Military ME pilot to CPL MEIR or ATPL
Difference between a CPL MEIR and an ATPL are explained here.
UKFlying have been working in partnership with 22Gp and the CAA to create the latest edition of the military credits, which was released on 01 Apr 26. This should be treated as the master document. A summary of the requirements and training options are listed below.
CAA Class 1 Medical - For a CPL (ATPL) you need a CLASS 1 medical. Initial medical must be completed by a CAA approved centre. CAA Medical Centres
ATPL Theory Exams - As a Fast Jet pilot with Op Cat and a Green IRT, you are only required to pass 5 of the 14 ATPL theory exams. You have 18 months from the first sitting to the last sitting to complete the exams. You have 6 sittings in total and you can take any 1 exam up to 4 times before having to start again. Take the ATPL exams, not the CPL exams.
Required exams:
-Air Law
-Performance
-Flight Planning and Monitoring
-Operational Procedures
Using an online training provider and question bank is the best option for completing the exams.
More details on ATPLQ, PadPilot and Bristol Ground School, along with discounted military subscriptions can be found on this page: ATPL THEORY
Flight Radio Telephony Operators Licence (FRTOL) - Practical test credited and theory is covered in the ATPL theory exams. No extra courses required.
English Language Proficiency - You are credited this requirement in CAP2254.
Once you've passed the ATPL theory exams you need a Multi-Engine Piston rating (MEP), a CPL skills test and a Multi-engine Instrument Rating (MEIR).
Flying Course:
MEP - Credited the MEP course due to being a MEPT graduate
CPL - Fully credited course but you are required to pass a CPL LST with a CAA appointed examiner (can be in a SEP or MEP aircraft). Test can be combined with either SEP or MEP LST.
MEIR - Fully credited course but you are required to pass an IR LST with a CAA appointed examiner.
Details of ATOs (schools) that offer military Multi-engine conversion courses are detailed here with costs: ATOs
If you fly a Front Line type (Voyager, P8, E7, Phenom etc) that has a civilian equivalent and you have access to a CAA TRE (examiner), then you might be able to skip the CPL MEIR and open your licence on your FL type. More details on this route in the military questions pages.
ATPL or CPL - To obtain an ATPL you need the hours and to have a rating on a civilian multi-pilot type. If for example you fly the C17 then you will get a CPL MEIR (frozen ATPL) until you get a civilian type rating, which will convert it to an ATPL. For a full ATPL you need 1500hrs total, 500hrs ME multi-pilot and a type rating.
Airline Pilots Standard Multi-Crew Co-operation Course (APS MCC) / (MCC) - Required before starting your first multi-pilot type ratings (airline, business jets, etc). The course is a mix of ground school and simulator time, learning how to operate large aircraft as a crew. We recommend choosing a provider with modern A320 or B737 simulators as this will assist with airline assessment and make the training more realistic. We work with multiple operators in this area, many who provide a discount for military personnel via UKFlying. If you fly a military Multi-pilot aircraft then you are credited the MCC course, but may require the APS MCC to apply to certain airlines.
Which course do you require?
MCC is 2-weeks long, APS MCC is normally 3-weeks long and both are best completed in a B737 or A320 sim. The APS MCC has an extra 20hrs of sim training over the MCC, and is therefore more expensive.
One of the reasons for the APS is due to many cadets failing initial Type Ratings due to a lack of familiarity with Multi-Pilot (MP) operations. The extra week of training on the APS helps with this, but it passes the training cost onto the student.
Regulations state you only need a MCC and we haven’t heard of any military pilots struggle with a Type Rating, but a few major airlines have stated that an APS MCC is required to apply.
Only the MCC is credited for military ME and Rotary MP types, no APS credit.
Depending on what job you want to go to, you will have to choose between the courses, or pick a company that can upgrade your MCC to an APS if later required. Contact UKFlying if you want to discuss your options.
UKFlying recommended APS MCC companies:
Elite Pilot Academy (Formally Jet Masterclass) use a modern B737-800 sim at Gatwick airport. Industry leading training with excellent feedback from previous military personnel. APS MCC £7194, MCC £4194. Discounts available via UKFlying.
After spending the time and money on all of the items above you want to make sure you get a job as quickly as possible. You will need to create a professional CV and you need to be prepared for the airline or job selection process. It really is worth spending a few extra pounds getting this right as you might only get one shot with a major UK airline.
We strongly recommend you get in touch with Andrew at flightdeckwingman who is ex-Navy and now works for BA. Further details on flightdeckwingman can be found here, He offers a military discount via UKFlying, get in contact for more details.
If you want more details or advice on any of the courses or companies above, then please use the contact form below. If you require details on the flying elements (CPL, MEP, IR) or ATPL theory options, then use the forms on the links above.