AEROPLANES

Class ratings

A practical guide to the main EASA aeroplane class ratings: what each rating covers, when a pilot needs it, how it differs from a type rating and what must be kept valid to use it.

OVERVIEW

What is an aeroplane class rating?

A class rating authorises a pilot to fly a group of aeroplanes with similar characteristics. It is different from the pilot licence itself. For example, a PPL(A) gives private-pilot privileges, but the SEP(land) class rating is what normally allows the pilot to fly a qualifying single-engine piston land aeroplane.

This page focuses only on aeroplane class ratings commonly used in EASA training pathways: SEP, MEP and TMG. It does not cover aircraft-specific type ratings.

Key point: A licence without the right class rating is not enough. To fly an aeroplane within one of these groups, the pilot must hold the correct licence, valid class rating, medical certificate, recency and any required differences training.

AEROPLANE CLASS RATINGS

Class ratings explained

These are the main class-rating groups a student pilot is likely to encounter in an EASA aeroplane training pathway.

SEP(LAND)

Single-Engine Piston — Land

What it covers

The ATPL(A) applies to aeroplanes and is focused on high-level commercial and multi-pilot operations.

Typical use

Private flying, hour building, basic training, VFR touring.

SEP(SEA)

Single-Engine Piston — Sea

What it covers

For single-engine piston seaplanes. It adds the water operation environment: taxiing on water, docking, water take-offs and landings, wind/current awareness and seaplane-specific handling.

Typical use

Seaplane flying, recreational water operations, specialist training.

TMG

Touring Motor Glider

What it covers

For touring motor gliders. It sits between powered aeroplane and sailplane operations and is often used in recreational flying, training and economical touring.

Typical use

Motor-glider flying, recreational flying, training routes.

MEP(LAND)

Multi-Engine Piston — Land

What it covers

For multi-engine piston aeroplanes operating from land aerodromes. It introduces asymmetric flight, engine-failure handling, multi-engine performance and more complex procedures.

Typical use

CPL/IR route, professional training, multi-engine experience.

MEP(SEA)

Multi-Engine Piston — Sea

What it covers

For multi-engine piston seaplanes. It combines multi-engine handling with the specific risks and techniques of water operations.

Typical use

Specialist seaplane operations, niche commercial or private use.

ISSUE, VALIDITY AND RENEWAL

Requirements for each class rating

SEP(land)

Single-Engine Piston aeroplanes operating from land aerodromes

TO OBTAIN

Hold or train towards an aeroplane licence such as LAPL(A), PPL(A), CPL(A) or ATPL(A).
Complete training on a qualifying SEP land aeroplane.
Pass the relevant skill test or have it issued with the first licence when trained and tested on SEP(land).

VALIDITY

Normally valid for 24 months as a single-pilot single-engine class rating.

REVALIDATION

By experience within the final 12 months: 12 hours in SEP/TMG, including 6 hours PIC, 12 take-offs and 12 landings.
At least 1 hour refresher training with an FI or CRI.
Alternatively, pass a proficiency check with an examiner before expiry.

RENEWAL

If expired, complete assessment by an ATO, DTO or instructor.
Complete refresher training if required.
Pass a proficiency check with an examiner.

SEP(sea)

Single-Engine Piston seaplanes operating from water

TO OBTAIN

Hold the appropriate aeroplane licence.
Complete seaplane training covering water handling, docking, take-off, landing and abnormal procedures.
Pass the SEP(sea) skill test on a qualifying seaplane.

VALIDITY

Normally valid for 24 months as a single-pilot single-engine class rating.

REVALIDATION

By experience within the final 12 months: 12 hours in SEP/TMG, including 6 hours PIC, 12 take-offs and 12 landings.
At least 1 hour refresher training with an FI or CRI.
Alternatively, pass a proficiency check with an examiner before expiry.

RENEWAL

If expired, complete assessment by an ATO, DTO or instructor.
Complete refresher training if required.
Pass a proficiency check with an examiner.
Additional water-operation recency or local requirements may apply.

TMG

Touring Motor Glider class rating

TO OBTAIN

Hold or train towards an eligible aeroplane or sailplane-related licence route.
Complete TMG training covering powered flight, glider-style energy management and normal/emergency procedures.
Pass the required skill test, unless credited under an applicable approved route.

VALIDITY

Normally valid for 24 months. SEP(land) and TMG revalidation experience can be closely linked under EASA rules.

REVALIDATION

By experience within the final 12 months: 12 hours in SEP/TMG, 6 hours PIC, 12 take-offs and 12 landings.
At least 1 hour refresher training with an FI or CRI.
Alternatively, pass a proficiency check.

RENEWAL

If expired, complete assessment and any required refresher training.
Pass a proficiency check with an examiner.
Check whether SEP/TMG combined experience can be used in your case.

MEP(land)

Multi-Engine Piston aeroplanes operating from land aerodromes

TO OBTAIN

Hold an aeroplane licence such as PPL(A), CPL(A) or ATPL(A).
Normally have at least 70 hours as PIC in aeroplanes before starting the first MEP class rating course.
Complete approved MEP theoretical and flight training.
Pass the MEP(land) skill test.

VALIDITY

Normally valid for 12 months as a multi-engine piston class rating.

REVALIDATION

Pass a proficiency check with an examiner within the required period before expiry.
Complete the required recent experience on the relevant class, if applicable.
Instrument privileges, if held, have separate validity/checking requirements.

RENEWAL

If expired, the pilot must comply with renewal requirements.
Usually includes ATO assessment and refresher training if needed.
Pass a proficiency check with an examiner.

MEP(sea)

Multi-Engine Piston seaplanes operating from water.

TO OBTAIN

Hold the appropriate aeroplane licence and meet multi-engine prerequisites.
Complete MEP seaplane training covering both multi-engine handling and water operations.
Pass the MEP(sea) skill test on the relevant class.

VALIDITY

Normally valid for 12 months as a multi-engine piston class rating.

REVALIDATION

Normally by proficiency check with an examiner before expiry.
Recent class experience may also be required depending on the exact case.
Water-operation proficiency should be kept current in practice.

RENEWAL

If expired, complete assessment and any refresher training required.
Pass a proficiency check on the relevant class.
Check national authority procedures for seaplane availability and examiner requirements.

Reminder: A class rating only remains useful if the pilot also holds a valid medical certificate, meets recency requirements and has completed any required differences training for aircraft features such as retractable landing gear, variable-pitch propeller, turbocharging, tailwheel or EFIS.

PILOT PATHWAY

Where each class rating normally appears

STAGE	LIKELY CLASS RATING	WHY IT MATTERS
First private licence	SEP(land)	The most common starting point for PPL(A), used for light training aircraft and private flying.
Recreational or glider-style flying	TMG	Useful for touring motor glider operations and certain lower-cost training or recreational routes.
Seaplane operations	SEP(sea) or MEP(sea)	Needed where the pilot wants to operate from water rather than land aerodromes.
Professional modular route	MEP(land)	Usually important before or during CPL(A)/IR training because it introduces multi-engine procedures.

REGULATORY BASIS

Check the current rules before acting

Last reviewed: 8 July 2026

This page is based on EASA Part-FCL Subpart H provisions for aeroplane class ratings, including FCL.725 for issue of class and type ratings and FCL.740/FCL.740.A for validity, revalidation and renewal. Exact procedures should always be checked against the current EASA rules and the competent authority’s requirements.

EASA Easy Access Rules for Aircrew