The 4 Pilot Licences Explained

Under EASA regulations in Europe, there are exactly four pilot licences for single-engine aircraft operations. Everything else - from instrument flying to flying multiple engines - is a rating or endorsement that builds on one of these four foundations. Understanding the differences is the first step to mapping your aviation journey.

Licence vs Rating: What's the Difference?

A pilot licence is the primary qualification - the legal foundation that allows you to fly an aircraft for a specific category and purpose. A rating or endorsement, by contrast, is an add-on that expands what you can do with a licence you already hold.

Think of it this way: your PPL(A) is the base card. An Instrument Rating, a Multi-Engine rating, or a Type Rating (for specific aircraft) are all add-ons to that card. EASA defines just four base licences for fixed-wing aircraft. Let's explore each one.

LAPL(A) - Light Aircraft Pilot Licence

The LAPL(A) is the simplest and most restrictive of the four licences. It is designed for recreational flying - for people who want to fly for the sheer joy of it, without pursuing a professional career.

• —Maximum aircraft size: 4 seats (including the pilot) and maximum takeoff weight of 2,000 kg
• —Flight operations: Visual flight only (VFR), in daytime, in good weather
• —No commercial operations: You cannot be paid to fly, nor can you carry paying passengers
• —Minimum training: Just 30 hours of flying time (compared to 45+ for a PPL(A))

The LAPL(A) is perfect if you want a low-cost entry into aviation and you are content to fly a small aircraft around Europe for fun. It is particularly popular in the UK and some European countries. However, the LAPL(A) has one major limitation: it is not recognized outside Europe. If you ever plan to fly in the United States or beyond, you will eventually need a PPL(A).

PPL(A) - Private Pilot Licence

The PPL(A) is the most popular pilot licence in the world. It is the international standard, recognized by ICAO and accepted in every country. With a PPL(A), you can fly for recreation, with passengers, and across borders.

• —Aircraft: Any single-engine or multi-engine aircraft (up to the weight of the aircraft you are certified on)
• —Passengers: You can carry as many passengers as the aircraft is certified to hold - no commercial limit on numbers
• —Flight operations: VFR in daytime and under certain night conditions (with a Night Rating); no instrument flying unless you add an IR(A)
• —Minimum training: 45 hours of flying, plus theory exams in 9 subjects covering meteorology, navigation, aircraft systems, and more

The PPL(A) is often called the 'gateway licence' because it opens doors. With a PPL(A), you can fly friends and family on weekend trips across the Alps, organize cross-country tours, or rent aircraft from flying clubs across Europe. It is also the foundation for every professional qualification - you cannot get a CPL(A) or ATPL(A) without first earning a PPL(A).

CPL(A) - Commercial Pilot Licence

The CPL(A) is where aviation becomes professional. It is the licence that allows you to be paid to fly. Every airline pilot, charter pilot, or flight instructor must hold at least a CPL(A). It is significantly more demanding than a PPL(A), both in hours and in skill level.

• —Prerequisites: You must first hold a PPL(A), and you must have flown at least 200 total hours of pilot-in-command time
• —Compensation: You can legally be paid to fly as pilot-in-command or as a crew member
• —Additional training: 25+ hours of advanced flying, plus modules in air law, commercial flying operations, and emergency procedures
• —Professionalism: CPL(A) training emphasizes precision, decision-making under pressure, and commercial flying standards that airlines expect

A CPL(A) alone is not enough to fly for an airline. You also need an Instrument Rating (to fly in cloud and poor visibility) and often a Multi-Engine rating (to operate twin-engine aircraft). But the CPL(A) is the first step into professional aviation, and it represents a real commitment - both in time and in cost. Most of our CPL(A) graduates go on to either become airline pilots or build rewarding careers in charter flying, cargo operations, or aircraft ownership.

ATPL(A) - Airline Transport Pilot Licence

The ATPL(A) is the highest level of pilot qualification under EASA. It is the licence required for an airline captain - the pilot in command of a commercial flight. Earning an ATPL(A) is a significant milestone that requires years of flying experience, advanced training, and demonstration of mastery.

• —Prerequisites: Minimum 1,500 hours of flying (real-world flying time), including specific experience in multi-engine operations and command authority
• —Two pathways: A 'frozen ATPL(A)' is a restricted version you can earn earlier with fewer hours; the 'unfrozen ATPL(A)' with full command authority requires the full 1,500 hours and is what airline captains hold
• —Theory: 14 demanding EASA subjects - a comprehensive examination of meteorology, flight planning, air law, crew resource management, and advanced aeronautics
• —Professional standards: ATPL(A) training and testing demands the highest levels of knowledge, decision-making, and responsibility

The ATPL(A) represents the pinnacle of general aviation. Frozen ATPL(A) holders can work as airline First Officers (right-seat pilots) while building hours toward the unfrozen licence. Many pilots find an ATPL(A) progression appeals to them because it keeps doors open - you can fly for airlines, charter operators, or stay independent as a commercial pilot. alpaviation supports students all the way through the ATPL(A) pathway, with in-house training, mentorship, and access to our full fleet including the Diamond DA42 twin-engine aircraft.

Which Licence Should You Get?

The right licence for you depends on your goals, your timeline, and your commitment to aviation. Here are four common scenarios:

Whatever path you choose, remember that each licence is valuable on its own. You do not need to have a goal of becoming an airline pilot to justify earning a CPL(A). And you do not need a CPL(A) to have a meaningful aviation life as a PPL(A) holder. The joy of flying transcends the type of licence in your pocket.

There are no shortcuts in aviation - only deliberate steps toward mastery. Whether you fly for fun, for income, or for a career, each licence marks a real achievement in your development as a pilot.

The four EASA pilot licences are a clear pathway from recreational flying to professional aviation. At alpaviation, we are certified to train you toward any of these licences, and we are committed to helping you achieve your specific goals. We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach - your training is tailored to your timeline, your ambitions, and your life circumstances. If you're ready to start your pilot journey, or if you'd like to discuss which licence makes sense for your goals, we are here to help.