£5,500

WHAT DOES THE CPL ALLOW YOU TO DO?

Fly for Hire: A CPL holder can legally be paid for piloting an aircraft, unlike a Private Pilot License (PPL), which is limited to flying for leisure or private purposes.

Work for Airlines or Charter Companies: With a CPL, you can work as a pilot for airlines, charter companies, or private aviation operators, flying passengers or cargo for compensation.

Act as Co-pilot: In larger aircraft, a CPL allows you to work as a co-pilot (first officer) on multi-crew operations, such as in commercial airlines.

Further Qualifications: A CPL is also a stepping stone to more advanced licenses and ratings, such as the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), which allows you to command large commercial jets, and type ratings for specific aircraft.

Overall, a CPL allows you to be employed as a professional pilot across a variety of industries.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR CPL

1. Prerequisites for CPL Training

• Private Pilot License (PPL):
  • You must already hold a valid PPL issued under EASA or ICAO Annex 1.
  • The PPL allows you to accumulate the flight hours necessary to start CPL training.
• Medical Requirements:
  • You need a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate issued by an Aeromedical Examiner (AME) approved by the CAA. A Class 1 Medical assesses your physical and mental health to ensure you meet the fitness standards for commercial flying.
• Minimum Age:
  • You must be at least 18 years old to hold a CPL.

2. Flight Hours Before Starting CPL

To start CPL training, you need a certain amount of flight experience:

• 150 hours total flight time as a pilot (minimum) if you are taking the modular route.
  • Of these hours, the following specific flight time must be included:
    • 100 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
    • 20 hours of cross-country flying as PIC (including a cross-country flight of at least 300 nautical miles with landings at two different airfields)
    • 5 hours of night flying (including 5 solo takeoffs and landings, if you’re pursuing a Night Rating as part of the course)

3. Theoretical Exams

You must have passed CPL or ATPL theoretical exams, which are conducted by the UKCAA.

5. Flight Training Requirements

• You need a minimum of 25 hours of flight training in single-engine piston aircraft (SEP)
  • Of this time, 10 hours must be instrument flight training (5 hours can be in a simulator).
  • 5 hours of night flying are required unless you already hold a night rating.
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6. License Skills Test (LST)

At the end of your flight training, you must complete a CPL Skills Test with an authorized examiner. This test assesses your ability to handle the aircraft and perform advanced maneuvers, navigation, and emergency procedures, as well as your overall flight proficiency in a commercial setting.

7. English Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate English language proficiency (at least Level 4 of the ICAO Language Proficiency Scale) to ensure effective communication in aviation.

By meeting these requirements and successfully passing the theoretical and flight tests, you can obtain your UK CAA Commercial Pilot License, allowing you to work as a professional pilot in various sectors.