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Commercial Pilot Licence

C
Written by Callum Watt
Updated over 5 months ago

This training is delivered at an Aeros location of your choice.


The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is the final phase of flight training before pilots can operate as professional aviators. The CPL course builds on existing skills, refining handling, navigation, and emergency management while introducing commercial-level precision and decision-making.

The CPL training in the Fastrack Programme consists of 15 hours of flight training, completed in both single-engine (DA40) and multi-engine (DA42) aircraft. Pilots must demonstrate high levels of airmanship, complex flight manoeuvres, and professional flight planning before attempting the CPL Skill Test.

Objectives

  • Develop precise aircraft handling and navigation skills to meet commercial standards

  • Improve pilot decision-making and operational efficiency

  • Enhance situational awareness and airmanship

  • Prepare for multi-crew operations and airline transition training

Entry Requirements

  • Hold a UK CAA Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

  • Hold a Class 1 Medical Certificate

  • Hold a Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) Rating

  • Hold a Competency-Based Instrument Rating (CB-IR)

  • Passed all ATPL Theoretical Examinations

  • Logged a minimum of 200 total flight hours, including:

    • 100 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC)

    • 20 hours of cross-country PIC time (including a qualifying cross-country flight of 300NM)

    • 10 hours of instrument flight

    • 5 hours of night flying

Training Breakdown

Flight Training (15 Hours Total: 9 Hours DA40 & 6 Hours DA42)

  • Advanced Handling & Manoeuvres

    • Steep turns, stalls, and recovery techniques

    • Precision flying and accuracy landings

    • Low-level navigation and diversion techniques

      Navigation & Operational Flight Planning

    • Complex cross-country navigation in controlled airspace

    • Use of advanced flight planning tools and ATC interaction

    • Diversion planning and emergency handling

      Multi-Engine Commercial Flight Training

    • Handling the DA42 Twin Star in a commercial environment

    • Simulated engine failures and asymmetric flight

    • Advanced instrument approaches and holds

Ground School & Theoretical Knowledge

Though ATPL theory exams are completed before the CPL, additional ground school will cover:

  • Commercial flight operations and regulations

  • Performance calculations and aircraft loading

  • Flight planning and fuel management

  • Emergency scenarios and risk management

Examinations & Skill Test

  • CPL Flight Test: Conducted by a UK CAA examiner, lasting approximately 2 hours, assessing:

    • General handling and emergency procedures

    • Cross-country navigation and diversions

    • Advanced manoeuvres and commercial precision

Privileges & Limitations

Privileges:

  • Allows pilots to act as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) for commercial operations

  • Required for airline training and multi-crew cooperation (MCC/APS MCC)

Limitations:

  • CPL holders must obtain a Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) certificate to fly as a commercial airline pilot

  • The CPL alone does not permit instrument flight—an Instrument Rating (IR) is required

Expected Timeline

  • Full-time students: 3-4 weeks (subject to weather and scheduling)

  • Part-time students: Flexible, based on availability

Progression to the Next Stage

After completing the CPL, pilots will move on to:

  • Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (UPRT)

  • Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) or Airline Pilot Standard MCC (APS MCC)

  • Airline pilot selection and employment preparation

The CPL is the final step before transitioning to a career as a professional pilot, setting the foundation for employment in commercial aviation.

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