CPL stands for Commercial Pilot Licence, and it allows you to operate as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) on flights carrying passengers. The CPL course is designed to be a full-time course — but some schools are flexible and will allow you to fit the course around other commitments.
The natural progression for pilots holding a PPL(A) and other ratings, is to begin their Commercial Pilot Licence.
Single Engine CPL Requirements
The following entry requirements apply. You must have:
- 150 hours total time
- A JAA/EASA PPL(A)
- Completed CPL/ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Examinations
Minimum Requirements before taking the flight test:
- 200 hours total time
- 100 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
- 10 hours Instrument FLying (IF)
- Night Rating (NR)
- 300nm Qualifying Cross-country
- Class 1 Medical
The minimum age for issue of a CPL is 18 years old.
Single Engine CPL Course Structure
To complete the course you’ll need to pass a practical Skills Test. The Skills Test is designed to demonstrate that the procedures and manoeuvres that you will have been taught during training can be carried out competently as pilot in command (PIC) on the relevant aircraft category. This incorporates general handling skills, which you will have learnt as part of your PPL(A) training. However, this time a much higher degree of piloting skill, accuracy and situational awareness is required; this is what the course is designed to teach you.
There is no official ground school requirement for the CPL. However, you’re required to pass an oral section of the CPL(A) Skills Test. This self-study requirement is best achieved at your local flight school airfield where you can get resources and assistance from instructors.
A typical course involves:
- 15 hours dual training (starts at around £250 /hr)
- Ground briefings
- CPL Skills Test Fee (currently £775)
- Conducting circuits at other airfields; therefore you should allow approximately £200 for away landing fees (varies depending on the airfields visited).
15 hours is the minimum CPL training requirement laid down by the Competent Authority. Most CPL packages are based on this requirement, and additional hours required to get up to the test standard will usually be charged at the current rates.
Other Information
- Full-time students will progress and complete the course more efficiently than part-time students
- The course duration is approximately 6 weeks (full-time)
- You should expect to spend around £4,000+ on a CPL package. However, there are a number of additional fees to account for:
- Solo aircraft hire for the test (currently around £265 /hr)
- Membership fees for your flight school
- Landing fees
- CPL course deposits may apply.