UK commercial pilot license

To become a commercial pilot in the UK, you’ll need to obtain a UK CAA Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), which can be followed by an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) for airline captain roles. Here’s an overview of the process:

Steps to Get a UK Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

Age: Minimum 18 years old for a CPL (21 for ATPL issue).
Medical: Hold a valid UK CAA Class 1 Medical Certificate.
Language: Proficient in English (ICAO Level 4 or higher).

2. Choose Your Training Route

There are two main paths:

Integrated Training

Full-time, intensive program.
Typically 14–18 months.
Includes ground school + flight training from zero to CPL with frozen ATPL.
Costs: £80,000–£120,000.
Example: CAE Oxford, Skyborne, L3Harris.

Modular Training

Flexible, part-time or full-time.
Train in stages: PPL > Hour Building > CPL > MEIR > MCC.
Usually cheaper but longer.
Costs: £40,000–£70,000 (varies widely).

3. Pass ATPL Theoretical Exams

13 subjects (e.g. Navigation, Meteorology, Flight Planning).
Requires classroom or distance learning.

4. Flight Experience

Minimum 200 hours total flight time, including:
- 100 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
- 20 hours cross-country
- 10 hours instrument time
- 5 hours night flying

5. Commercial Pilot Licence Skills Test

Conducted by a UK CAA-approved examiner.
Includes general handling, navigation, and emergency procedures.

6. Add Ratings

Multi-Engine Rating (MEP)
Instrument Rating (IR or CBIR)
MCC Course (Multi-Crew Cooperation – essential for airlines)

Frozen ATPL vs. Full ATPL

Frozen ATPL: You have CPL + ATPL theory + IR. You’re qualified to be a First Officer.
Unfrozen (Full) ATPL: Granted after 1500 hours total flight time; required to be a Captain.

Would you like help comparing modular vs. integrated training in detail or finding schools that fit your budget and timeline?

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