Pilot Training Courses – What Ratings Are Required to Become a Pilot

Every person wishing to obtain the qualifications needed to conduct flight operations – whether for recreational or professional purposes – must undergo specialised flight training. Holding the appropriate licences enables flight operations ranging from hobby flying to a full professional pilot career. It is therefore worth knowing, already at the planning stage, which training courses will provide the qualifications needed to conduct your chosen type of flying.

How do you become an aircraft pilot?

To become an aircraft pilot, you must hold the appropriate qualifications. Obtaining the required licences involves completing specialised training and successfully passing the relevant examinations. There are several training programmes that prepare candidates for specific licences and ratings, covering different aircraft categories and operating conditions.

What is a PPL(A) licence?

The Private Pilot Licence PPL(A) is the natural first step towards a pilot career. PPL(A) training prepares candidates for non-commercial flight operations on aircraft with a maximum take-off mass not exceeding 5,700 kg. The PPL(A) holder may conduct flights for recreational purposes only; however, one significant advantage is that passengers may already be carried on board.

To begin training, the candidate must be at least 16 years of age during the course and at least 17 at the time of the licence examination. A valid aviation medical certificate and at least lower secondary education or equivalent are also required. The training consists of approximately 100 hours of theoretical instruction and a minimum of 45 hours of practical flight training.

What is CPL(A) training and what does it involve?

Obtaining a Commercial Pilot Licence CPL(A) is essential for anyone wishing to pursue a professional pilot career and develop further within aviation. The CPL(A) licence enables commercial flight operations – that is, flights conducted for remuneration – as Pilot-in-Command on single-pilot aircraft or as First Officer on multi-crew aircraft.

The CPL(A) licence is obtained upon completion of both theoretical and practical training. During the course, candidates develop their ability to operate in more demanding meteorological conditions. An applicant for a CPL(A) must be at least 18 years of age, hold at least secondary education, and possess a valid Class 1 aviation medical certificate.

ATPL(A) training

ATPL(A) training is the theoretical component of Airline Transport Pilot training. It is aimed primarily at holders of the Private Pilot Licence PPL(A) who wish to continue their education and obtain the qualifications required to operate as airline pilots. During the course, subject-matter specialists in fields such as meteorology, aerodynamics, aviation communications, aviation medicine, air law, navigation, and aircraft systems provide the knowledge and expertise that future airline pilots will need. Upon completion of the course and passing the examinations, the candidate is awarded a Frozen ATPL(A). Once the further requirements have been met – including the required flight experience on certified aircraft in multi-crew operations – the ATPL(A) licence is "unfrozen".

Night VFR training (NVFR)

The Night VFR course is designed for pilots who wish to operate aircraft at night as well as during the day, under visual meteorological conditions – that is, with visual reference to the surface. Night operations are more demanding, but at the same time one of the most rewarding experiences in flying. To operate at night, the Night VFR rating is required.

The Night VFR course consists of one day of theoretical instruction and a minimum of 5 hours of night flying with an instructor. On completion, the candidate is qualified to perform take-offs, en-route flights, and landings in night conditions.

What is MEP(L) training?

MEP(L) training prepares pilots for operating multi-engine piston aeroplanes. Multi-engine aircraft are more demanding to fly, being equipped with more than one engine; however, this also increases flight safety. They require a higher level of pilot skill and experience. Anyone planning a professional pilot career should consider obtaining the MEP(L) rating.

The MEP(L) course consists of both theoretical and practical training. The theoretical part includes approximately 7–10 hours of instruction, while the practical element consists of a minimum of 6 flight hours with an instructor, covering the characteristics and operating principles of multi-engine aircraft.

Flight Instructor rating FI(A) training

FI(A) training prepares candidates for a career as a flight instructor. With FI(A) privileges, pilots are authorised to conduct theoretical and practical training leading to various pilot licences, passing on their knowledge and passion to the next generation of aviators. The FI(A) course consists of 125 hours of theoretical instruction and 30 hours of practical flight training.

Instrument Rating Instructor IRI(A) training

IRI(A) training is designed for pilots who have sufficient IFR flight experience and hold an IR(A) rating. The course consists of 25 hours of theoretical instruction and 5 hours of practical training. It is worth noting that IRI(A) training may be undertaken without first holding an FI(A); in that case, the course is extended to 50 hours of theoretical instruction and 10 hours of practical training.

How are the CRI instructor ratings structured?

• CRI(SP)SE / CRI(SP)ME – class rating instructor for single-pilot aircraft operations.
• CRI(SP)SE – instructor rating for single-engine piston aircraft, SEP(L) class, single-pilot operations.
• CRI(SP)ME – instructor rating for multi-engine piston aircraft, MEP(L) class, single-pilot operations.

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