  • Revision & Brushup Courses (participation not required / legally exempt)
  • Bundled Civil Aviation Publications 696, 697 and 698
  • 24/7 email support from subject teachers
  • 12 months access to BGSonline with practice questions database
  • 12 months technical software support

Reference material:
Associated books can be ordered optionally as reference material or reference work. Books are not required to complete a full course.

Not included:

  • Pooleys CRP-5 navigation calculator and pen
  • EASA allowed calculator (Type Casio FX-82MS)
  • Navigation protractor
  • Cost of theory exams @ 75,00€ per subject when 'in-house' on location Arnhem (Austro)
  • Accommodation costs during your stay in Arnhem (see information page 'accommodation')