PPL, CPL & ATPL: Know the Difference Between These Licenses

Just as you need a license to drive a car, you also need a pilot’s license to operate an aircraft. Pilot licenses are credentials that allow anybody to fly airplanes and demonstrate that they have the appropriate aviation knowledge. There are several pilot licenses, but everyone begins with a private pilot license (PPL) before progressing to a commercial pilot license (CPL) and airport transport pilot’s license (ATPL).

One of the first and most essential decisions you must make before becoming a pilot is whether you want to obtain a PPL or continue your training and obtain a CPL or an ATPL. Continue reading to learn more about these licenses and determine which one is right for you.

Differentiating Between PPL, CPL, and ATPL 

A Singapore CAAS-issued private pilot license (PPL) allows you to legally fly an aircraft solo, as a co-pilot of a not-for-hire, or as a Pilot-In-Command (PIC) in a Singapore-registered airplane. Similarly, a US FAA-issued PPL allows you to fly a US-registered airplane. Although some seek a PPL for recreational or sporting purposes, it can also be the first important step toward becoming an airline pilot.

As mentioned, an individual can earn a private pilot license in Singapore from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). The following are the requirements to be eligible for a CAAS-issued PPL:

·      At least 17 years old

·      Able to speak and understand English to at least the Operation Level of the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale

·      Meet the Class 2 medical requirements

While there are no academic requirements for becoming a PPL pilot, taking private flying lessons in Singapore is the most convenient way to earn this license. And yes, if you are myopic and require spectacles typically, you can still get a PPL and fly an aircraft as long as you meet the overall medical requirements.

On the other hand, for those who wish to pursue a career in aviation or get compensated for flying an aircraft, a commercial pilot license (CPL) is obligatory. To acquire a CPL, you must take the same courses as you would for a PPL under CAAS. The following are the requirements for earning a CPL in Singapore:

·      At least 18 years old

·      Able to speak and understand English well enough for radiotelephony communications

·      Meet the Class 1 medical requirements

·      Complete an approved course of flight training

·      Pass the CPL or ATPL level theoretical knowledge examinations and some applicable flight tests

Like the CPL, the airline transport pilot license (ATPL) is a type of license that is necessary if you want to become a paid professional pilot, particularly a captain or a pilot in command (PIC) operating an aircraft that has over 5,700 kilograms of max take-off weight (MTOW). The ATPL is considered the top rung of the commercial flying ladder.

With an ATPL, you will not only be able to become an airline pilot, but you can also fly cargo planes and do plenty of other flying jobs, including those jobs you can pursue with just a CPL. To obtain an ATPL in Singapore, the following are requirements you must meet:

·      At least 21 years old

·      Able to speak and understand English well enough for radiotelephony communications

·      Meet the Class 1 medical requirements

·      Meet the minimum requirements regarding flying experience

·      Pass the ATPL level theoretical knowledge examinations

·      Logged at least 1,500 hours of total time as a pilot

Which Pilot License Should You Obtain? 

Obtaining a PPL, CPL, or ATPL has a variety of advantages. These different sorts of pilot licenses each offer their own set of benefits. However, a PPL is the best place to start if you are just getting started or setting yourself up for a future career in aviation. A PPL serves as a gateway to more advanced learning, particularly if you wish to become a professional aviator in the future.

Aside from being a stepping stone to having a career in the aviation industry, a PPL will also allow you to develop your pilot skills, enjoy the unique experience of leisure flying, impress your family and friends, gain a social network, and explore remote or far-away destinations. Having a PPL will also make a great addition to your resumé, even though the job you are applying for is unrelated to aviation. Being a licensed private pilot is essentially bound to impress potential employers and others!

Conclusion

Knowing the differences between a PPL, CPL, and ATPL allows you to plan how far you wish to go with your flying dream or what kind of pilot you wish to become. We present here what the various standard pilot licenses entail and what each one can represent for your aviation career goals. 

Regardless of your end goal, every pilot starts with the essential first step of pursuing a PPL. The first step is the most important to get right in terms of seeking knowledge and learning the right professional and safe habits. If you wish for the most professional and adult learning-driven flying training experience in Singapore, WingsOverAsia is the trusted private aviation service provider you should go for to take the first step!

With more than a decade’s worth of experience in the industry, we can help you achieve all your pilot dreams with our excellent professional flying training courses at the most competitive price. Aside from training courses, we also support pilots and aircraft owners with top-notch private aviation services such as aircraft maintenance and upkeep. Get in touch with us to learn more about our excellent services.