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UK Civil Aviation Regulations

These are published by the CAA on our UK Regulations pages. EU Regulations and EASA Access Guides published by EASA no longer apply in the UK. Our website and publications are being reviewed to update all references. Any references to EU law and EASA Access guides should be disregarded and where applicable the equivalent UK versions referred to instead.



The minimum age to get a CPL is 18 and you will need to hold a Part MED Class 1 Medical Certificate.

If you hold a CPL you can, on the appropriate aircraft category:

  • exercise all the privileges of the holder of a LAPL and a PPL.
  • act as pilot in command (PIC) or co-pilot of any aircraft operations other than commercial air transport
  • act as PIC in commercial air transport of any single-pilot aircraft.
  • act as co-pilot in commercial air transport.

An An applicant for the issue of a CPL shall have fulfilled the requirements for the class or type rating of the aircraft used in the skill test.

Requirements

Training requirements differ depending on the aircraft category and training route you take. These are set out below.

However, in all cases, you must fulfil the class or type rating requirements for the aircraft you take your CPL skill test on. For example, if you are taking the skill test on a multi-engine piston aeroplane (MEP) class, you must have met the relevant flight training requirements.

You must successfully complete theoretical exams and flight instruction at an approved training organisation (ATO).

Theoretical knowledge examinations

As part of the application for CPL, you will need to demonstrate that you have an appropriate level of theoretical knowledge by passing exams in the following subject areas:

  • Air law
  • Aircraft general knowledge - airframe/systems/powerplant
  • Aircraft general knowledge - instrumentation
  • Mass and balance
  • Performance
  • Flight planning and monitoring
  • Human performance
  • Meteorology
  • General navigation
  • Radio navigation
  • Operational procedures
  • Principles of flight
  • Visual flight rules (VFR) communications

You will also need to take ATPL and / or Instrument rating level theoretical knowledge examinations depending on the course of training you are taking.

Please refer to the specific course(s) you are taking for details. These are shown below.

Close Theoretical knowledge examinations

Skill test

At the end of training, and when all requirements for licence issue have been met, you will need to take a skill test with an examiner.

An applicant for a CPL shall pass a skill test in accordance with Appendix 4 to this Part to demonstrate the ability to perform, as PIC of the appropriate aircraft category, the relevant procedures and manoeuvres with the competency appropriate to the privileges granted.

For the issue of a rating the applicant shall apply not later than 6 months after having succeeded at the skill test.

Please refer to Standards Documents 1A, 3, 7 and Appendices 4 and 7 of Part FCL for more details.

Close Skill test

Training

ATP(A) integrated training course

The aim of the course is to obtain a CPL (A) and an IR (A), including multi-crew cooperation (MCC) course to enable the pilot to operate as a co-pilot on multi pilot commercial operations, subject to holding a multi-pilot type rating.

Your theoretical knowledge and exams will be of the level required for issue of an ATPL (A) once you have completed the necessary flying experience and skills test to upgrade your licence.

An applicant wishing to undertake an ATP(A) integrated course shall complete all the instructional stages in one continuous course of training as arranged by an ATO.

Theoretical

Theoretical knowledge training

You will need to complete at least 750 hours of theoretical knowledge training, plus at least 25 hours for MCC.

Theoretical knowledge examination

You will need to pass the ATPL (A) exams to demonstrate an appropriate level of theoretical knowledge.

Close Theoretical

Flying

Requirement Required number of hours Crediting for previous experience
Total flying training at least 195 hours (not including type rating training), including all progress tests. Up to 55 hours of the entire course may be instrument ground time if you hold an ICAO compliant PPL(A) or PPL(H), 50% of the hours flown can be credited, up to a maximum of 40 hours, or 45 hours if you have an aeroplane night rating, of which up to 20 hours may count towards the requirement for dual instruction flight time

The total flying training requirement (above) must include the following components:

Requirement Required number of hours Crediting for previous experience
Dual instruction 95 hours, of which 55 may be instrument ground time  
PIC 70 hours as PIC, of which up to 55 hours may be SPIC. The instrument flight time as SPIC shall only be counted as PIC flight time up to a maximum of 20 hours.  
Cross-country flying 50 hours as PIC, including a VFR cross-country flight of at least 540 km (300 NM), which must also include full stop landings at two aerodromes different from that of departure.  
Night flying 5 hours, comprising 3 hours of dual instruction and 1 hour of cross-country navigation and 5 solo take-offs and full stop landings  
Instrument time 115 hours, including at least 20 hours as SPIC, at least 15 hours for MCC, which may be done in a suitable simulator, at least 50 hours of instrument flight instruction, of which up to 25 hours may be instrument ground time in a FNPT 1 , and 40 hours may be in an FNPT II, FTD 2 or FFS, of which up to 10 hours may be in an FNPT I Applicants holding a BIR or a course completion certificate for the Basic Instrument Flight Module shall be credited with up to 10 hours towards the required instrument instruction time. Hours done in a BITD shall not be credited.
Aircraft certified for at least 4 persons, variable pitch propeller and retractable landing gear 5 hours  
Close Flying

Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) training course - Aeroplanes

The MCC training course shall comprise at least:

  • 25 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction and exercises;
    and
  • 20 hours of practical MCC training, or 15 hours in the case of student pilots attending an ATP integrated course.

An FNPT II MCC or an FFS shall be used. When the MCC training is combined with initial type rating training, the practical MCC training may be reduced to no less than 10 hours if the same FFS is used for both the MCC and type rating training.

  • The MCC training course shall be completed within 6 months at an ATO.
  • Unless the MCC course has been combined with a type rating course, on completion of the MCC training course the applicant shall be given a certificate of completion.
  • An applicant having completed MCC training for any other category of aircraft shall be exempted from 25 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction and exercises.

See FCL.735.A for more details.

Close Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) training course - Aeroplanes

CPL IR / A integrated training course

The aim of the course is to obtain a CPL (A) and an IR (A) so that you can proficiently fly single pilot single engine or multi engine aeroplanes commercially.

There are no pre-requisites for this training.

An applicant wishing to undertake a CPL(A)/IR integrated course shall complete all the instructional stages in one continuous course of training as arranged by an ATO.

Theoretical

Theoretical knowledge training

You will need to complete at least 500 hours of theoretical knowledge training.

This theoretical knowledge course will only be sufficient for attempting CPL (A) and IR (A) theoretical knowledge examinations. If you wish to take theoretical knowledge examinations at ATPL (A) level you will need to complete additional study.

Theoretical knowledge examination

You will need to pass the CPL (A)/IR exams as a minimum to demonstrate an appropriate level of theoretical knowledge.

Close Theoretical

Flying

Requirement Required number of hours Crediting for previous experience
Total flying training at least 180 hours (not including type rating training); all progress tests can be counted towards the total and up to 40 hours of the total may be instrument ground time If you hold an ICAO compliant PPL (A) or PPL (H), 50% of the hours flown can be credited, up to a maximum of 40 hours, or 45 hours if you have an aeroplane night rating, of which up to 20 hours may count towards the requirement for dual instruction flight time (below)

 

The total flying training requirement (above) must include the following components:

Requirement Required number of hours Crediting for previous experience
Dual instruction 80 hours, of which up to 40 hours may be instrument ground time  
PIC 70 hours as PIC, of which up to 55 hours may be SPIC. The instrument flight time as SPIC shall only be counted as PIC flight time up to a maximum of 20 hours.  
Cross-country flying 50 hours as PIC, including a VFR cross-country flight of at least 540 km (300 NM), which should also include full stop landings at two aerodromes different from that of departure.  
Night flying 5 hours, comprising 3 hours of dual instruction and 1 hour of cross-country navigation and 5 solo take-offs and full stop landings  
Instrument time 100 hours, including at least 20 hours as SPIC, at least 50 hours of instrument flight instruction, of which up to 25 hours may be instrument ground time in a FNPT 1 , or 40 hours may be in an FNPT II, FTD 2 or FFS, of which up to 10 hours may be in an FNPT I Applicants holding a BIR or a course completion certificate for the Basic Instrument Flight Module shall be credited with up to 10 hours towards the required instrument instruction time. Hours done in a BITD shall not be credited.
Aircraft certified for at least 4 persons, variable pitch propeller and retractable landing gear 5 hours  
Close Flying

Skill test

Your skill test must be taken after completing the course on either a single or multi-engine aeroplane. You will also need to take the IR skill test. For a multi-engine IR, the skill test shall be taken in a multi-engine aircraft. For a single-engine IR, the test shall be taken in a single-engine aircraft.
Applicants who have completed a skill test for a multi-engine IR in a single-pilot multi-engine aeroplane for which a class rating is required shall also be issued with a single-engine IR for the single-engine aeroplane class or type ratings that they hold.

Close Skill test

Other training routes

You can also complete the CPL (A) integrated or modular course along with the Instrument Rating course.

Credits available

If you already a hold a licence or have flying experience you may be eligible for credits towards the theoretical knowledge training and the flying training for the issue of a licence or rating.

Theoretical

Third country licence holder

Partial credit towards the theoretical training may be available if you hold:

  • a current and valid CPL / IR issued by or on behalf of a third country that is ICAO compliant (see Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention).

  • a validating medical for your third country licence

  • a valid type or class rating on your third country licence for the same type of aircraft that will be used for the CPL / IR skill test (EASA type and class rating list)

You must meet the experience requirements for the CPL with IR

  • Complete Part-FCL CPL (A) and IR (A) or ATPL (A) theoretical knowledge instruction as determined by the Head of Training of an ATO and pass all Part-FCL theoretical knowledge examinations at CPL and IR level or ATPL.

  • Applicants who wish to attempt the ATPL(A) examinations must complete an approved ATPL(A) Modular theoretical knowledge course as set out in Part-FCL Appendix 3(B) and pass all Part-FCL ATPL(A) examinations.
Close Third country licence holder

Instrument rating

You must complete Part-FCL IR(A) theoretical knowledge instruction as determined by the Head
of Training of an approved training provider and pass all Part-FCL theoretical knowledge examinations at IR level.

If you who wish to attempt the ATPL(A) examinations must undertake an approved ATPL(A) Modular theoretical knowledge course as set out in Part-FCL Appendix 3(B) and pass all Part-FCL ATPL(A) examinations.

Close Instrument rating

UK military flight crew

The Military Accreditation Scheme sets out the credits for UK Military Flight Crew, so the scheme is only open to serving Members of HM UK Forces or people discharged from HM UK Forces.

The scheme is only open to people who can provide proof of UK Military service.

QMP(A)s do not need to complete a theoretical knowledge instruction course as set out in FCL.315 and Appendix 3, paragraphs A-E, as applicable, before completing the theoretical knowledge examinations for the ATPL(A) or CPL(A), as applicable.

An applicant who passes the examinations at ATPL(A) level is reminded that the calendar validity periods for examinations set out in Part-FCL.025 apply. Unless an IR(A) or ATPL(A)is gained within the calendar validity of the pass result, the theoretical knowledge examinations must be passed again to qualify for the IR(A) or ATPL(A).

Close UK military flight crew

Holders of a UK issued Part FCL licence in another category

An applicant for an CPL holding a valid CPL in another category of aircraft must complete theoretical knowledge bridge instruction at an ATO according to the differences identified between the CPL syllabi for different aircraft categories.

The applicant must pass the following PART FCL subjects in the appropriate aircraft category:

  • 021 - Aircraft General Knowledge: Airframe and Systems, Electrics, Powerplant
  • Emergency Equipment
  • 022 - Aircraft General Knowledge: Instrumentation
  • 032/034 - Performance Aeroplanes or Helicopters, as applicable
  • 070 - Operational Procedures,
    and
  • 080 - Principles of Flight

The remainder of the CPL(A) examinations are credited.

Applicants holding an IR(A)

If you have already passed the aeroplane instrument rating theoretical knowledge exams, you are credited with Human Performance and Meteorology at CPL level.

You need to complete and pass the remaining CPL (A) theoretical examinations.

Close Holders of a UK issued Part FCL licence in another category

Flying

Third country licence holder

Partial credit towards the flying training may be available if you hold:

  • a current and valid CPL issued by or on behalf of a third country that is ICAO compliant (see Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention).

  • a validating medical for your third country licence

  • a valid type or class rating on your third country licence for the same type of aircraft that will be used for the CPL skill test (an EASA type and class rating list)

You must meet the experience requirements for the CPL.

The UK CAA is applying the following policy which may be utilised by an ATO conducting conversion training on ICAO licence holders for a Part-FCL CPL (A) be issued by the UK CAA without seeking prior approval from the Authority for each individual applicant.

These arrangements provide a route to a current and valid ICAO CPL (A) issued in accordance with ICAO Annex 1.

The Aircrew Regulation requires that the holder of an ICAO licence must attend an Approved Training Organisation and complete an approved CPL (A) modular course. If, following assessment, the ATO wishes to reduce the course further than the minimum criteria set out below, they must recommend a reduced course to their Licensing Standard Inspector (for UK CAA approved ATOs) or to the UK CAA for non-UK approved ATOs. The course cannot be reduced to zero hours.

Minimum course content without submission of a recommendation to the CAA.

After completion of CPL (A) or ATPL(A) exams you will need to complete the minimum flying requirements shown below at an Approved Training Organisation approved to conduct CPL modular course.

Minimum instruction depending upon total hours as pilot of aeroplanes:

  • Level 1: Experience > 1000 hours: Min 7 hours (18 hours credit)
  • Level 2: Experience 500 - 999 hours: Min 10 hours (15 hours credit)
  • Level 3: Experience 250 - 499 hours: Min 15 hours (10 hours credit)
  • Level 4: Experience 185 - 249 hours: Min 20 hours (5 hours credit)
  • Level 5: Experience 155 - 184 hours: Min 25 hours (no credit)

Pass the Part-FCL CPL (A) Skill Test.

Close Third country licence holder

Instrument rating holder

Partial credit towards the flying credit may be available if you hold or held an Instrument Rating.

If you wish to convert your IR it must be current and valid unless you are converting via the competency based modular training route (CBIR) where the requirements differ depending on the validity of your ICAO IR.

If you are not following the CBIR route you must:

  • Complete a minimum of 15 hours instrument time under instruction
    (including recommendation for test in accordance with the approved procedures of the ATO)

    Of which:
    • 5 hours may be in a FNPT I
      or
    • 10 hours in a FNPT II or Full Flight Simulator.

Holders of an ICAO IR obtained in a single engine aeroplane seeking a Part-FCL multi engine IR(A) must attend an approved IR(A) training provider.

In addition to the training completed for the single engine IR you must also meet the Part-FCL requirements for a multi engine Class Rating and the Part-FCL SE(IR) to ME(IR) training course requirements of Part-FCL Appendix 6, (A)(9) as shown below:

  • complete a course at an ATO comprising at least 5 hours instruction in instrument flying in multi-engine aeroplanes, of which 3 hours may be in an FFS or FNPT II.

Pass the Part-FCL IR(A) Skill Test in a SE or ME aeroplane, as applicable.

Close Instrument rating holder

UK military flight crew

The Military Accreditation Scheme sets out the credits for UK Military Flight Crew, so the scheme is only open to serving Members of HM UK Forces or people discharged from HM UK Forces.

The scheme is only open to people who can provide proof of UK Military service.

Flying Experience Credits

QMP(A)s with a minimum of 70 hours logged as PIC/P1 Capt or PICUS/1st Pilot Non-Capt who hold or have held a military unrestricted, Green, Instrument Rating Aeroplanes do not need to complete a training course before completing the skill test for the issue of a CPL(A)and skill test for the IR(A).

  • Basic Fast Jet Training (BFJT) (or legacy course) graduates must take the skill test in a single pilot single engine aeroplane.

  • Fast Jet Operational Conversion Unit (FJ OCU ) graduates may take the skill test in a single pilot single engine aeroplane,
    or
  • in a multi-engine aeroplane provided that they complete an MEP course at an ATO before the CPL Skill test and approved multi engine IR(A) training at an ATO comprising of at least 5 hours instruction in instrument flying in multi engine aeroplanes of which 5 hours may be in an FFS or FNPT II.

  • Multi Engine Pilot Training (MEPT) (or legacy course) graduates may take the skill test in a single engine or single pilot multi-engine aeroplane.

Applicants for the issue of a CPL IR(A) must meet the experience requirements and pre-requisites for the issue of the class or type rating used for the test as set out in PART FCL, subpart H.

The aeroplane used for the skill test must meet the requirements for training aeroplanes and be certificated for the carriage of at least four persons, have a variable pitch propeller and retractable landing gear.

Skill test

The skill test must be conducted by the holder of a Flight Examiner Certificate issued in accordance with Part FCL.

The skill test must be conducted in:

  • an appropriate class or type of military aeroplane on which you are or have been qualified to operate as a QMP, suitably equipped for the purpose, which has an EASA civilian equivalent;
    or
  • an appropriate class or type of civilian aeroplane provided you have completed the Part-FCL requirements for inclusion of that type or class in a Part-FCL licence except the type rating skill test.
Close UK military flight crew

Holders of a UK issued Part FCL licence for a different category

Hours as PIC of other categories of aircraft may count towards the 200 hours total flight time, in the following cases:

  • 30 hours in helicopter, if the applicant holds a PPL(H);
    or
  • 100 hours in helicopters, if the applicant holds a CPL(H);
    or
  • 30 hours in TMGs or sailplanes;
    or
  • 30 hours in airships, if the applicant holds a PPL(As);
    or
  • 60 hours in airships, if the applicant holds a CPL(As).

The specific modular course requirements must be met. The credit only applies to the total flight time.
Applicants holding a current and valid IR(H) can be credited up to 5 hours of the dual instrument instruction time, in which case at least 5 hours dual instrument instruction time must be given in an aeroplane.

Close Holders of a UK issued Part FCL licence for a different category

How to apply

There are two methods you can use to apply for a CPL/IR issue; e-Licensing or our Online application form.

If you have previously used e-Licensing, please apply using this method.

e-Licensing

If you choose to apply using e-Licensing, you will need to upload supporting documents as part of the application. Applicants will be asked for different supporting documentation depending on the selections they have made during the application.

The table below lists the evidence you may be asked for and what you should upload in that section.

Name in e-Licensing Document required
Identification Document A certified copy of your ID
CPL Skills Test

Examiner report form SRG2130

  • Examiner's licence, medical, examiner certificate if non-UK
  • ATO approval certificate if non-UK
Instrument Rating Skill Test

Examiner report form SRG2131

  • Evidence of take offs and landings unless ZFTT course completed
  • Multi-Crew Cooperation course completion certificate (MCC) if it is your first multi-pilot test
CPL Instrument Rating Integrated with ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Course Completion Certificate Form CAA5000

Certified copy of licence for update rating(s)

A certified copy of your licence

CPL modular application

Name in e-Licensing Document required
Identification Document Certified copy of ID
CPL Skills Test

Examiner report form SRG2130

Examiner's licence, medical & examiner certificate if non-UK

ATO approval certificate if non-UK

Instrument Rating Skill Test

Examiner report form SRG2131

Examiner's licence, medical & examiner certificate if non-UK

CPL Instrument Rating Course Completion Certificate Form CAA5008
ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Course Form CAA5004
Certified copy of licence for update rating(s) Certified copy of licence

 

CPL with military credits

Name in e-Licensing Document required
Identification Document Certified copy of ID
CPL Skills Test

Examiner report form SRG2130

Examiner's licence, medical & examiner certificate if non-UK

ATO approval certificate if non-UK

Instrument Rating Skill Test

Examiner report form SRG2131

Examiner's licence, medical & examiner certificate if non-UK

CPL Military Credits Course Completion Certificate Form CAA5014
Military Accreditation Scheme MAS Form SRG2133
Certified copy of licence for update rating(s) Certified copy of licence

You should not upload Online application form as e-Licensing replaces this form.

Please note that you cannot use e-Licensing to submit your application if you are using credits from a Third Country Licence. In this instance, you would need to submit the Online form instead along with the Online application for a Third Country Verification.

Close e-Licensing

Online application form

You can submit your application using our online form.

If you choose this method, you will need to upload the following supporting evidence:

  • Examiners report form SRG2130, with a copy of the non-UK Simulator approval certificate if you used a non-UK simulator for the skills test
  • Instrument rating examiner report form SRG2131, with a copy of the non-UK Simulator approval certificate if you used a non-UK simulator for the skills test
  • A copy of your Examiner's licence, medical and authorisation (only required if you used a non-UK examiner for the skill test)
  • A certified copy of your licence (only required if one is already held)
  • Proof of your ID (This can be a certified copy of your valid passport/full UK photographic driving licence, or a close up photo of you holding your ID in which your face and ID are clearly visible)
  • A certified copy of your relevant logbook pages to confirm your hours and experience.
  • A copy of your course completion certificate (CAA5008 and CAA5004 if modular course, CAA5000 if integrated course) or Training Organisation equivalent
  • A copy of your IR course completion certificate (CAA5011 or Training Organisation equivalent)
  • A copy of the Simulator approval certificate (only required if you used a non-UK simulator for the skill test)
  • A copy of the Approved Training Organisation approval Certificate (only required if the course was completed with a non-UK ATO)
  • A copy of BIFM certificate (only required if this option is selected on online application form)

If your Theoretical Knowledge (TK) exams have been passed with another NAA:

  • A copy of Part-FCL theoretical knowledge exam results as provided by the relevant authority
  • A copy of theoretical knowledge course completion certificate completed by the relevant authority (CAA5004 or Training Organisation equivalent)
  • A copy of the non-UK ATO approval certificate detailing TK assessment approval (You are only required to upload the front page of the non-UK ATO approval, the pages relevant to the aircraft type or course and the final approval page signed by the National Aviation Authority (NAA)).

If you do not have a UK issued RT licence:

  • A copy of your evidence of UK Examination and Test for Grant of FRTOL (CAA5003)

UK military pilots need to additionally submit completed Military Accreditation Scheme (MAS) form SRG2133, with certified copies of relevant pages of the military logbook

Pilots applying on the basis of holding a Third Country ICAO licence will also need to submit the following paperwork:

How to get copies of your documents certified

File size limit

Please note that there is currently 200Mb size limit to files uploaded to our forms. If your attachments exceed 200Mb, you should send all supporting documentation to fclweb@caa.co.uk quoting your application reference number.

All documents should be uploaded with a different filename clearly stating the content of the file attachment (for example Passport, Licence copy etc.)

Submitting documents with the same filename may result in the loss of information in the system and added delays to the application assessment.

Close Online application form

During the current Covid-19 pandemic, we ask that all paperwork is sent to us electronically.

Guidance on documentation

For questions relating to paperwork, such as how to obtain certified copies of documents, please refer to guidance on documentation.

Contact us

If you have any questions please contact our licensing team:

Email fclweb@caa.co.uk (preferred)
Phone 0330 022 1972 (Mon - Fri 08:30 - 16:30)

Related Information

Schools and training

Please ensure that your training provider is approved to conduct the training that you are undertaking.

We strongly recommend you check that your instructor and examiner hold the relevant privileges to conduct the training and any flight test, examination or assessment of competence that is being carried out.

How to find a UK examiner or UK approved school

EASA ratings list and flight simulators

Close Schools and training