Becoming an Airline Transport Pilot is often the pinnacle of one's career. This is the last licence you will need to acquire. From this point, it's merely gaining experience and obtaining various type ratings on the aircraft you will be flying. While this licence is not required to fly as a First Officer on an airliner it is required to hold a Captain seat.
PREREQUISITES
- Commercial Pilot License (Not restricted to daylight flying)
- Age at time of licensing: 21 years old
- Category 1 Medical
REQUIREMENTS
Total Flight Time
A minimum of 1500 hours total flight time of which 900 shall be in aeroplanes and includes:
- 250 hours Pilot in Command time*
- 100 hours of night flying as Pilot in Command or Co-Pilot. (30 hours must be in aeroplanes)
- 100 hours of Pilot In Command cross-country time (This can be included in the 250 hours from above) or 200 hours as Co-Pilot*
- 75 hours of instrument flight time (25 hours can be in an approved simulator but can not count towards the 1500 total time)*
* Refer to the Canadian Aviation Regulations 421.34 for expanded details.
Within 12 months of applying for the license, the pilot shall have demonstrated competency of the following maneuvers in a multi-engine aeroplane (non-centerline thrust) that is fitted for IFR flight in controlled airspace:
- Normal and emergency procedures appropriate to the aeroplane
- Procedures and maneuvers that are demonstrated for the issuance of the IFR rating (group 1)
Knowledge and Exams
You must obtain a minimum of 70% on each of the following exams. There is no specific ground school requirement however exam prep and ground school courses are strongly recommended to aid in one's success.
SAMRA (Airline Transport Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) Meteorology, Radio Aids to Navigation and Flight Planning)
This exam covers the following topics:
- general system of weather collection and dissemination,
- weather map, weather forecast, weather abbreviations, symbols, and nomenclature,
- pressure systems and their association with fronts, cloud forms, and icing conditions,
- the movement of upper winds and their effect on aircraft operations,
- weather service circulars and instructions for air route meteorological service which are pertinent to aircraft operations, and
- radio communication procedures relating to aircraft operation
SARON (Airline Transport Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) Air Law, Aeroplane Operation and Navigation General)
This exam covers the following topics:
- basic principles of air navigation such as formulae, instruments, and other navigational aids which are commonly used in the navigation of aircraft,
- basic principles of loading and weight distribution and their effect on flight characteristics,
- Canadian Aviation Regulations, Air Traffic Rules and Procedures, Information Circulars and NOTAM, and
- human factors, including pilot decision-making
INRAT (Instrument Rating)
This exam covers all topics associated with flights conducted under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
COST
The Airline Transport Pilot License requirements are met primarily through building time. This time is normally built through regular commercial operations and personal flying. It is more cost-effective to gain employment in a job that will help you gain the experience required rather than paying to rent aircraft on your own.
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