CPL(A) – Requirements for the commercial pilot licence
The CPL(A) – Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) is the commercial pilot license for aircraft and forms the next step after the private pilot license.
It enables commercial flying, for example as a pilot in general aviation, in charter operations or as a basis for a later airline career.
In order for interested parties to start training, certain legal and practical conditions must be met.
CPL (A) Requirements at a glance
| Minimum age | start of training usually from 17 to 18 years; Examination from 18 years |
| Medical certificate | Required: Class 1 Medical Issued by the AeMC or approved aeronautical doctor |
| Language proof | ICAO Language Proficiency Level 4 or higher (German or English) |
| Previous licences & Flight experience | Valid PPL(A) Night rating (NVFR) At least 150 total flight hoursof which: 100 hours as a pilot in command (PIC) – 20 hours of cross-country flight as PIC – 300 NM cross-country flight with two stopovers |
| School requirements | No degrees required by law; Recommended: medium maturity or high school grade, Good knowledge of mathematics, physics and English |
| Theoretical training | Extensive theory, among others in: Aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, Flight performance & Planning, air law, Human performance |
| Practical training | Depending on the preformation approx. 15-25 hours of flight time; Mixture of VFR training and IFR basics |