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Unlock the Skies: A Complete Guide to All Types of Pilot Licenses (Student, Private, Commercial, ATP & More)

Types of EASA Pilot Licenses Explained: From Student to Airline Transport Pilot

Thinking of becoming a pilot in Europe under EASA regulations? Whether you’re aiming to fly for fun, pursue a commercial career, or operate drones professionally, there’s a license tailored to your aviation goals. Understanding the various EASA pilot licenses is essential before you invest time and money into flight training.

If you’re just starting out, this comprehensive guide breaks down all major types of pilot certificates—what they allow you to do, their requirements, and the pathway they create toward advanced ratings and full-time aviation careers. Let’s explore the sky of opportunities awaiting you!

Overview: What Are EASA Pilot Licenses?

EASA pilot licenses define what kinds of aircraft you can fly and under what conditions. From student pilots just beginning their journey to experienced professionals flying airliners, each license type opens new doors in the aviation world.

Most aspiring pilots begin with a Private Pilot License (PPL), and from there, choose to either fly recreationally or move on to professional certifications such as the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).

Important Considerations:

  • Each license comes with its own set of privileges and limitations
  • Medical certification and English language proficiency are typically needed
  • You may require specific ratings and endorsements for different aircraft or operations

Common Requirements Across Most EASA Licenses

Before diving into specific license types, it’s important to know that there are universal eligibility standards across most EASA pilot certifications:

  • Proficiency in English (spoken and written)
  • Meet minimum age requirements (varies by license)
  • Pass a Class 1 or Class 2 medical examination depending on intended use
  • Complete approved theoretical knowledge training
  • Acquire sufficient flight hours and demonstrate practical flying skills

Note: Some certifications—like for Light Aircraft Pilot License (LAPL) or remote drones—may have fewer requirements.

Types of EASA Pilot Licenses Explained

1. Student Pilot Certificate

The first step on your aviation journey. This certificate allows you to begin flight training under supervision. Solo flights require instructor endorsement, but no exams are needed at this stage.

  • Minimum age: 16 years (14 for gliders and balloons)
  • No medical for theoretical training alone, but needed to fly solo
  • Covers initial ground and practical instruction

2. Light Aircraft Pilot License (LAPL)

Ideal for hobby pilots, the LAPL lets you fly light aircraft across Europe.

  • Minimum age: 17
  • At least 30 flying hours needed
  • Restricted to EASA member countries
  • LAPL medical certificate required

3. Private Pilot License (PPL)

The most popular entry point for general aviation, and the foundation for professional flying careers.

  • Fly aircraft recreationally or progress towards CPL and ATPL
  • Minimum 45 hours of flight training (5 solo and 25 with an instructor)
  • Class 2 medical required
  • Valid worldwide with relevant conversions

4. Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Ready to get paid for flying? The CPL makes it official by letting you work as a commercial pilot in various capacities, like aerial tours or cargo transport.

  • Minimum age: 18
  • Minimum 150 total flight hours (ATPL theory required)
  • Class 1 medical certificate required
  • Can lead to employment or advanced ratings like multi-engine or instrument rating

5. Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

This is the highest certification a pilot can achieve in the EASA system. It’s required to act as Pilot in Command (PIC) of large commercial aircraft.

  • Minimum age: 21 (Frozen ATPL for First Officers; 21+ and 1500 hours to unfreeze)
  • ATPL theory exam must be passed
  • At least 500 hours of multi-crew flight experience (among other totals)
  • Class 1 medical required

With a “Frozen” ATPL (passed theory and required experience, but not yet 1500 hours), you’re eligible to work as a co-pilot in multi-crew operations.

6. Flight Instructor (FI) Certificate

Want to build hours and get paid while teaching others? Becoming a certified instructor allows you to do just that.

  • Hold a valid PPL/CPL
  • Complete instructor training course and pass a skill test
  • Enable students to qualify for LAPL or PPL

7. Remote Pilot Certificate (Drones)

With drones becoming increasingly popular, the EASA remote pilot certificate under the Open and Specific category allows for commercial operations.

  • Minimum age: 16
  • Online training and knowledge exam through national aviation authority
  • Category A1, A2, and A3 options (based on operational risk)

Ratings & Endorsements: Expanding Your Capabilities

Pilot licenses can be extended with ratings that define what types of aircraft you can fly or under what conditions. The most common EASA ratings include:

Aircraft Type Ratings

  • Required for complex or jet-powered aircraft
  • Examples: Airbus A320, Boeing 737

Instrument Rating (IR)

  • Enables flying under IFR (Instrument Flight Rules)
  • Essential for commercial work and flying in low visibility

Class Ratings

Applicable to single-engine or multi-engine airplanes, separated into land and sea classes.

Night Rating

  • Allows VFR flying at night
  • Typically achieved with PPL

Certificate vs. License: What’s in a Name?

You may hear pilots use “certificate” and “license” interchangeably. While both terms often mean the same thing in practice, EASA technically refers to them as “licenses” for pilots and “certificates” for privileges like instructing or drone operation.

How to Pick the Right Pilot License

Choosing the proper license depends on your personal goals. Here’s a quick breakdown to help:

License Ideal For Privileges
LAPL Recreational Pilots Fly within EASA airspace; limited to light aircraft
PPL Aspiring Private/Recreational Pilots Fly worldwide with appropriate conversions
CPL Professionals in Commercial Aviation Perform commercial operations
ATPL Airline Careers Command multi-crew commercial aircraft
Remote Pilot Commercial Drone Operators Operate drones for surveying, photography, mapping, etc.

Conclusion: Your EASA License Journey Starts Here

The sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning. Whether you dream of flying light aircraft over the Alps or commanding a commercial Airbus across Europe, there’s an EASA pilot license to match your ambitions. Knowing the license requirements, from student to ATPL and everything in between, is crucial for planning your aviation career path.

There’s no better time than now to explore your pilot training options and take the first step with confidence.

Explore more training tools, guides, and aviation resources tailored for EASA students at ATPLTraining.io.

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