LAPL(A): Light Aircraft Pilot Licence
A streamlined entry point into recreational flying: single-engine piston up to 2 tons MTOW.
What Is the LAPL(A)?
The LAPL(A) allows you to fly single-engine piston aircraft up to 2,000 kg MTOW with a maximum of 3 passengers once you have flown 10 hours as PIC after licence issue, within EASA airspace. It is the most accessible entry into private flying.
LAPL(A) vs PPL(A): Key Differences
LAPL(A) is limited to EASA airspace only
Instrument rating via the PPL(A) upgrade (FCL.610) or an integrated CPL(A)/IR course
No multi-engine piston (MEP) permitted
Professional (CPL(A)) training via the PPL(A) upgrade, which credits LAPL(A) training, or an integrated CPL(A) course (Part-FCL Appendix 3)
Conversion to PPL(A) requires 15 additional flight hours
Ground School
The 9 EASA theory subjects (FCL.120)
Same subjects as PPL(A): Air Law, Aircraft General Knowledge, Flight Performance & Planning, Human Performance, Meteorology, Navigation, Operational Procedures, Principles of Flight, Communications.
Flight Training
Minimum 30 hours
Training Aircraft: Bristell B23
8-Stage Progression
Basic aircraft handling
Circuit training
Advanced manoeuvres
First solo flight
Navigation fundamentals
Cross-country navigation
Pre-exam consolidation
Practical skills test
Maintaining Currency
Minimum 12 flight hours within 24 months, as PIC or dual or solo under instructor supervision
Within the same 24 months: 12 take-offs and landings and 1 hour of refresher training with an instructor, or a LAPL(A) proficiency check with an examiner instead (FCL.140.A)
Conversion to PPL(A) requires 15 additional hours
Investment & Timeline
Cost
CHF 16,000-19,000
Includes theory, flight training (minimum 30h), landing fees, examiner fees. Fewer hours required than PPL(A).
Duration
4 - 12 months
Shorter than PPL(A) due to reduced hour requirements. Weekend training: ~8-12 months.
Prerequisites
Minimum age 17 (16 to begin training). EASA LAPL(A) Medical certificate (less strict than Class 2) from an AeMC or an AME (or a GMP where national law permits), required before first solo flight. Non-Swiss / non-EEA students: visa and SEM clearance may apply, please contact us. No prior experience required.
EASA FCL.110.A ↗Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between LAPL(A) and PPL(A)?
LAPL(A) requires fewer hours (30 vs 45), costs less, and allows you to fly aircraft up to 2,000 kg with up to 3 passengers after 10 hours as PIC following licence issue, and is recognised only within EASA states. PPL(A) has no weight limit.
How much does LAPL(A) training cost?
CHF 16,000-19,000 including theory, minimum 30 flight hours, landing fees, and examiner fees.
Can I upgrade from LAPL(A) to PPL(A) later?
Yes. Additional training hours and a skill test are required, but your LAPL(A) hours count toward PPL(A) requirements.
What medical do I need for LAPL(A)?
A LAPL(A) Medical, which is less strict than the PPL(A) Class 2 Medical. It can be issued by an authorised aviation medical examiner or, in some cases, a general practitioner.
How long does LAPL(A) training take?
4-12 months. The reduced hour requirement makes it faster than PPL(A) for most students.
Is LAPL(A) valid outside Switzerland?
Yes, across all EASA member states. However, it is not an ICAO licence, so it is not directly recognised outside EASA countries.
Start Your Flying Journey
The LAPL(A) is the most direct route to getting airborne. Contact us to learn more.
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