Modular Airline Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL) Theory Course

Modular Airline Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL) Theory Course


Start Dates 2026

  • Module 1: 5th January – 27th February – IAA exams 2rd March (In-person class full / online option only)
  • Module 2: 9th March – 24th April – IAA exams 28th April (In-person class full / online option only)
  • Module 3: 4th May – 19th June – IAA exams 22nd June (In-person class full / online option only)
  • Module 3: 4th May – 19th June – IAA exams 22nd June (In-person class full / online option only)
  • Module 1: 29th June – 21st August – IAA exams 24th August (In-person class full / online option only)
  • Module 2: 31st August – 16th October – IAA exams 19th October – Attendence TBC
  • Module 3: 26th October – 11th December – IAA exams 14th December – Attendence TBC

Part-Time Distance Learning students can begin the ATPL theory course at anytime provided they have an ICAO or EASA PPL.

Requirements

  • Minimum age: 17 ½ years of age.
  • Must hold a valid EU (Part-MED) issued Class 1 Medical.
  • Must hold a valid EASA or ICAO PPL.

Course Goal

The ATPLs are a set of 13 subjects and exams which are required for the issue of an Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence. You have two options to complete this module, either full time or by distance learning. The full time course is 650 hours of classroom based training conducted over a six month period at the academy. The distance learning course requires 65 hours of class room study and can be completed in six to eighteen months. The full time course is split into three bi-monthly modules culminating in a set of exams at the end of each module.

  • All course material is delivered digitally .
  • All examinations are taken electronically can be sat at either AFTA’s examination centre in Cork or the Irish Aviation Authority centre in Dublin after each module. All examinations are set by the Irish Aviation Authority.

Course Syllabus

 Module 1 (9 Weeks)

  • Meteorology
  • Performance
  • Flight Planning
  • Mass & Balance
  • Human Performance

Module 2 (8 Weeks)

  • Principles of Flight
  • General Navigation
  • Radio Navigation
  • Communications

 Module 3 (8 Weeks)

  • Aircraft General Knowledge
  • Instrumentation
  • Operational Procedures
  • Air Law

ATPL Theory – Distance Learning

If you are working full-time and cannot commit to studying full-time then the ATPL theory distance learning is the best option for you. As a distance learning student you can start at any time as long as you hold an ICAO PPL.

All content is delivered digitally using e-books from our partner PadPilot. Our experienced instructors will be also be available to explain any content or answer any questions you may have. During the course you will need to complete a minimum of 650 hours of study to complete the course. With distance learning you must also attend 65 hours in a classroom. Before sitting the official IAA exams you will have the opportunity to sit the practice exams at no extra cost. These exams usually take place a week or 2 before the official exams.

The ATPL distance learning can be completed within a minimum of 6 months or maximum of 18 months. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you are interested in learning more about the ATPL distance learning.

Contact Our Training Advisers.

Make an appointment to talk with one of our expert Training Advisors. They are trained to answer all your questions regarding training, finance and career prospects. This service is free.

[hubspot portal=”145210492″ id=”f35397f7-b61a-4ab1-9846-e9674faeeac8″ type=”form”]

Interested in learning more?

Contact us today