Modular vs Integrated ATPL Training: Which Route Is Right for You?

If you are looking to become an airline pilot, one of the biggest decisions is how to train.

There are four main routes into the flight deck:

  • Modular ATPL training
  • Integrated ATPL training
  • MPL
  • Airline sponsored cadet schemes

Each route can lead to the same end goal: a frozen ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) or MPL (multi-crew pilots licence), and a job with an airline.

What Is a Frozen ATPL?

A frozen ATPL is what most will graduate from flight school with. It means you have completed:

  • ATPL theory exams
  • CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence)
  • Instrument Rating (IR)
  • Multi-Engine Rating (ME)
  • MCC or APS MCC training

You then “unfreeze” the licence once you have gained 1500 hours, at which point it becomes a full ATPL.

What Is an MPL?

An MPL is similar to the fATPL, in that you still have to do all of the ATPL exams, and a set number of hours of flight training. However it doesn’t follow the same structure as an integrated or modular route, with much more time spent in the simulator.

On completion you can still fly commercially for an airline. Where it differs from the fATPL, is that there are also a number of restrictions on the licence, primarily that you will only be able to operate in a multi-crew environment, and for a specific airline. i.e. you would not be able to join a small operation flying aircraft that only require one pilot.

Typically this is a type of licence linked with an airline, so you will be learning their operating procedures and standards from day one, and being training with a job offer already in place.

A common misconception though is that this is a lesser licence, while it has some restrictions initially, once you hit 1500 hours. much like the fATPL, it becomes a full ATPL, and at the point is no different whatsoever.

The risk with it is if the airline you are doing the MPL with runs into difficulty either before completing training, or before you get the 1500 hours, getting a job with a different airline could be a challenge, or switching your training to the more traditional integrated/modular route may be costly.

The Modular Route

Modular training means completing each stage separately, usually over a longer period of time, but can be completed as quickly as an integrated route if you are able to commit the time.

Typical stages include (though the order can differ):

  • PPL
  • Hour building
  • ATPL theory
  • CPL
  • IR and ME
  • MCC or APS MCC

Pros

  • More flexible
  • Can be done while working
  • Pay-as-you-go
  • Easier to fit around family life
  • Lower financial risk, as you can continue working.
  • Often cheaper overall

Cons

  • Often takes longer due to juggling training with life/other priorities.
  • Requires more self-discipline, and self-organisation
  • Can be less structured (depending on the school)
  • Some airlines prefer the integrated pathways, so your choices after training may be more limited.

For most career changers in their 30s, modular training is often the most practical route, as it allows you to keep working, and funding amy other commitments.

The Integrated Route

Integrated training is a full-time, all-in-one course run by a single flight school.

You complete the entire programme in a fixed sequence, usually over 18 to 24 months.

Pros

  • Faster overall, as it’ll be your primary focus.
  • Highly structured
  • One school manages everything
  • Often includes other benefits such as:
    • Airline links & tagging, where an airline may offer a conditional job before you have completed your training,
    • Post training careers support/guidance
    • Training guarantees, where if you do not have the ability to pass an element of the course, having passed their initial screening, some of the costs are refunded

Cons

  • More expensive
  • Full time, so not possible to work alongside.
  • Some are fully residential, meaning long periods away from family/friends.
  • Less flexible, fixed start dates/intakes
  • Higher financial risk if plans change

Integrated training can work well if you want the fastest route and are financially able to commit to doing the training full-time.

MPL Schemes

The MPL (Multi-Crew Pilot Licence) route is usually tied to a specific airline.

These programmes are designed to train you directly for a First Officer role with that airline.

Pros

  • Conditional job offer before beginning training.
  • Most direct route to an airline job (assuming the airline in question is financially stable).
  • More time in the simulator, flying the actual type of aircraft you’d be operating.
  • Airline-focused training often leads to quicker progression, and command upgrade once flying.

Cons

  • Tied to the airline until reaching at least 1500 hours
  • Similar to the integrated routes, fixed and often fewer start dates/intakes.
  • More stringent initial selection process.
  • Fewer hours flying real aircraft.
  • Potentially higher risk if the airline or industry suffers financially.

MPL schemes can be attractive, if you have a specific airline or aircraft type in mind, and want the job offer before commencing training.

Fully Funded and Sponsored Routes

Some airlines offer fully funded or partly funded cadet schemes.

Examples include:

  • British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy
  • Jet2 FlightPath
  • Ryanair cadet programmes

These schemes can dramatically reduce the cost of training, but they are highly competitive and often come with bonds or commitments to stay with the airline for several years, often at a significantly reduced salary too.

They often partner with very specific schools for this, and could place you in one which may not be the best fit for you.

It’s worth paying attention to the details of these schemes, as while for some this is the only route in given the financial burden of the other paths , the salary on completing training is often considerably lower so that the airline can re-coup their costs. Personally while they look very attractive on the surface, I think these types of schemes are primarily suited to those where the financial barrier is too high otherwise and there is no other option. If you can afford to fund one of the other routes, with some short term pain, you’ll likely be better off both more quickly & in the long run.

Final Thoughts

There is no single “best” route.

For most career changers in their 30s, modular training offers the best balance of flexibility, cost and lower risk.

Integrated training can be quicker, while MPL and funded schemes can offer direct airline pathways if you can secure a place and they work for you.

The right route is the one that fits your finances, family commitments and timeline.