Part-FCL is the EASA European regulation for pilot licences and ratings. It came about through the comitology procedure, in which a committee of national experts decides on the basis of Regulation 216/2008 and the European Parliament can only block a measure or let it pass, not amend it. The JAA, which existed previously, has been succeeded by EASA since 30 June 2009. Previously, European aviation rules were set nationally, based on the JAA's JAR requirements, which served as guidance. EASA then laid down binding rules for all member states, and in the United Kingdom these took effect from June 2012. Countries outside the EU, such as Switzerland, Norway and Iceland, can also take part in EASA.123

The ATPL is the highest licence you can obtain, allowing you to act as captain on all types of flights, with the appropriate ratings. With an LAPL (Light Aircraft Pilot Licence) you may fly privately with up to 3 passengers in aircraft up to 2,000 kg. The LAPL is a kind of PPL light where you can do largely the same with it, but you cannot add ratings (night rating, BIR, IR). An alternative to the EASA PPL is converting an FAA PPL into an LAPL(A), which lets you carry up to 4 people and fly EASA aircraft up to 2 tonnes. An instrument rating under Part-FCL gives the privilege to fly under IFR with a minimum decision height of 200 ft (60 m). According to an IR holder in 2013, with an En route Instrument Rating (EIR) you depart and land VFR and may fly everything in between IFR in IMC, but flying approaches is not permitted. Another IR holder in 2014 noted that EIR training was the same as for the full IR, but much shorter and without approaches, while the theory did cover the full IR theory. In 2013 an instructor described the future competency-based IR (CB-IR) for PPL holders, which would include IFR departure and approach procedures, with at least 40 hours of instruction, less theory and no progression to ATPL.45678

EASA sets no legal maximum age for starting ATPL training. There are minimum ages of 17 for a PPL, 18 for a CPL and 21 for a full ATPL. For commercial multi-pilot operations within EASA, an age limit of 65 applies. Airlines prefer candidates aged between 18 and 35, although career changers aged 30 and over are also hired. All EASA licences must be issued by the member state that holds the medical file. The licence path can start with gliding, where the medical determines how far you can go, as with an LAPL medical you can fly in all EASA countries, and with Class 2 or Class 1 worldwide. For your first solo flight for the PPL you need at least a valid Class 2 medical. The Class 1 medical is valid for 12 months, and from age 60 for 6 months (MED.A.045). The EASA medical rules (Easy Access Rules for Medical Requirements) contain the colour vision requirements for the Class 1 medical. Candidates with an eye condition are advised to consult the Guidance Material to Part-MED on the Class 1 medical requirements. With good corrected visual acuity and otherwise healthy eyes, a fit assessment is possible, possibly with a visual limitation on the licence.3459

Since the JAR regulations, ATPL exam questions come from a European database, which means the question pool is the same regardless of where you sit the exam. Module 2 of ATPL theory consists of Air Law, Operational Procedures, AGK (Airframe, Systems, Electrics, Powerplant), Radio Navigation, Principles of Flight and Performance. If you have passed the EASA ATPL theoretical knowledge exam, you receive credit for the theoretical knowledge requirements of the LAPL, PPL, CPL and (except for helicopters) the IR and BIR in the same aircraft category. The validity of theory is also described in FCL.035(b)(1) of the Easy Access Rules for Aircrew. ATPL theory remains valid for the issue of an ATPL for up to 7 years after the last validity date of the instrument rating in the licence (FCL.025). EASA formally sets no diploma requirement for airline pilot training. Hour requirements on the modular EASA route include 70 hours PIC for the multi-engine rating, 100 hours PIC for the CPL (of which 20 hours cross-country) and 50 hours cross-country PIC to start the instrument rating. According to a pilot in 2023, flight time is formally logged from the moment the aircraft starts moving for the purpose of flight until it comes to rest at the place where the engine is shut down, meaning time with the engine running at the hangar or fuel pump does not count.45610

For a first type rating on a multi-pilot aircraft under EASA Part-FCL, an MCC certificate is a prerequisite, unless the type rating is combined with an MCC course. Other requirements are 70 hours PIC, a valid multi-engine IR and passed ATPL theoretical knowledge exams, according to pilot discussions in 2009. The type rating is valid for 1 year and is revalidated under FCL.740. To revalidate a multi-engine class rating or type rating under EASA FCL.740.A, you must both complete a proficiency check and fly 10 route sectors during the validity period, though these 10 sectors may be replaced by 1 sector with an examiner, possibly during the proficiency check. The operator proficiency check in the simulator and the line check are each valid for 12 calendar months (ORO.FC.230). EASA sets recent experience requirements for airline pilots, including at least 3 take-offs, approaches and landings in the preceding 90 days on the same type or a simulator of it (FCL.060). According to EASA, after a type rating and line training a pilot remains inexperienced until they have flown 100 flight hours and 10 sectors on the type within 120 consecutive days, or 150 hours and 20 sectors without a time limit, and the airline takes this into account in rostering. The EASA rule for airlines requires a psychological assessment of pilots to cover at least cognitive abilities, personality traits, operational and professional competencies and social competencies according to the principles of Crew Resource Management (CRM), carried out or supervised by a psychologist with aviation knowledge.145