Licences Explained

A LAPL for aeroplanes will allow you to act as pilot in command (PIC) on two classes of aircraft: either a single-engine piston aeroplane (land) or touring motor glider (TMG) with a maximum take-off mass of 2000 kg or less, carrying a maximum of 3 passengers, with no more than 4 persons on board.

The LAPL is more restrictive, when compared to a PPL. This is a European licence, that is not accepted outside Europe and it is not possible to add ratings. It is ideal if you’re unable to gain a full Class 2 medical, or just want to enjoy the thrill of flying around the local area. It also enables you to take your friends and family as passengers.

Age Requirements

• Experience from the age of 14 can be counted towards the LAPL.
• Minimum age to fly solo age 16.
• Hold a licence from age 17.

(For sailplanes and balloons, the minimum age to hold a licence is age 16)

A Private Pilots Licence (PPL) for aeroplanes will allow you to act as pilot in command (PIC) in non-commercial operations on aeroplanes or touring motor glider (TMGs).

So if you dream of flying for your own pleasure or taking your family and friends on a fascinating trip, a Private Pilot Licence is what you need. After acquiring a PPL licence you will be able to fly a single-engine piston (SEP) aircraft under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Moreover, this licence might be the first step towards a professional pilot‘s career.

Age Requirements

• Experience from the age of 14 can be counted towards the PPL.
• Minimum age to fly solo age 16.
• Hold a licence from age 17.

If you hold a Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) you can, on the appropriate aircraft category:

• Exercise all the privileges of the holder of a PPL.
• Act as pilot in command (PIC) or co-pilot of any aircraft operations other than commercial air transport.
• Act as PIC in commercial air transport of any single-pilot aircraft, subject to some restrictions.
• Act as co-pilot in commercial air transport subject to some restrictions.

The modular training program for a commercial pilot licence is designed for those who are looking to acquire licences as they go. A Private Pilot Licence (PPL) comes first and then you proceed with additional courses until you gain a ‘Frozen’ Airline Transport Pilot Licence (fATPL). Then you are nearly ready to apply for a First Officer‘s position with an airline.

On comparison the Integrated training program is a full time course completed with one provider, which usually takes around 24 months. You will complete PPL theory subjects combined with practical training. Afterwards on you will proceed to complete the additional courses in order to become a professional pilot and apply for your First Officer position.

A ‘Frozen’ ATPL is the term often given to the qualification of a Instrument Rated Commercial Pilot, who has also passed the ATPL theoretical exams.

Age Requirements

• Minimum age you can begin training is age 18.

If you hold an ATPL you can, in the appropriate aircraft category:

• Exercise all the privileges of the holder of a PPL and CPL.
• Act as pilot in command (PIC) or co-pilot of aircraft flown for commercial air transport operations.
• Act as PIC in commercial air transport of any single-pilot aircraft.
• Act as co-pilot in commercial air transport.

After completing a certain number of requirements and gaining experience as a first officer you are able to upgrade your ‘Frozen’ Airline Transport Pilot Licence (fATPL) to a Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), which means you would then be eligible to apply for your first Captain position with an airline.

Age Requirements

The minimum age to hold an ATPL (which means you can become Pilot In Command for commercial air transport operations) is age 21.

A ‘Frozen’ ATPL is the term often given to the qualification of a Instrument Rated Commercial Pilot, who has also passed the ATPL theoretical exams.

The minimum age for a ‘Frozen’ ATPL is age 18 and you can act as first officer for an airline subject to some restrictions. The ATPL would become un-frozen when the flight experience requirements and the minimum age is met.

A Multi-pilot licence (MPL) will allow you to act as a co-pilot in an aeroplane required to be operated with a co-pilot on commercial air transport.

If you hold an MPL you can get extra privileges, to include the privileges of the PPL or of a CPL if you undertake additional training to meet the requirements of those licences. The MPL only includes instrument rating privileges for multi-pilot operations.

Initially this licence is restricted to a certain airlines operations on a certain type of aircraft. Once you have gained the required experience, you are able to covert this licence to the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) as mentioned above.

Age Requirements

• Minimum age you can begin training is age 18.