91 7065006006
Student Login
How Is a CPL Different from a PPL?
Posted on : 16 November, 2025 04:20 pm
Both CPL and PPL are two different type of pilot licenses in aviation industry which provides different types of permissions of flying an aircraft. PPL allows student to fly the aircraft for hobby or personal use or we can say that PPL holder can fly an aircraft for their personal passion & fun purpose with some limitations. While on the other hand CPL license allows a pilot to fly the aircraft for commercial use. Commercial pilots usually fly commercial flights and carry the passengers around the world.
CPL holders can also make money through this profession where only having PPL does not allow a person to fly for earning. These both license includes similar subjects and flying training that is why students often gets confused amongst these, but these both license has their own purpose, training depth and career opportunities. Understanding these basic differences helps students to choose the right path as per their aviation career goals.
Key Differences Between CPL and PPL
| Category | CPL | PPL |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Hours | Minimum 200 flying hours | Minimum 40-60 flying hours |
| Age and Eligibility | Minimum age 18, 10+2 with PCM | Minimum age 17, 10th passed |
| Type of Training | Professional, advanced flying and navigation | Basic flying for personal use |
| Level of Responsibility | High: commercial operations, passenger safety | Lower: personal or recreational flying |
| Skills Required | Advanced decision-making, complex aircraft handling | Basic flying skills for hobby flying |
| Medical Certification | Requires DGCA Class 1 Medical | Requires DGCA Class 2 Medical |
Career Opportunities
1. Jobs After PPL
PPL (Private Pilot License) is mainly for personal or hobby flying. It does not allow you to work as a paid pilot. With a PPL, you can fly small aircraft for enjoyment, travel with friends and family or build flying experience. Some people use PPL as the first step before moving to CPL training.
2. Jobs After CPL
CPL (Commercial Pilot License) opens the door to paid aviation careers. After CPL you can work as:
- Airline Pilot (after Type Rating)
- Charter Pilot
- Cargo Pilot
- Flight Instructor
- Agricultural / Survey Pilot
- Corporate/Private Jet Pilot CPL allows you to earn money by flying and build hours for an airline career.
3. Income Difference
PPL holders do not earn from flying since it is only for private use while on the other hand CPL holders can earn a salary, which varies by job and experience. In India new commercial pilots typically earn around Rs 1.5-3 lakh per month and experienced airline captains may earn Rs 6-10 lakh+ per month. The income potential with CPL is significantly higher because it is a professional license.
Training Cost Comparison
The cost of pilot training depends on the type of license you choose. PPL is cheaper because it requires fewer flying hours while CPL is more expensive due to longer training, advanced aircraft use and additional exams. Here is a quick comparison:
| Category | PPL | CPL |
|---|---|---|
| Approx Cost | RS 10-20 lakh | RS 45-55 lakh (can go higher abroad) |
| Flying Hours Required | 40-60 hours | Minimum 200 hours |
| Training Level | Basic flying for hobby/personal use | Professional training for airline career |
| Why Cost Differs | Fewer hours, simpler aircraft, basic checks | More hours, advanced aircraft, DGCA exams, simulator training |
Exam and Training Structure
DGCA Modules
Both PPL and CPL students study the same aviation theory subjects (All 6 DGCA Modules) but CPL requires deeper, professional level understanding. PPL covers the basic level of these subjects while CPL goes into advanced procedures, complex calculations and commercial-level operational knowledge. Modules are as follow:
- Air Regulations - Rules and laws for safe flying in India.
- Aviation Meteorology - Weather patterns, clouds, storms and how weather affects flight.
- Air Navigation - Route planning, headings, maps, instruments and navigation calculations.
- Technical General - Aircraft systems, engines, aerodynamics and basic performance.
- Technical Specific - Technical details of the specific aircraft type you fly for training.
- Radio Telephony (RTR) - Standard communication procedures and ATC phraseology.
Flying Syllabus
Flying training for both CPL & PPL are divided into multiple parts like PIC, night flying and cross country etc. But the duration may vary for both licenses as given below in the table:
| Flying Category | PPL | CPL |
|---|---|---|
| Total Flying | 40 hours | 200 hours |
| Dual Flying | 20 hours | Included within total hours |
| Solo Flying | 10 hours | Counted under PIC hours |
| Pilot-in-Command | Not required at PPL level | 100 hours |
| Cross-Country Flying | 5 hours dual + 5 hours solo | 50 hours total |
| Solo Cross-Country | 5 hours | 20 hours |
| Instrument Flying | Not mandatory | 10 hours (5 can be simulator) |
| Night Flying | Not required | 5 hours dual + 10 circuits and landings |
Privileges and Limitations of PPL vs CPL
| Category | PPL | CPL |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Flying for hobby, learning, or personal enjoyment | Flying professionally and earning money |
| Income | No | Yes |
| Type of Flying | Personal, recreational, non-commercial flights | Commercial, charter, airline and professional flying |
| Passenger Carrying | Allowed to carry passengers, but not for payment | Allowed to carry passengers for hire or reward |
| Night Flying | Only if night rating is added | Included in CPL training and fully allowed |
| Instrument Flying | Only with an additional instrument rating | Included in advanced CPL training |
| Aircraft Type | Usually smaller, simpler aircraft | Can fly complex, multi-engine and commercial aircraft |
| Limitations | Cannot work as a paid pilot, cannot fly for commercial operations | Must maintain Class 1 medical and meet DGCA training/exam standards |
CPL and PPL may seem similar but they serve completely different purposes. PPL is for personal flying while CPL is for building a paid career as a professional pilot worldwide. The two licenses differ in training depth, flying hours, eligibility, cost, medical requirements and career scope. If you are someone whose dream is to fly commercially choose CPL but if you want to fly as a hobby or gain basic flying experience then go for PPL. Understand your goals, check the requirements and follow proper training guidance, this will help you choose the right path and start your aviation journey with confidence.
