ATR Aircraft Type Rating

What to Expect From Your First Type Rating: A Guide for Aspiring EASA Pilots

So, you’ve passed your ATPL exams, conquered flight school, and landed your first airline job—congratulations! All that hard work has paid off. Now comes an exciting new chapter: your aircraft type rating. Whether it’s the ATR, Airbus A320, Boeing 737, or another commercial aircraft, the type rating process follows a similar structure. Let’s walk through what to expect and how to prepare effectively for this critical milestone in your pilot career.

What is a Type Rating and Why is it Important?

A type rating is a certification that allows a pilot to operate a specific aircraft type. It’s required for larger, more complex commercial aircraft and is typically completed after obtaining your frozen ATPL. For most newly hired airline pilots in Europe, successfully completing a type rating is the final step before flying as a first officer.

Your type rating ensures you’re fully competent to handle your assigned aircraft, including its systems, performance characteristics, and emergency procedures. It’s intense, but entirely achievable with the right mindset and preparation.

Preparing for Your Type Rating: What You Should Know

Whether you’re preparing for an ATR 72 rating or another aircraft such as the A320, the structure of type rating courses under EASA guidelines is fairly standardized. Here’s what you can expect:

Phase 1: Ground School

This is where you’ll begin your type rating journey. Ground school typically lasts 2–4 weeks and includes:

  • Aircraft systems (hydraulics, electrics, avionics, etc.)
  • Performance data and limitations
  • Operational procedures for both normal and abnormal situations
  • FMS (Flight Management System) training

Each system is studied in detail, often with Computer-Based Training (CBT), instructor-led lectures, and manuals specific to your airline’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Phase 2: Simulator Training

This is the practical part of your training where your knowledge is brought to life in a full-motion flight simulator. Expect:

  • 6–12 multi-crew simulator sessions (depending on type and airline)
  • Normal operation scenarios
  • Abnormal and emergency procedures
  • Line-oriented flight training (LOFT)

By the end of this phase, you’ll be handling system failures, dealing with challenging weather, and mastering SOPs in real-time—just like you will in actual line operations.

Final Assessment: The Skill Test

Your course concludes with a final assessment flight in the simulator—your skill test. Here, you’ll demonstrate your ability to operate the aircraft safely under various scenarios in front of a Type Rating Examiner (TRE).

What Makes the ATR Type Rating Unique?

If you’re training for an ATR aircraft, particularly the ATR 72-600, you’ll find some specific nuances:

  • Manual flying and procedural discipline is emphasized more than in jet aircraft
  • Propeller-driven systems require deeper understanding of torque, feathering, and engine-out handling
  • High workload in short sectors requires precise coordination and time management

The ATR is a fantastic aircraft to begin your airline career with, especially in regional operations, offering great experience in different weather and operational conditions across Europe.

Tips to Succeed During Your First Type Rating

Starting your type rating can feel overwhelming, but many who’ve been through it will tell you it’s manageable—and even enjoyable—if you approach it with the right skills and mindset. Here are a few practical tips:

  1. Review aircraft systems before starting ground school to stay ahead.
  2. Stay organized: Keep notes, flashcards, and checklists handy.
  3. Sim partner collaboration: Work closely with your sim partner for pre- and post-briefings.
  4. Rest and recover: These weeks are intense—get good sleep and manage stress.
  5. Ask questions: If you don’t understand something, ask your instructors.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey

Your first type rating marks a pivotal transition from student to professional airline pilot. It’s your chance to apply years of training within a real operational environment. While it may be challenging at times, the growth, confidence, and skill you gain are truly rewarding. Once you pass, you’ll be cleared to fly the line—and that’s when the adventure really begins.

Explore More Aviation Training Resources

Looking for more tips, tools, and guidance to help you through your type rating or ATPL journey? Visit ATPLTraining.io—the ultimate resource hub for EASA Europe aviation students. Our content is designed to help you master every phase of your training, from ground school to line flying.

Get ahead in your aviation career:

  • Access expert-written study guides and checklists
  • Watch detailed video tutorials and case studies
  • Join a growing community of future airline pilots

Ready for Takeoff?

Type rating doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right preparation and mindset, you can excel and take the first step toward a lifelong aviation career.

👉 Head over to ATPLTraining.io today and subscribe for full access to premium study tools, type rating prep materials, and insider content created for EASA pilots like you.