The Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) is a professional qualification required by any pilot who wishes to earn an income from flying.

The CPL allows you to be the pilot in command on a single pilot aircraft operating commercial flights. You cannot be an in command pilot on a multi pilot aircraft on commercial operations (an ATPL is required for this), however you can act as a co-pilot.

As a CPL holder you will be qualified to be a co-pilot for the airlines provided you fulfil the following conditions:

• Hold an Instrument Rating (IR)
• Complete either a MEPCR (Multi-Engine Piston Class Rating) course or a JOT (Jet Orientation Training) course
• Complete a MCC (Multi-Crew Cooperation) course
• Pass all ATPL theoretical examinations

This will allow you to qualify for the frozen ATPL (Airline Transports Pilots Licence) which is the airline's minimum requirement for new pilots.

The following are a list of minimum requirements to commence CPL training:

• Hold a PPL (A)
• Completion of 150 flying hours. 100 hours must be pilot in command and 20 hours of cross country navigation must be included.
• Completion of all the ground examinations (see below)
• Hold a JAR class one medical certificate
• Be at least 18 years of age

Once you reach the minimum entry requirements listed above then you will be ready to commence the CPL flying course. The minimum CPL training time is 25 hours, however you will to have logged a minimum of 200 hours before you can actually be awarded a CPL.

The course itself will be aimed at developing your flying skills to a professional standard which will be sufficient in flying fare paying passengers. Procedural training will play a significant role in professional pilot training. This will include handling emergencies, abnormal situations, diversions and other flying procedures.

CPL Training Routes

There are two routes to obtaining a CPL:

1. Integrated Training
2. Modular Training

The integrated route involves undertaking a course which takes you from no flying experience through to a CPL. Integrated training courses are usually full time and better suited to those who can financially afford a full-time course.

The modular route involves training for a single licence/rating at a time. You would first obtain a PPL, then build enough hours (150) to be able to complete the modular CPL course.

Modular training is better suited to those who can only afford to fund their pilot training on a part-time basis whilst maintaining a full-time job.

Ground School

Ground school is an important part of CPL training with nine units to complete:

1. Air Law
2. Aircraft General Knowledge
3. Communications
4. Flight Performance and Planning
5. Human Performance and Limitations
6. Meterology
7. Navigation
8. Operational Procedures
9. Principles of Flight

You must pass all nine examinations before you can be awarded your CPL

Provided you have a PPL and meet the minimum requirements to complete a CPL modular course then you will need to pay for a minimum of 25 hours tuition. This can cost between in the region of £3,000 to £4,000.

Having obtained your CPL you have a number of options to exploit your new licence.

1. Become a flying instructor by completing an instructors course. This is a great way to earn income which gives you the opportunity to hour build at the same time.
   
   
2. Pursue a living with roles such as crop-dusting, operating pleasure flights and ariel surveys.
   
   
3. Obtain a forzen ATPL which will allow you to fly for the airlines. This will require you to complete at least the MEPCR, I/R and the Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) courses. Additionaly you will require a Jet Orientation Training Course (JOT) to operate jet aircraft for the airlines.

Private Pilots Licence (PPL)

National Private Pilots Licence (NPPL)

Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL)

Airline Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL)

Night Rating

Aerobatic Rating

Mulit-Engine Rating

Mulit-Crew Cooperation Course (MCC)

IMC - Instrument Meteorological Rating

Jet Orientation Course (JOC)