Flight Training In Europe

Licences

​

Under the EASA system, the main pilot licence types are:

• Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL)

• Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

• Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

• Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)

• Multi-Pilot Licence (MPL).

​

Licence names may be suffixed with (A) for aeroplanes or (H) for helicopters.

Sailplane (SPL) and Balloon (BPL) licences also exist under Part-FCL.

The Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) is the most basic EASA pilot licence. It is available for

aeroplanes, helicopters, sailplanes and balloons and allows non-commercial flying within the EASA system.

 

For aeroplanes, LAPL(A) privileges are limited to single-engine piston aeroplanes with a maximum certificated take-off mass of 2,000 kg, a maximum of four persons on board, and flights conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) only.

​

To obtain an LAPL(A), applicants must complete approved theoretical knowledge training and a minimum of 30 hours of flight instruction, including supervised solo flight. Regulation defines required subjects, but not a fixed number of theory hours. Applicants must hold at least an LAPL medical certificate or a Class 2 medical certificate in accordance with Part-MED. LAPL privileges may be credited towards the issue of a PPL(A).

​

The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is available for aeroplanes (PPL(A)) and helicopters (PPL(H)), as well as sailplanes (SPL) and balloons (BPL). PPL holders may conduct non-commercial flights and may operate outside the EU, subject to the acceptance of the state in which the flight is conducted. Flights must be conducted under VFR unless the pilot holds an appropriate instrument rating.

​

To obtain a PPL(A)

 

Applicants must complete approved theoretical knowledge training and a minimum of 45 hours of flight instruction. Applicants who already hold an LAPL(A) receive credit for theoretical knowledge and may benefit from reduced flight training requirements in accordance with Part-FCL.

​

You are already a pilot

​

Holders of an EASA pilot licence may extend their privileges by obtaining additional ratings. A night rating allows flight at night under VFR. An instrument rating (IR) allows flight under instrument flight rules (IFR) in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) during all phases of flight. The night rating requires theoretical knowledge instruction and at least five hours of flight training, including dual and solo night flight.

​

For the instrument rating

 

Different training routes exist. The traditional IR requires completion of ATPL-level theoretical knowledge training and at least 50 hours (single-engine) or 55 hours (multi-engine) of instrument flight instruction. The competency-based IR (CB-IR) provides an alternative pathway with reduced theoretical knowledge requirements and a minimum of 40 hours (single-engine) or 45 hours (multi-engine) of flight instruction, with credit for prior experience where applicable.

 

The En-route Instrument Rating (EIR) allows flight under IFR during the en-route phase only. Departures and arrivals must be conducted under VFR. The EIR may later be credited towards a full instrument rating. You have a non-European licence Holders of an ICAO-compliant private pilot licence issued by a non-EASA state may convert that licence to an EASA PPL. Conversion requirements include passing specific theoretical knowledge examinations, a skill test, holding a valid EASA medical certificate, demonstrating language proficiency, and meeting minimum flight experience requirements as defined in

Part-FCL.

​

Private Pilot Licence (PPL) in Germany

​

In Germany, pilot licensing follows the EASA Part-FCL framework and is supplemented by national law. The competent authority is the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA). Applicants may begin PPL(A) training at the age of 16. The minimum age for licence issue is 17. A valid Class 2 medical certificate is required. German law requires a reliability background check (Zuverlässigkeitsüberprüfung, ZÜP) before the start of flight training. The practical training for a German PPL(A) consists of at least 45 hours of flight instruction, including at least 10 hours of supervised solo flight. At least five of the solo hours must be cross-country, including one solo cross-country flight of at least 270 km with full-stop landings at two different aerodromes. Training concludes with a theoretical knowledge examination and a practical skill test conducted by an authorised examiner. During training, pilots must obtain a radio telephony certificate (BZF or equivalent).