ATPL(A) vs. CPL(A) – What is the difference?
Those who want to become a pilot quickly come across two central license types in the professional aviation sector: CPL(A) and ATPL(A). Both are authorized to fly, but differ significantly in Requirements, Air privileges, Career paths and Typical areas of application.
Here the difference is expressed in five clear sentences:
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The CPL(A) is a commercial pilot license, with which pilots are allowed to fly commercially.
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With the CPL(A) pilots can especially in General Aviation work, for example in charter, photography or business flights.
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The ATPL(A) is the highest pilot license and requirement to later Airline captain to become.
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The so-called ‘frozen ATPL’ Already allows the use as First Officer for airlines, although the full ATPL has not yet been reached.
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While the CPL(A) allows entry into commercial aviation, the ATPL(A) is the classic way to enter the Airline commercial operations.
Comparison Table: ATPL(A) vs. CPL(A)
| Character | CPL(A) | ATPL(A) (incl. "frozen ATPL") |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Commercial activity as a commercial pilot | Training and qualification for airline commercial pilot |
| Commercial flights allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Airline assignment as first officer | Only limited, usually only with IR + ME | Yes, already with “frozen ATPL” |
| Airline Captain Possible | No | Yes (with full ATPL) |
| Required theoretical course | CPL theory | ATPL theory (more extensive) |
| Typical areas of application | General Aviation, Business Aviation, Charter, Air Work | Scheduled flight, charter, cargo flight, airline operations |
| Suitable for large airlines? | Usually not enough | Yes, standard requirement |
| Hour requirement for licence | Approximately 200 flight hours minimum (depending on the training path) | 1500 flight hours for a full ATPL |
| Costs of training | Minor | Higher, more complex and mostly integrated with CPL/IR/ME |
| Classical target group | Commercial pilots outside the airline sector | Future airline pilots |