Overview
The UK CAA ATPL ground exams are the theoretical knowledge exams a pilot must pass toward an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). A pilot who has passed all of them while holding a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is commonly said to hold a "frozen ATPL", a term with no legal significance. The only source used here is a Wikipedia article covering the EASA and UK framework, and the UK CAA's own pages could not be used, so check the current UK CAA rules before relying on the details.
Exam pattern
Candidates must pass 13 separate theoretical exams: Air Law; Aircraft General Knowledge (Airframe/Systems/Powerplants/Electrics); Instrumentation; Mass and Balance; Performance; Flight Planning and Monitoring; Human Performance; Meteorology; General Navigation; Radio Navigation; Operational Procedures; Principles of Flight; and Communications. The exams are often taken over three modules.
Marking and results
All 13 exams must be passed within an 18-month period. After completing the exams, a candidate must gain a CPL and/or Instrument Rating within 36 months. ATPL exam results stay valid for seven years after the most recent Instrument Rating validity date.
Preparation tips
Plan your module order and study pace against the 18-month window for passing all 13 exams, since it is a hard cutoff.
Confirm the current UK CAA time limits with your training organisation before you book your first exam.
FAQs
What is a 'frozen ATPL'?
It is a CPL held by a pilot who has completed all the ATPL theory exams. The term has no legal significance.
How long do I have to pass all 13 exams?
All exams must be passed within an 18-month period.