Is there any difference in flying a B737 or a B747, once you have your ATPL-license?

Question

I mean, ok, of course, a heavy 747 has a weight of about 6 times the weight of a 737... And maybe there are some more buttons, and maybe you have to know some more things about long range cruise etc...

But in general: When you have passed the ATPL license, do you then have a guarantee to fly every aircraft you want?

(Because: Having a PPL doesn't mean you will ever be qualified to fly heavy jets.. But does ATPL mean you can fly everything then)?

Answer 1

the ATP is simply an advanced instrument rating with tighter tolerances.  It doesn't' qualify you to fly any additional aircraft.  It is only required to be a captain on a part 121 flight.  Many times, though, the ATP is also earned at the same time as a type rating, when upgrading to captain at an airline.  But, they are separate and have different requirements.

Answer 2

Every large aircraft has a type rating, which is a special rating geared to learning about and flying each  type of large aircraft like Citation rating or a Lear jet type rating and large airliners have type ratings as well like 737, 757, 767, 777, 747 all have a type rating. All aircraft fly basically the same, but different weights different maneuverability, each air craft is different.

Answer 3

A private pilot can get the aircraft ratings you are asking about.  ATP certification  isn't required.

Answer 4

A different Type Rating is required for each type of airplane.  You must have additional training to go from a type x*x-200 to a type x*x-300 and so on.  And when you maintain your currency, the recurrent training applies only to that type.

Doesn't mean the 737 pilot couldn't successfully handle the 747; it just wouldn't be legal for commercial operation.  So, no; the ATP does not qualify a pilot to fly any particular type, other than the one in which you took the ATP check ride, which is usually a light airplane.