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The instrument panel of a training aircraft, seen from the pilot's seat

Guide · Licenses

Types of pilot licenses, explained.

CPL, MEIR, frozen ATPL: the letters on every flight school website. Here is what each one means, how many hours they take in each system, and which one you need to fly for an airline.

Last checked November 20264 min read

  • PPL to ATPL The license ladder
  • 150 to 250 h Minimum hours for a CPL
  • 1,500 h For a full ATPL
  • 4 systems EASA, FAA, CASA, CAA NZ

01 Pilot licenses explained

The license ladder

Every airline pilot climbs the same ladder, whatever the country.

  1. PPL, private pilot license.

    You fly for yourself, never for pay.

  2. CPL, commercial pilot license.

    You can be paid to fly.

  3. Instrument rating (IR).

    You can fly in cloud, on instruments alone.

  4. Multi-engine rating.

    You can fly airplanes with more than one engine. Together with the instrument rating, schools often call this a MEIR.

  5. ATPL, airline transport pilot license.

    Needed to be a captain at an airline. You get it after 1,500 flying hours.

  6. Type rating.

    Permission to fly one specific aircraft, such as an A320. Airlines usually provide it or ask for it after you are hired.

Flying helicopters instead? Read the helicopter guide.

02 Pilot licenses explained

How many hours does a CPL take?

Minimum flying hours for a commercial pilot license (airplane). Most students fly more than the minimum.

Minimum hours for a CPL, airplane.
System With an approved integrated course Otherwise
EASA (Europe) 150 200
FAA (USA) 190 (Part 141 school) 250 (Part 61)
CASA (Australia) 150 200
CAA NZ (New Zealand) 150 200

These are the legal minimums, not a typical total. The instrument rating, the multi-engine rating and the ATPL theory add more.

03 Pilot licenses explained

Integrated or modular?

Integrated means one approved, full-time course takes you from zero to the license. It needs fewer minimum hours because every step follows an approved plan. In Europe, the integrated ATP course includes at least 195 hours of flying training.

Modular means you collect the license step by step, often at different schools and at your own pace. It can cost less, but it usually takes longer and needs more discipline.

Neither is better for everyone. It depends on your budget, your time and where you want to fly.

Integrated, modular, Part 141 or Part 61? Compare the training paths.

04 Pilot licenses explained

What is a frozen ATPL?

"Frozen ATPL" is not an official term, but you will see it everywhere in Europe. It means you hold a CPL with a multi-engine instrument rating and you have passed all the ATPL theory exams. Your ATPL is "frozen" until you reach 1,500 hours, usually as a first officer at an airline. Then it can be issued.

EASA:
the ATPL needs 1,500 hours, including 500 in multi-pilot operations, plus training in multi-crew cooperation (MCC).
FAA:
there is no frozen ATPL. The ATP certificate needs 1,500 hours, or fewer under the restricted ATP rules for certain degree holders, plus an ATP training course.
CASA:
the ATPL needs 1,500 hours, ATPL theory and an approved MCC course.
CAA NZ:
the ATPL needs 1,500 hours, a current instrument rating and a flight test. ATPL theory credits stay valid for 10 years.
What happens after the license: read the guide.

05 Pilot licenses explained

Which license for where you want to fly?

Every license is issued by one country's authority. To fly for an airline at home, you usually need your home country's license as well, and the rules differ a lot. Some authorities only accept schools they have approved. Check this before you choose a school, not after.

How to convert your license at home: what each authority asks for

06 6 questions

Questions about pilot licenses

What does CPL MEIR mean?

A commercial pilot license with a multi-engine instrument rating. You can be paid to fly, fly airplanes with more than one engine, and fly in cloud on instruments.

Copy link Still unsure? Talk to an advisor

What is the difference between a CPL and an ATPL?

A CPL lets you fly for pay, for example as a first officer. The ATPL is needed to be an airline captain and is issued after 1,500 hours.

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What is a frozen ATPL?

A CPL with a multi-engine instrument rating plus all ATPL theory exams passed. It becomes a full ATPL once you have 1,500 hours.

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Is integrated or modular training better?

Integrated is faster and needs fewer minimum hours. Modular is flexible and can cost less. The right choice depends on your budget, time and where you want to fly.

Copy link Still unsure? Talk to an advisor

How many hours do I need for a commercial pilot license?

The legal minimum is 150 to 250 hours depending on the system and the course. Most students fly more.

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Do I need a type rating to apply to an airline?

Usually not. Airlines tend to train new pilots on their own aircraft type or tell you which type rating they want.

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