QUALIFICATION OVERVIEW
The CPL(A) is the Commercial Pilot Licence for aeroplanes. It allows the holder to exercise commercial pilot privileges in aeroplane operations within the limits of the licence, ratings, medical certificate, operational rules and operator training requirements.
For airline careers, the CPL(A) is normally not enough on its own. It is usually combined with ATPL theoretical knowledge credit, an instrument rating, multi-engine privileges, MCC or APS MCC training and operator-specific selection or type-rating training.
ENTRY AND COMPLETION PROFILE
TYPE OF FLIGHT
The CPL(A) is issued for aeroplane operations. The aircraft used for the skill test must match the required class or type privileges.
MINIMUM AGE
The applicant must be at least 18 years old before the CPL(A) can be issued by the competent authority.
EDUCATION REQUIRED
There is no universal degree requirement, but the theoretical level is significantly higher than PPL and requires strong maths, physics, English and study discipline.
MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
A valid Class 1 medical certificate is required to exercise commercial pilot privileges. It should be obtained before committing to major training costs.
PREVIOUS LICENCE REQUIRED
The modular CPL(A) route normally starts from an existing PPL(A), followed by structured hour building, theory and commercial flight training.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
For the modular route, applicants normally need at least 200 hours total flight time before licence issue, including specified PIC and cross-country experience.
ESTIMATED DURANTION
Duration depends on whether the student chooses an integrated course, a full-time modular path or a part-time modular route while hour building.
COMPLETE ESTIMATED COST
The CPL phase alone is cheaper than the full professional package, but most students budget for PPL, ATPL theory, hour building, IR, ME and MCC/APS MCC.
FINAL RESULT OBTAINED
The final licence gives commercial pilot privileges subject to the ratings held, aircraft class or type, medical validity, recency and operational rules.
TRAINING MODELS
There are two main ways to reach a CPL(A): an integrated professional course or a modular route. Both can lead to the same professional licence, but the structure, pace, cost control and student profile are very different.
INTEGRATED ROUTE
The integrated route is a single structured course delivered by an approved training organisation. It is designed to take a student from little or no flight experience to a professional pilot standard through a continuous syllabus.
MODULE ROUTE
The modular route builds the professional qualification in separate stages. The student normally starts with a PPL(A), builds flight experience, completes theory, then adds CPL(A), IR(A), MEP and MCC/APS MCC as separate modules.
STANDARD ROUTE
The CPL(A) can be completed through an integrated professional course or through a modular route after PPL(A). The modular route is often more flexible; the integrated route is usually more structured and intensive.
01
Before committing to professional training, the student should obtain an initial Class 1 medical certificate. This confirms that there is no obvious medical barrier to exercising commercial pilot privileges.
02
In an integrated course, the student joins a full professional programme. In a modular route, the student builds the path in separate blocks: PPL(A), hour building, theory, CPL(A), IR(A), MEP and MCC/APS MCC.
03A
The student progresses through a continuous course with scheduled ground school, flight phases, progress tests and final skill tests. The training organisation manages the sequence and minimum course requirements.
03B
The student normally obtains PPL(A) first, then builds the required flight experience before entering the CPL(A) flight course. This usually includes significant PIC time and cross-country flying.
04
Students may complete CPL theoretical knowledge, but airline-oriented students normally complete ATPL(A) theory because it is needed later for airline progression and the “frozen ATPL” pathway.
05
The CPL(A) flight phase raises the student from private-pilot standard to commercial-pilot standard. It focuses on precision, planning, abnormal situations, navigation, decision-making and professional consistency.
06
The CPL(A) alone is rarely the final objective for airline candidates. Most professional paths also require instrument privileges, multi-engine privileges and multi-crew training before applying to operators.
07
The skill test confirms that the applicant can operate an aeroplane to commercial standards. The examiner assesses handling, navigation, procedures, judgement, safety and command ability.
08
After CPL(A), the next step depends on the target job: airline cadet selection, flight instructor course, aerial work, business aviation, multi-engine IR, type rating or operator conversion training.
THEORICAL KNOWLEDGE
CPL(A) theoretical knowledge is professional-level. Many students complete ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge credit instead of CPL-only theory, because it supports later airline progression.
010
Rules of the air, licensing, operational responsibilities, airspace, ATS procedures and the legal framework for commercial operations.
021
Airframes, systems, powerplants, electrics, hydraulics, pneumatics, flight controls and aircraft equipment at commercial pilot level.
022
Pitot-static instruments, gyroscopic systems, electronic displays, flight directors, autopilot basics and instrument limitations.
031
Aircraft loading, centre of gravity, load sheets, stability implications and performance consequences of incorrect loading.
032
Take-off, climb, cruise, landing and obstacle performance, with emphasis on safety margins and commercial planning standards.
033
Route planning, fuel planning, navigation logs, alternate planning, operational flight plans and monitoring during flight.
040
Physiology, psychology, CRM foundations, fatigue, stress, workload, decision-making and human limitations in professional flying.
050
Weather theory, reports, forecasts, fronts, icing, turbulence, thunderstorms, pressure systems and operational weather decision-making.
061
Charts, tracks, headings, wind correction, time and distance calculations, plotting, dead reckoning and flight-log preparation.
062
Use and limitations of radio navigation aids, GNSS, VOR, DME, NDB, instrument procedures and navigation accuracy.
070
Normal, abnormal and emergency procedures, wake turbulence, noise abatement, operational risk and commercial safety practices.
081
Aerodynamics, stability, control, high-lift devices, stalls, spins, performance effects and aircraft behaviour through the flight envelope.
090
IFR and VFR radiotelephony, standard phraseology, emergency communications, ATC interaction and operational communication discipline.
PRIVILEDGE AND LIMITATIONS
The CPL(A) allows the holder to act as pilot-in-command or co-pilot in commercial aeroplane operations, within the privileges of the licence and ratings held.
CLASS OR TYPE RATING
The CPL(A) itself is a licence, not a class rating or type rating. The applicant must hold or meet the requirements for the class or type of aeroplane used for the skill test.
Unlike a PPL(A), where SEP(land) is commonly issued with the first licence, CPL(A) students usually arrive with SEP(land) already held. If the professional package includes multi-engine training, the student may also obtain MEP privileges separately.
VALIDITY AND RECENCY
The CPL(A) licence itself is not normally treated like a class or type rating with a fixed expiry date. The ability to exercise its privileges depends on valid ratings, a valid Class 1 medical certificate, recency, language proficiency where applicable and operational requirements.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
INDICATIVE RANGE PLANNING
This range usually reflects a modular path from PPL(A) towards CPL(A), ATPL theory, hour building, IR, ME and MCC/APS MCC. Integrated courses can differ significantly.
DIFFICULTY ESTIMATE
The CPL(A) requires commercial-standard aircraft handling, stronger theoretical knowledge, disciplined flight planning and the ability to manage abnormal situations with professional consistency.
out of 5 · Advanced
REGULATORY BASIS
Last reviewed:Â 8 July 2026
This page is based on the EASA Easy Access Rules for Aircrew, Part-FCL provisions for LAPL, including FCL.100, FCL.105.A, FCL.110.A and FCL.140.A. National authority procedures, examination systems and fees can vary.