Expert insights from Dave Coward, vice president and general manager of training services, L3Harris, to help clarify the differences between ATPL and MPL pilot training programs. Learn about the unique features of each programme and find out how to improve your chances of achieving success as a candidate.
Q: What are the main routes to become a pilot and what are the challenging elements of the process of which a candidate should be particularly aware?
A: Broadly, there are two main routes to becoming a commercial pilot for aspiring aviators with little or no previous experience.
Firstly, the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), which can be studied as an integrated or modular course. The L3Harris integrated ATPL is 70 weeks and incorporates Ground School and advanced flight training in the UK with basic flight training in Orlando, Florida. Modular ATPL follows the same syllabus, but offers greater flexibility as each phase of training can be booked separately. Once qualified, students join L3Harris’ Graduate Placement Pool, where they will benefit from our relationships with global airlines to maximise employment opportunities.
The second route is the Multi-Pilot License (MPL). An MPL programme is developed in partnership w…
