Part-FCL (Flight Crew Licensing) is the regulatory framework governing pilot licensing across all 31 EASA member states. Established through Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011, it replaced the previous JAR-FCL system in 2012, creating unified standards for pilot training, examination, and certification throughout Europe. Whether you're pursuing recreational flying or an airline career, understanding Part-FCL is essential for navigating European aviation.
One License, 31 Countries
A Part-FCL license issued by any EASA member state is automatically recognized across all other member states without additional validation. This enables pilot mobility throughout European aviation—train in Spain, work in Germany, fly for an Irish airline.
"Aviation in itself is not inherently dangerous. But to an even greater degree than the sea, it is terribly unforgiving of any carelessness, incapacity or neglect."
What is Part-FCL?
Part-FCL establishes comprehensive requirements for pilot licensing in Europe, covering everything from recreational flying to airline transport operations. The regulation defines license types, training syllabi, theoretical knowledge examinations, skill test standards, rating requirements, instructor qualifications, and continuing competency requirements.
Part-FCL Covers
- • License requirements (LAPL, PPL, CPL, MPL, ATPL)
- • Class and type ratings
- • Instrument ratings (IR, EIR, CB-IR)
- • Instructor certificates (FI, TRI, SFI)
- • Examiner authorizations
- • Training organization standards
- • Language proficiency requirements
Related Regulations
- • Part-MED: Medical requirements
- • Part-ORA: Organization requirements
- • Part-ARA: Authority requirements
- • Part-DTO: Declared training organizations
- • Part-SFCL: Sailplane licensing
- • Part-BFCL: Balloon licensing
Part-FCL Structure
The regulation is organized into subparts, each addressing specific licensing areas:
| Subpart | Content |
|---|---|
| Subpart A | General requirements (age, medical, language proficiency) |
| Subpart B | Light Aircraft Pilot License (LAPL) |
| Subpart C | Private Pilot License (PPL) |
| Subpart D | Commercial Pilot License (CPL) |
| Subpart E | Multi-crew Pilot License (MPL) |
| Subpart F | Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) |
| Subpart G | Instrument Rating (IR) |
| Subpart H | Class and Type Ratings |
| Subpart I | Additional Ratings and Certificates |
| Subpart J | Instructors |
| Subpart K | Examiners |
EASA Member States
Part-FCL applies across 31 states: all 27 EU member states plus 4 EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) that participate under separate agreements.
EU Member States (27)
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
EFTA Participating States (4)
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland
UK Post-Brexit
The United Kingdom left EASA on December 31, 2020. UK CAA now issues UK Part-FCL licenses under separate regulations. EASA and UK licenses require conversion to exercise privileges in each other's territories.
License Types
Part-FCL establishes a progressive hierarchy of pilot licenses, each with expanding privileges and requirements.
LAPL — Light Aircraft Pilot License
The entry-level European license designed for recreational flying. Introduced in 2012 as an accessible alternative to PPL with simplified requirements.
| Aspect | LAPL(A) Aeroplanes | LAPL(H) Helicopters |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 17 years | 17 years |
| Medical | LAPL medical (or higher) | LAPL medical (or higher) |
| Flight Training | 30 hours (incl. 15 solo) | 40 hours (incl. 10 solo) |
| Theory Exams | 9 subjects | 9 subjects |
| Aircraft Limit | SEP up to 2,000kg MTOM | Single-engine up to 2,000kg |
| Passengers | Max 3 (4 total) | Max 3 (4 total) |
| Validity | EASA states only | EASA states only |
PPL — Private Pilot License
The standard ICAO-compliant private license. Hours count toward commercial licenses, making PPL the preferred starting point for career pilots.
PPL Requirements
- • Minimum age: 17 years
- • Class 2 medical certificate
- • 45 hours flight time (35 integrated)
- • 25 hours dual instruction
- • 10 hours supervised solo
- • 5 hours solo cross-country (150nm)
- • Theory exams (9 subjects)
- • Skill test with examiner
PPL Privileges
- • Fly SEP aeroplanes as PIC
- • Carry passengers (non-commercial)
- • Add night rating
- • Add instrument rating
- • Add multi-engine rating
- • Hours credit toward CPL
- • Valid internationally (ICAO)
- • Share costs with passengers
CPL — Commercial Pilot License
The first professional license level, permitting flight for remuneration. Required for aerial work, charter operations, and airline first officer positions.
| Requirement | Modular Route | Integrated Route |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years | 18 years |
| Medical | Class 1 | Class 1 |
| Total Flight Time | 200 hours minimum | 150 hours minimum |
| PIC Time | 100 hours | 70 hours |
| Cross-Country PIC | 20 hours | 20 hours |
| Theory | ATPL theory (14 exams) | ATPL theory (14 exams) |
| Typical Cost | €30,000-€50,000 | €80,000-€120,000 (full course) |
MPL — Multi-crew Pilot License
Airline-focused license introduced in 2006, designed specifically for multi-crew airline operations. Training is competency-based rather than hour-based, with heavy emphasis on simulator training.
MPL Characteristics
MPL graduates cannot fly single-pilot aircraft without additional training (CPL skill test). The license is specifically designed for airline first officer roles. Training is typically conducted in partnership with a specific airline that sponsors the program.
ATPL — Airline Transport Pilot License
The highest pilot license level, required for command of multi-crew commercial aircraft. ATPL theory can be completed during CPL training, creating a "frozen ATPL" until experience requirements are met.
| ATPL(A) Experience Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total flight time | 1,500 hours |
| Multi-crew operations | 500 hours |
| Pilot-in-command (or PICUS) | 250 hours |
| Cross-country (100 as PIC) | 200 hours |
| Instrument flight time | 75 hours |
| Night flight | 100 hours |
"The desire to fly is an idea handed down to us by our ancestors who, in their grueling travels across trackless lands in prehistoric times, looked enviously on the birds soaring freely through space."
Ratings & Certificates
Beyond basic licenses, Part-FCL establishes ratings authorizing specific aircraft types, operational capabilities, or instructional privileges.
Class Ratings
Class ratings cover groups of similar aircraft requiring similar handling characteristics:
Aeroplane Class Ratings
- • SEP (land) — Single-engine piston land
- • SEP (sea) — Single-engine piston sea
- • MEP (land) — Multi-engine piston land
- • MEP (sea) — Multi-engine piston sea
- • SET — Single-engine turboprop
- • TMG — Touring motor glider
Validity & Revalidation
- • Valid for 24 months
- • Proficiency check with examiner, or
- • 12 hours in preceding 12 months
- • 6 hours as PIC
- • 12 takeoffs/landings
- • Refresher training with instructor (1hr within 3 months of expiry)
Type Ratings
Type ratings are required for aircraft that don't fall under class ratings—typically jets, large turboprops, and aircraft over 5,700kg MTOM. Each type requires specific training and a skill test.
| Type Rating Element | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Ground school (theory) | 2-4 weeks |
| Fixed-base simulator | 8-16 sessions |
| Full-flight simulator | 8-12 sessions |
| Base training (aircraft) | 4-6 circuits (if required) |
| Skill test | 4 hours simulator |
| Validity | 12 months |
Instrument Rating (IR)
The IR authorizes flight under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). Part-FCL offers several IR variants:
| IR Type | Privileges | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| IR(A) Full | Full IFR privileges | 50hr PIC cross-country, full theory, 50hr IR training |
| CB-IR | Full IFR (competency-based) | Reduced hours (40hr), competency assessment |
| EIR | En-route IFR only | VFR departure/arrival, IFR cruise phase |
| BIR | Basic instrument (non-commercial) | Limited privileges, simpler training |
Additional Ratings
Operational Ratings
- • Night rating — VFR night operations
- • Aerobatic rating — Aerobatic maneuvers
- • Mountain rating — Operations at mountain strips
- • Towing rating — Glider/banner towing
- • Flight test rating — Experimental flight testing
Required Certificates
- • MCC — Multi-crew cooperation
- • UPRT — Upset prevention and recovery
- • Language proficiency (Level 4+)
- • PBN privileges — Performance-based navigation
Training Requirements
Part-FCL training must be conducted at approved organizations. The type of organization depends on the license or rating being pursued.
Training Organizations
| Organization Type | Authorized Training |
|---|---|
| DTO (Declared Training Organization) | LAPL, PPL, BPL, SPL, night rating, towing ratings |
| ATO (Approved Training Organization) | All licenses, ratings, and instructor certificates |
ATPL Theory Examinations
The 14 ATPL theory exams must be passed within an 18-month sitting period. Pass mark is 75% for each exam, with maximum 4 attempts per subject.
ATPL Theory Subjects (14)
Air Law • Aircraft General Knowledge (Airframe/Systems) • Aircraft General Knowledge (Instrumentation) • Mass & Balance • Performance • Flight Planning • Human Performance • Meteorology • General Navigation • Radio Navigation • Operational Procedures • Principles of Flight • VFR Communications • IFR Communications
Theory Exam Strategy
Most integrated programs complete ATPL theory in 6-9 months of intensive study. Distance learning typically takes 12-18 months. Start with foundation subjects (Principles of Flight, Meteorology) before tackling navigation and performance calculations. Use question banks that reflect the EASA Central Question Bank (ECQB) format.
Validity & Revalidation
Unlike FAA certificates (which never expire), EASA ratings have defined validity periods and require regular revalidation.
| Rating/Certificate | Validity | Revalidation |
|---|---|---|
| SEP/MEP Class | 24 months | Proficiency check or experience + training |
| Type Rating | 12 months | Proficiency check (OPC/LPC) |
| Instrument Rating | 12 months | Proficiency check |
| Instructor Certificate | 36 months | Assessment of competence or seminar |
| Language Proficiency Level 4 | 48 months | Re-assessment |
| Language Proficiency Level 5 | 72 months | Re-assessment |
| Language Proficiency Level 6 | Unlimited | None required |
Revalidation vs Renewal
Revalidation occurs before expiry and maintains the original validity cycle. Renewal occurs after expiry and requires additional requirements (refresher training, additional flight hours). Always revalidate before ratings expire—renewing is more expensive and time-consuming.
2025-2026 Regulatory Updates
EASA continuously refines Part-FCL through regulatory amendments. Key recent and upcoming changes include:
AMC & GM Amendment 13
Updated acceptable means of compliance covering LAPL training syllabi, IR procedures, and safety awareness briefings. Clarifications on PBN training requirements.
UK LAPL Discontinuation
UK CAA ceases issuing new LAPL(A) licenses. Existing holders retain privileges. Students transition to NPPL or PPL pathways.
Electric Aircraft Provisions
Differences training requirements for SEP variants with electric engines formalized in AMC updates.
Competency-Based Training Expansion
Continued shift toward competency-based assessment rather than purely hour-based requirements across multiple license and rating categories.
Evidence-Based Training (EBT)
EBT principles increasingly incorporated into recurrent training and checking for airline operations under Part-ORO.FC.
Compliance Requirements
Maintaining Part-FCL compliance requires attention to multiple concurrent requirements. Non-compliance can result in license suspension or revocation.
Valid medical certificate
Appropriate class for license privileges being exercised
Current ratings
All class/type ratings within validity period
Language proficiency
Level 4 or higher for international operations
Recent experience
Currency requirements met (varies by operation type)
Logbook accuracy
All flight time properly documented
License documents
Physical license and medical carried when exercising privileges
"There are old pilots and there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots."
Stay Current, Stay Safe
Create a personal compliance calendar tracking all expiry dates: medical certificate, class ratings, type ratings, IR, language proficiency, and any instructor certificates. Set reminders 90 days before each expiry to allow time for scheduling revalidation activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
EASA Pilot Licensing Regulations • License Conversion Guide • Pilot Proficiency Checks