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Student LoginPilot license is an official document or certification that gives a person official authority to fly an aircraft. Regulatory bodies like DGCA (India), FAA (USA) or EASA (Europe) issue these different types of pilot licenses. There are so many different pilot license types and each one have their own privileges and limitations. Some people want to learn flying as a hobby but on the other hand some of them want flying to be their career and want to work in commercial airlines & earn money through pilot profession.
Each pilot license type comes with its own set of rules, training hours & eligibility requirements. For example a Student Pilot License (SPL) needs very few flying hours but on the other hand a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) requires much more training. This means the pilot license you choose will decide how long your training period will be.
List of All Types of Pilot Licenses
There are different pilot licenses for various flying goals. Below is given all details about all types of pilot licenses:
1. Student Pilot Licence (SPL)
- SPL (A) → (Aeroplane)
- SPL (H) → (Helicopter)
2. Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
- PPL (A) → (Aeroplane)
- PPL (H) → (Helicopter)
3. Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
- CPL (A) → (Aeroplane) + RTR Licence required
- CPL (H) → (Helicopter) + RTR Licence required
4. Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)
- ATPL (A) → (Aeroplane) + RTR Licence required
- ATPL (H) → (Helicopter) + RTR Licence required
1. SPL (Student Pilot License)
It is a learning license for beginners to start flying training under supervision of an instructor. SPL as a beginner license lets you learn how to fly an aircraft safely. You cannot use this for commercial flying rather than that that it mainly focuses on building basic skills like takeoff, navigation, landing & understanding all the controls of an aircraft. SPL is first step for anyone who wants to become a professional pilot as it allows students to gain hands on experience in the air while learning aviation rules and safety procedures.
- SPL (A) - Airplane: Student Pilot License for flying airplanes. It is the first step to becoming an airplane pilot.
- SPL (H) - Helicopter: Student Pilot License for flying helicopters. It is the first step to becoming a helicopter pilot.
2. PPL (Private Pilot License)
PPL allows students to fly for fun purpose or as a hobby, students cannot use PPL license for commercial flying and earn money. SPL does lets you carry passengers but not for commercial payment. PPL helps students with flying, navigation & decision making skills. We can say that it is a step toward a professional pilot career which provides more freedom in the air while still following aviation safety rules set by DGCA.
Sub-types:
- PPL (A) - Airplane: Needed to fly small private airplanes for personal or recreational use.
- PPL (H) - Helicopter: Needed to fly small private helicopters for personal or recreational use.
3. CPL (Commercial Pilot License)
CPL allows students to carry passengers and fly aircrafts commercially, students can earn good sum of money through this worldwide. CPL mainly focuses on advanced flying skills, navigation and handling different flying situations safely. After getting CPL students can get work in charter companies, commercial airlines, cargo or other aviation roles. CPL license is must who aim to to build career as a professional pilot.
Sub-types:
- CPL (A) - Airplane: Allows you to work as a commercial pilot for fixed-wing aircraft (airplanes). It’s commonly pursued by those who want to fly for airlines or charter services.
- CPL (H) - Helicopter: Allows you to work as a commercial pilot for rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters). It’s often chosen by those aiming for roles in air ambulance, search and rescue, offshore operations or VIP transport.
4. ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License)
ATPL allows pilots to fly aircrafts as captains for commercial airlines they usually command large aircraft. ATPL mainly focuses on advanced flying, leadership and decision making skills which includes managing complex flight operations. ATPL is the highest level of pilot certification & is very important for those wanting a stable and long term career as an airline captain.
Sub-types:
- ATPL (A) - Airplane: Needed to fixed-wing aircraft (airplanes) and is the highest level of aircraft pilot certification, allowing the holder to act as a Pilot-in-Command (Captain) on multi-crew airplanes.
- ATPL (H) - Helicopter: Needed to helicopters and grants the holder authority to act as a Pilot-in-Command on multi-crew helicopters, usually required for commercial airline or charter operations.
Eligibility Criteria: Different Pilot Licence Types
Being a pilot requires the correct license and each license has specific rules and requirements. They differ from each other in terms of education, age, medical fitness, training duration and exams. Below is given a detailed information for different pilot license types and requirements:
(1) SPL
- Education: 10th or 12th class pass from recognized board
- Minimum Age: 16+
- Medical Requirement: Class 2 Medical Certificate
- Duration: 2-6 months (depends on training progress)
- Exams: Basic DGCA written exam and oral test
- Validity: 6 months (renewable)
(2) PPL
- Education: 10th or 12th class pass from recognized board
- Minimum Age: 17+
- Medical Requirement: Class 2 Medical Certificate
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Exams: DGCA written exams + skill test in aircraft
- Validity: 5 years (renewable with medical clearance)
(3) CPL
- Education: 10+2 with PCM or equivalent from recognized board
- Minimum Age: 18+
- Medical Requirement: Class 1 Medical Certificate
- Duration: 18-24 months
- Exams: DGCA theory exams (Air Navigation, Meteorology, Air Regulation, etc.) + flight test
- Validity: 5 years (renewable with medical clearance)
(4 )ATPL
- Education: 10+2 with PCM or equivalent from recognized board
- Minimum Age: 21+
- Medical Requirement: Class 1 Medical Certificate
- Duration: 12-18 months after CPL and required experience
- Exams: DGCA ATPL exams + advanced simulator and flight checks
- Validity: 5 years (renewable with medical clearance)
Every pilot license is built to serves a different purpose. Staring from the basic training to commanding big commercial flights safely. We can say that understanding eligibility, medical needs and validity is essential. It helps you to plan your aviation career better.
Flying Hours Required
Knowing the correct flying hours is very important to studnt for planning their career as a pilot. Each licence type requires a specific hours of flying training to ensure safety, skill and compliance with aviation regulations set by DCGA. Flying training requirement varies based on the basis of licence type and aircraft category (airplane or helicopter). Below is given a detailed breakdown:
(1) SPL
- Sub-License Types: SPL (A) - Airplane, SPL (H) - Helicopter
-
Required Flying Hours:
- Airplane: Minimum 10 hours (dual + solo combined)
- Helicopter: Minimum 15 hours
(2) PPL
- Sub-License Types: PPL (A) - Airplane, PPL (H) - Helicopter
-
Required Flying Hours:
- Airplane: 40-50 hours total (including 20 solo hours)
- Helicopter: 45-50 hours
(3) CPL
- Sub-License Types: CPL (A) - Airplane, CPL (H) - Helicopter
-
Required Flying Hours:
- Airplane: 200 hours minimum (with cross-country and instrument time)
- Helicopter: 150 hours
(4) ATPL
- Sub-License Types: ATPL (A) - Airplane, ATPL (H) - Helicopter
-
Required Flying Hours:
- Airplane: 1500 hours total flight time
- Helicopter: 1200 hours
We can say that the flying hours are the backbone of every pilot licence and is very essential part of the training. From a beginners 10 hours in SPL to over 1500 hours for ATPL these requirements make sure that pilots gain the necessary experience for safe and efficient operations worldwide. Understanding these requirement early helps you plan for you career efficiently.
Job Scope for Different Pilot Licence Types
Different pilot certificate types offer different job opportunities. Higher licences give more earning potential and advanced roles. Below is a quick comparison of job scope & salary for each licence type:
| License | Sub-License Types | Job Scope | Starting Salary (India) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPL | SPL (A) - Airplane | No job scope (only training stage) | No Salary |
| SPL (H) - Helicopter | |||
| PP | PPL (A) - Airplane | Hobby flying, private aircraft owner | No salary (non-commercial) |
| PPL (H) - Helicopter | |||
| CPL | CPL (A) - Airplane | Airline First Officer, Charter Pilot, Cargo Pilot, Flight Instructor | RS 2.5 - Rs 6 Lakh per month |
| CPL (H) - Helicopter | |||
| ATPL | ATPL (A) - Airplane | Airline Captain, International Routes Pilot | RS 8 - RS 15 Lakh per month |
| ATPL (H) - Helicopter |
We can say that SPL and PPL are for learning and private flying while CPL and ATPL open doors to commercial and airline jobs. ATPL holders earn the highest salaries as captains.
Other Perks
different type of pilot license provide numerous benefits to pilots some of them are given below:
1. Prestige & Status
- Being a licensed pilot carries respect and recognition in society.
- Its seen as a highly skilled and adventurous profession.
2. Global Job Opportunities
- CPL or ATPL holders can work with airlines worldwide.
- Easier to migrate for aviation careers abroad.
3. High Income Potential
- Commercial pilots earn one of the highest salaries in the travel industry.
- ATPL holders can become captains with very high pay.
4. Travel Perks
- Free or discounted air tickets for pilots and sometimes their families.
- Exposure to different countries and cultures.
5. Networking in Aviation Industry
- Access to a strong professional network for future growth.
- Opportunities in airline management, aviation training, or consulting.
6. Career Flexibility
- Can work in charter services, cargo operations, corporate jets, bush flying, or government aviation.
- After experience, you can shift to flight instruction, safety inspector, or air traffic control roles.
7. Job Security
- Growing demand for pilots globally ensures long-term opportunities.
8. Personal Freedom & Adventure
- PPL holders can fly for leisure anytime.
- Flying offers unmatched freedom and excitement compared to other jobs.
9. Post-Retirement Opportunities
- Many retired pilots work as trainers or examiners.
- Consulting roles in airlines and aviation institutes.
10. Tax Benefits (In Some Countries)
- Some aviation professionals get deductions on training costs or travel expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several pilot license types. The main ones are Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Each type allows different levels of flying privileges.
A PPL is the first step for any pilot. It allows you to fly small aircraft for personal purposes. You cannot earn money with a PPL.
A CPL allows you to fly aircraft professionally. With a CPL, you can work for airlines or charter services.
ATPL is the highest pilot license. It is required to be a captain of commercial airliners. Only experienced CPL holders can apply for ATPL.
Yes. You can get pilot license types for fixed-wing aircraft or rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters). Each has different requirements.
To get a pilot license in India, you must pass medical exams, written tests, and flight training. Requirements vary for each license type.
For a PPL, around 40 hours are needed. For a CPL, 200 hours of flight training are usually required. ATPL requires much more experience.
Yes. Many pilot license types do not require a college degree. However, good knowledge in physics and mathematics helps.
They mean almost the same. A pilot certificate proves you have completed training. Pilot license types define what flying you can do legally.
Yes, most pilot license types follow ICAO standards. Some conversion may be needed if flying in another country.
Most students start with a PPL. It is easier, cheaper, and gives basic flying skills.
Yes. After completing PPL, you can progress to CPL and then ATPL. The experience and training from each step count toward the next license.
The cost depends on the license type. PPL is cheaper, while CPL and ATPL cost more due to additional training hours.
Yes. A valid medical certificate is required for all pilot license types. Fitness is crucial for safe flying.
Absolutely. All types of pilot licenses are open to both men and women. Gender does not matter in aviation.
A PPL can take 6–12 months. A CPL may take 18–24 months. ATPL takes longer due to required flying hours.
No. PPL is only for personal flying. For commercial flying, you must have a CPL.
Yes. Some licenses allow small planes, while others allow large airliners. ATPL is for the largest commercial aircraft.
Yes. English is the international language of aviation. All pilot certificate types require basic communication skills in English.
Yes. Many pilots hold both helicopter and airplane licenses. They can add licenses as they gain experience.
