CPL Conversions (Aircraft & Helicopters)

Pilots with an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Commercial Pilot Licence (Aircraft) [CPL(A)] or Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopter) [CPL(H)] can convert to an EASA ATPL.

Fixed-Wing Aircraft Licences

To convert an ICAO CPL(A) to an EASA ATPL(A) you will need 1500 hours flight time, including:

• 500 hours on multi-pilot aircraft;
• 250 hours pilot in command (or 500 hours pilot on command under supervision; or 70 hours pilot in command and 180 hours pilot in command under supervision);
• 200 hours cross country;
• 75 hours instrument time; and
• 100 hours night flying.

If you don’t have this level of experience you can still do the conversion but you will be issued an EASA CPL(A). When you meet the experience requirements you can upgrade it to an ATPL(A).

Groundschool Requirements

If you hold a non-JAA CPL(A) you need to do an approved groundschool course and then pass all fourteen ground exams: there is no credit given.

Flying Requirements

There are two tests you will need to complete, The CPL Skills Test and the Instrument Rating (IR). The CPL skills test is a handling check flown on a complex aircraft, defined as an aircraft with retractable gear and a variable pitch prop. If you are converting a CPL(A), there is no formal training requirement before you attempt the CPL Skills Test, but you will probably need 10 to15 hours to get used to the profile and the aircraft. If you already hold an ICAO IR(A), you must complete at least 15 hours before the IR test, up to 10 of which can be flown in the simulator. It’s unusual for a conversion to be achieved in the minimum time. If you have never held an Instrument Rating, you must complete 45 hours of training before the test, up to 30 hours of which can be done in a simulator.

When comparing prices for CPL training or an IR course, look deeper than the hourly rate; some schools charge only airborne time, some add a fixed element to account for taxiing time, some charge on engine running time and instrument approach fees may or may not be included.

After completing the instrument rating, your final task is a Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) course. Most airlines expect you to complete MCC training before they will consider you for a job. An MCC course is not required if you have spent more than 500 hours operating multi pilot aircraft.

Helicopter Licences

To convert your ICAO CPL(H) to an ATPL(H) you will need 1000 hours flight time, including:

• 350 hours on multi pilot helicopters;
• 250 hours pilot in command (or 250 hours pilot in command under supervision; or 100 hours pilot in command and 150 hours pilot in command under supervision);
• 200 hours cross country;
• 30 hours instrument time; and
• 100 hours night flying

If you don’t have this much experience, you can still do the conversion but you’ll be issued with a CPL(H). When you meet the experience requirements, you can upgrade it to an ATPL(H), hopefully without taking any more ground exams or flight tests.

Groundschool requirements

If you hold a non EASA CPL(H), you must do an approved ground school course and pass all 14 ATPL theory exams: there is no credit given.

Flying requirements

You will need to pass two flight tests, the skills test and, if you want an ATPL(H)IR, the Instrument Rating (IR). The skills test is a handling check. If you are converting a CPL(H), there is no formal training requirement but you will probably need 10 to 15 hours to get used to the profile and the aircraft.

If you already hold an ICAO IR(H) and want to convert it, you must complete at least 15 hours before the test, up to ten of which can be flown in the simulator. It’s unusual for a conversion to be achieved in the minimum time. If you have never held an Instrument Rating, you must complete 50 hours of training before the test, up to 40 hours of which can be done in a simulator.