The requirements at a glance

On the modular EASA route, the CPL has hour requirements of 100 hours PIC, of which 20 hours cross-country. If you have passed the EASA ATPL theoretical knowledge exams, you receive credit for the CPL theoretical knowledge requirements in the same aircraft category. EASA sets a minimum age of 18 for obtaining a CPL. A CPL requires at least 200 flying hours. Selections for pilot training often start from age 17. In addition to the age requirements, good English and a certificate of good conduct are also required.2689

Medical requirements

A CPL or ATPL requires a Class 1 medical. Wearing glasses is not in itself an obstacle at the medical. A Class 2 medical cannot be upgraded for CPL or ATPL training; you still need the full initial Class 1 examination at an AeMC. If you already know you want to become a professional pilot, it is better to start with Class 1 straight away.57

Exceptions and borderline cases

In practice, a CPL alone is not enough for a job at an airline. You also need an Instrument Rating, a Multi-Engine Rating and, in practice, ATPL theory and MCC, resulting in a frozen ATPL.8