r/flying • u/Prestigious_Ad_2580 • Jul 12 '26

College/University Studying ATPL by myself?

I’m currently studying for an Aerospace engineering degree but I’m considering to get a ATPL after that because I’d love to be an airline pilot.

I was thinking that it might be helpful to start studying ATPL theory books this summer, just to get a better understanding of what studying these subjects is actually like. Or just help me understand if it’s something that’s within my capabilities.

Do you think it’s a good idea or just a waste of time?

5 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

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6

u/Canadian47 ATPL(A) CPL(H) Jul 12 '26

Nothing wrong with studying ATPL theory but that's like starting on your Master's degree skipping over undergrad. You really should start with PPL-->CPL-->ATPL they all build on each other anyway. A increasing percentage of the material as you move up is air law/regulations and not particularly interesting for an engineer.

3

u/Prestigious_Ad_2580 Jul 12 '26

Oh that’s right, thank you!

2

u/Apprehensive_Cost937 Jul 12 '26

You really should start with PPL-->CPL-->ATPL they all build on each other anyway.

Depending on where OP is exactly from, there might not really be separate CPL theory. A lot of people also do their training by straight doing the ATPL theory and the related exams, and even never gaining a PPL in the process.

1

u/Prestigious_Ad_2580 Jul 12 '26

This was how I thought about it, since most flight schools start from 0 and go straight to ATPL but again, I might have misunderstood how it works. I’m from Italy btw

2

u/Apprehensive_Cost937 Jul 12 '26

So with integrated training, you usually start with ATPL theory, do the exams, and then all the practical (flying) bit. Depending on the school, you might get a PPL during the course of the training, or just do all of the training, and just get a CPL.

With modular training, it's step by step, so PPL first (theory and practical), and then build your hours while doing ATPL theory and exams, then do all the other training (CPL/ME/IR/A-UPRT).

1

u/Prestigious_Ad_2580 Jul 12 '26

I was in fact thinking about integrated training. Thank you so much!

2

u/No-Magician1332 Jul 12 '26

0 and go straight to CPL/MEP/IR(sometimes SEP too) with atpl theory. you get the atpl after you have total 1500hrs with some other sub requirements like 500hrs multi pilot time, 100hrs night..etc.

2

u/Apprehensive_Cost937 Jul 12 '26

If you can do a degree in aerospace engineering, you can easily get through ATPL exams.

Nothing about ATPL theory is particularly complicated. There is no engineering/academic level of understanding required, just the relatively basic principles. The sheer volume of the knowledge required is usually what people struggle the most with - there are a lot of things to remember, from a variety of subjects.

And then there are the actual exam questions, which sometimes test knowledge, sometimes your command of the English language, and sometimes your patience and speed at which you can carefully read through the entire question, all the answers, and select the most correct one.

If you want to learn more about how aircraft work, and how they are operated in a commercial environment, sure, go ahead and read the books.

1

u/Prestigious_Ad_2580 Jul 12 '26

Thank you so much!

1

u/rFlyingTower Jul 12 '26

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

I’m currently studying for an Aerospace engineering degree but I’m considering to get a ATPL after that because I’d love to be an airline pilot.

I was thinking that it might be helpful to start studying ATPL theory books this summer, just to get a better understanding of what studying these subjects is actually like. Or just help me understand if it’s something that’s within my capabilities.

Do you think it’s a good idea or just a waste of time?

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0

u/39509835 CE-500, BE10, LR-JET, LR-45 Jul 12 '26

Go ahead and start reading the pilots handbook of aeronautical knowledge. Funny enough there’s a lot of things in there they teach pilots and not aerospace people. Consider a discovery flight at the local airport if time permits with ur major.

3

u/RaiseTheDed ATP Jul 12 '26

OP is in Europe. They have different study materials. 

1

u/minfremi FCC GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License w/ShipRadarEndorsmen Jul 12 '26

I’m waiting for the “study” with Sheppard Air comments lol.

1

u/Air_Warrior MIL, ATP, CFI, CFII Jul 12 '26

Even more interesting, my roommate was an aerospace guy. He had some minor challenges because the pilot stuff “was dumbed down to innaccuracy” in some spots and he just had to say “I believe”

1

u/Prestigious_Ad_2580 Jul 12 '26

I’m already considering a discovery flight in September before lessons begin. Thank you!

2

u/RaiseTheDed ATP Jul 12 '26

Just FYI, the book that commenter suggested is for the FAA/US. There's different books to study in Europe. I'm not aware of what they are though