COMMERCIAL PILOT
LICENCE (CPL)
The Commercial Pilot Licence develops the knowledge, aircraft-handling skills and professional operating discipline required to progress from private flying into commercial aviation.
TURN EXPERIENCE INTO
PROFESSIONAL CAPABILITY
The modular CPL(A) course is designed for PPL(A) holders progressing toward professional flight operations. Training develops advanced visual flying, instrument skills, navigation, aircraft management, decision-making and the standards expected of a commercial pilot.
Licence CPL(A)
at licence issue
250 hours
200 hours total
A commercial licence is more than additional flight time — it is a transition to professional standards.
FROM PRIVATE PILOT
TO PROFESSIONAL STANDARD
The modular CPL(A) course builds on existing PPL experience and develops the precision, planning, judgement and aircraft-management standards required for commercial flying. Flight training is completed as one continuous course arranged by an ATO.
FROM EXPERIENCE BUILDING TO CPL SKILL TEST
Your progression combines experience requirements, CPL theoretical knowledge, advanced visual and instrument training and final skill-test preparation.
Experience
Theory
Flying
Standard
Test
ARRIVE WITH A
SOLID FLYING FOUNDATION
The modular CPL(A) pathway is intended for PPL(A) holders who have already accumulated meaningful command and cross-country experience before commencing the CPL flight-training phase.
- Hold a PPL(A) issued in accordance with ICAO Annex 1
- Complete at least 150 hours total flight time before commencing CPL flight training
- Complete at least 50 hours PIC on aeroplanes
- At least 10 hours of the required PIC time must be cross-country
- Meet applicable multi-engine class/type prerequisites if a multi-engine aeroplane will be used for the CPL skill test
- Meet applicable medical, ATO admission and training-record requirements
KNOWLEDGE FOR
COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS
The CPL(A) theoretical knowledge course develops professional-level understanding of flight planning, performance, aircraft systems, meteorology, navigation, operational procedures and human performance.
- Air Law
- Aircraft General Knowledge — Airframe / Systems / Power Plant
- Aircraft General Knowledge — Instrumentation
- Mass and Balance
- Performance
- Flight Planning and Monitoring
- Human Performance
- Meteorology
- General Navigation
- Radio Navigation
- Operational Procedures
- Principles of Flight
- Communications
FLY TO A
PROFESSIONAL STANDARD
Applicants without an IR receive at least 25 hours of dual flight instruction, including 10 hours of instrument instruction. Applicants holding a valid IR(A) receive credit for the instrument element and complete at least 15 hours of dual visual flight instruction.
- Minimum 25 hours dual flight instruction for applicants without an IR(A)
- Includes 10 hours instrument instruction; permitted FSTD credit may apply
- Valid IR(A) holders are credited for the dual instrument-training requirement
- Valid IR(A) holders receive at least 15 hours dual visual flight instruction
- If night privileges are not already held, additional night training is required
- Advanced visual manoeuvres, navigation, planning and aircraft management
- CPL skill-test preparation to professional competency standards
FLY WITH
COMMERCIAL PRIVILEGES
The CPL significantly expands the privileges available to a pilot and provides the licensing foundation for professional commercial flight operations, subject to the ratings and operational requirements applicable to the aircraft and operation.
- Exercise all privileges of an LAPL and PPL in the appropriate aircraft category
- Act as PIC or co-pilot in operations other than commercial air transport
- Act as PIC in commercial air transport on applicable single-pilot aircraft, subject to Part-FCL restrictions
- Act as co-pilot in commercial air transport, subject to applicable requirements
- Progress toward advanced ratings, multi-crew training and airline career pathways
BUILD YOUR
PROFESSIONAL PATHWAY
The CPL(A) is a major professional milestone. Combine it with instrument, multi-engine, theoretical and multi-crew qualifications to continue toward commercial and airline operations.
BUILD THE HOURS.
MEET THE STANDARD.
Beyond the CPL course itself, Part-FCL requires specific total, PIC, cross-country, night and instrument experience before the CPL(A) can be issued.
PROFESSIONAL FLYING
MORE THAN FLYING SKILL.
Develop the planning, discipline, judgement and consistency expected from a professional commercial pilot.
FLY WITH PURPOSE.
OPERATE WITH DISCIPLINE.
CPL training moves your focus beyond simply controlling the aircraft. Each flight becomes an exercise in planning, precision, workload management, decision-making and professional responsibility.
START YOUR COMMERCIAL PILOT JOURNEY
Take the next step from private flying to professional aviation. Contact our training team for course planning, experience assessment and application information.