Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) – Theoretical Knowledge

Our UK CAA & EASA ATPL Theoretical Knowledge course provides the academic foundation required for a professional pilot career. The programme prepares students for the 13 UK CAA and EASA ATPL theoretical knowledge examinations, a key requirement for progressing towards a Commercial Pilot Licence and ultimately an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL(A)).

Course Description

The ATPL Theoretical Knowledge course prepares students for the 13 EASA ATPL examinations required for theory credit for the Commercial Pilot Licence, the Instrument Rating, and Airline Transport Pilot Licence.

The examinations cover the following subjects:

  • Principles of Flight
  • Airframes, Engines and Electrics
  • Performance
  • General Navigation
  • Radio Navigation
  • Instruments
  • Communications
  • Air Law
  • Operational Procedures
  • Flight Planning and Monitoring
  • Mass and Balance
  • Human Performance and Limitations
  • Meteorology

The full-time ATPL course is comprised of 699 hours of Theoretical Knowledge instruction, which is divided into three modules.

In addition to the 13 Examinations, the course prepares and assesses you for the KSA requirement of your ATPL Theory Training. KSA (Knowledge Skills Attitude) makes up the soft skills required for the assessment of competency for professional pilots. It has become part of the ATPL(A) theory training since 2020. It is assessed throughout your course by your instructors, and through a series of teambuilding and problem-solving exercises that will support your development into a professional pilot.

The course is delivered using Bristol Ground School learning materials, a leading provider of professional pilot training resources.

Pre-Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements before starting the course:

Private Pilot Licence


A Private Pilot Licence issued in accordance with ICAO Annex 1.

Mathematics and Physics Assessment

Prospective students are required to pass a pre-entry Mathematics and Physics assessment to ensure they have the knowledge required to complete the course.

English Language Proficiency

Students must be competent in the use of the English language.

The Venue

Our UK CAA and EASA ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Course is conducted at Stapleford in our fully equipped classrooms. Course materials are delivered via our training partner Bristol Ground School in the form of lecture presentations by our team of expert Theoretical Knowledge Instructors and student material is delivered via the ATPDigital CBT on student provided iPads / Windows Laptops. For more information on these learning materials please visit Bristol Ground School’s website. The residential course lasts for approximately 8 months and the 13 ATPL subjects and KSA are split into three phases.

Course Duration

The course is full-time and runs for approximately 8 months.

The syllabus is divided into three modules, allowing students to progress through the subjects in a structured and manageable way while preparing for the 13 ATPL examinations.

Two courses run each year:
September intake
January intake

Course Prices

Please see our Commercial Course Pricelist for the latest course fees.

Get in Touch!

Interested? Excited? Motivated? Still have some unanswered questions? Then why not call us on 01708 688380, or come along to one of our regular open days to find out more? Your dream of becoming a pilot starts right here!