Key features of our Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) course
ATPdigital: pioneering flight theory training software
Learning is more memorable when the course materials are engaging.
We have pioneered a computer-based training system called ATPdigital: the first software of its kind in the industry.
It breaks your course into bitesize stages, guiding you through your studies with interactive diagrams, animations, and explainers.
Pass quizzes at the end of each section to progress with your studies. Watch your knowledge grow with a dashboard overview of your learning.
ATPdigital now includes an AI feature providing comprehensive answers to student questions within the App.
ATPdigital is available for Windows and macOS, PCs and laptops. There’s also an iOS app available for iPad.
Once installed the software can also be used offline allowing you to study from any location with no internet connection.
ATPdigital also incorporates the same question bank as BGSonline, enabling you to carry out practice exams if you do not have access to the internet.
World-renowned Commercial Pilot Licence tuition at the tips of your fingers. Study at your own pace using ATPdigital.
Free 18-month Subscription to BGS Video Library
Access over 300 hours of pre-recorded subject-based classroom training sessions to watch and help you revise the whole course, with a free 18-month subscription to BGS Video Library.
Presented by Bristol Groundschool’s team of instructors, our video library is regularly updated with new videos to help you get exam-ready.
Revision Weeks – Helping to Get You Exam-Ready
In the run-up to your exams, you will attend one of our revision weeks.
Our expert instructors will help you consolidate your learning, with exam-specific tests and recaps of key concepts in the syllabus.
So, you can hit your exams with confidence (It’s no coincidence that most Bristol Groundschool students pass their exams the first time).
Our revision weeks run both online and at our school in Clevedon, UK. They run every month for each module, giving you the flexibility to plan your studies around your schedule and ensure you’re fully prepared for your exams.
Students who are following our approved courses must attend a revision week either online or in person for each module of training. ATPdigital lessons and tests must be completed for the module you are studying before revision course attendance.
Additional Revision Weeks can be booked through our website.
Free 12-month Subscription to the BGS Question Bank
As a student with Bristol Groundschool, you will receive twelve months of access to the BGS Question Bank – a regularly updated database of more than 15,000 exam-specific questions.
With instant answers and detailed explanations, it’s the perfect resource for testing your knowledge and preparing for your exams.
Filter questions by topic or revisit questions you’ve got wrong in the past to make your learning targeted and effective.
All the Support you need for Success
Even when you are learning remotely, we’re there to support you. Throughout your studies, our world-renowned instructors will be on hand to answer your questions and provide insight into your learning.
Commercial Pilot Licence Course Overview & Modules
Maths and Physics Refresher
As you might expect, CPL regulations specify that students must have a solid understanding of maths and physics. So, before you start your commercial pilot licence studies, we provide a refresher module to give you a solid platform from which to learn.
The Maths and Physics module is conducted in the CBT only and there are no EASA or UK CAA exams associated with it.
Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA)
Also, at the start of your studies is the ‘Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes’ (KSA) module. It’s a short module designed to help you thrive with your CPL studies and beyond, addressing key career skills such as communication, workload management, leadership, and situational awareness.
How is teaching delivered?
The training is divided into 3 modules, which must be studied in numerical sequence; an exception is ATPL(H) where Module 3 can be taken before Module 2. The courseware for each module must be completed before sitting exams; bookings can be made before completion with BGS agreement but the courseware must be completed before the exam is taken. Bespoke courses are not possible.
Introducing the three modules
We divide the 13 Commercial Pilot Licence subjects into three modules.
CPL (A) Module 1:
- 022 – Instrumentation
- 061 – General Navigation
- 050 – Meteorology
- 040 – Human Performance and Limitations
CPL (A) Module 2:
- 062 – Radio Navigation
- 021 – Airframe and Systems, Electrics, Power Plant, and Emergency Equipment
- 010 – Air Law
- 033 – Flight Planning and Flight Monitoring
- 090 – Communications
CPL (A) Module 3:
- 070 – Operational Procedures
- 081 – Principles of Flight
- 032 – Performance (Aeroplane)
- 031 – Mass and Balance
*** You can choose to take your Communications exam as part of Module 2 or Module 3. We include the Comm’s lessons as part of Module 2 to allow you to make this choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our CPL Course
What is a CPL(A) and what does it mean?
A CPL(A) stands for Commercial Pilot Licence for Aeroplanes. Essentially, this licence lets you fly aircraft for money – it’s your ticket to working as a professional pilot. With a CPL(A), you can work as pilot in command of single-pilot commercial aircraft or as a co-pilot on larger aircraft used for commercial operations, if you have passed ATPL exams and hold a Frozen ATPL (CPL and Multi-Engine IR).
The CPL(A) is the first step in your professional flying career. It gives you all the privileges of a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) plus the ability to get paid for flying. You’ll need to be at least 18 years old and hold a Class 1 medical certificate to qualify.
Do you need an instrument rating course to get a CPL(A)?
No, you don’t need a full instrument rating course to get your CPL(A). The CPL(A) theory course includes basic instrument flying training as part of the syllabus. You’ll complete 10 hours of instrument instruction during your CPL training, which covers the essential skills needed.
However, if you want to fly in poor weather conditions or work for airlines, you’ll need an Instrument Rating (IR) on top of your CPL. An IR lets you fly using only the aircraft’s instruments when visibility is poor. You will also need to sit the ATPL theory exams to be eligible to fly for an airline.
There are several types: the full IR for complete commercial privileges, CBIR (Competency-Based IR) as a more accessible route, BIR (Basic IR) with limited privileges to be used in European airspace, and IR(R) which only works in UK airspace. We offer IR theory courses to help you progress your aviation career, which you can see here.
Is it better to get an IR qualification before or after a CPL qualification?
Most pilots find it better to complete their CPL first, then add the IR afterwards. This approach lets you start working commercially sooner and earn money while building the experience needed for more advanced roles. You can work as a commercial pilot in good weather conditions with just your CPL, which gives you valuable real-world experience.
Getting your IR after the CPL also makes practical sense because you’ll have more flying experience and better understand commercial operations. However, if you’re planning to work for airlines or in challenging weather conditions from the start, you might consider doing them closer together.
Is a CPL better than an ATPL?
An ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) is actually higher than a CPL – it’s the most advanced pilot licence you can get. Think of it like this: PPL is your foundation, CPL lets you work commercially, and ATPL qualifies you to be captain of large commercial aircraft like those used by airlines.
You need a CPL before you can get an ATPL, so the CPL is an essential stepping stone. Most pilots start with CPL to begin their commercial career, then work towards ATPL once they’ve built up the required 1,500 flight hours and gained airline experience.
How many hours does it take to complete the CPL?
The CPL (A) theory course takes between 6 to 18 months to complete, depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying. You’ll need to complete 250 hours of learning for the UK CAA course, with 25 hours of this being live tuition through our revision weeks. For the practical flying requirements, you need 200 hours of total flight time before you can take your CPL skill test. This includes specific requirements like 100 hours as pilot in command and various cross-country and night flying experience that you’ll build up alongside your theory studies.
What are the requirements for a full CPL(A)?
To get your CPL(A), you need to meet several key requirements. First, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a Class 1 medical certificate, and already have a PPL(A) issued to international standards. You’ll also need to complete 150 hours of flying time before starting the practical CPL course, of which 100 hours must be Pilot in Command (PIC) hours.
The full requirements include passing 13 theoretical knowledge exams covering subjects like air law, navigation, meteorology, and aircraft systems. You’ll need 200 hours of total flight time with specific experience requirements such as a night rating, plus complete flight training at an approved training organisation. Finally, you’ll take a practical skill test with an examiner to demonstrate your flying competency and receive your licence.
Do you need a PPL to get a CPL?
Yes, you must have a PPL(A) before you can start CPL training, unless you enrol onto an integrated programme where the training is structured a bit differently. This is a mandatory requirement – you need to hold a Private Pilot Licence for Aeroplanes issued to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. This means almost any PPL issued in any country is acceptable, not just UK CAA or EASA licences. When you register for our CPL course, you’ll be asked for your PPL licence number.
You’ll typically finish your PPL with around 45-65 flying hours, but the CPL requires 150 hours of flight time before you can start the practical training. This means you’ll need to build up additional flying hours alongside your CPL theory studies to meet the experience requirements. Note that depending on your flying school’s approval, you may need to convert your ICAO PPL to a UK CAA or EASA PPL before starting your practical CPL training.
How long does the Commercial Pilot Licence Theory course take to complete?
Your CPL (A) theory course with Bristol Groundschool, as part of your modular path to becoming a professional pilot, will take from six to eighteen months to complete, depending on how much time you can dedicate to your studies. During this time you can build up your flying experience, including a combination of distance learning and classroom work. There are thirteen exams to be passed for the EASA CPL, some more difficult than others.
Please note that all the lessons in ATPdigital must be completed before you can attend the revision course or take the examinations. Progress is recorded through a series of short quizzes for each lesson (which require 100% to pass), as well as larger progress tests to conclude each significant section. ATPdigital automatically sends us the results and our instructors are available throughout the process to provide all the support you will need.
Before you start your CPL theory course, you must have a PPL issued to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. This is a mandatory requirement and you will be asked when you register for your course for your licence number so please ensure that you have this to hand when signing up.
You will finish your PPL with 45 to 65 flying hours and the next flying course, the CPL course, requires you to have 150 hours of flying time before you start, which means that you will need to be building up your flying hours alongside studying for your CPL theory exams.
Taking your Commercial Pilot Licence Examinations
When you have completed each module you may attempt the examinations at a UK CAA Examination Centre or Austro Control. You must register with either the CAA or Austro Control and, unless you are exempt from doing an approved course (for example if you are a military pilot, resitting lapsed exams or converting an ICAO licence), you must get us to sign off the fact that you have completed an approved course before your exam bookings are accepted. You can sit your exams with any EASA Aviation Authority.
We are also a UK CAA and Austro Control examination centre, so, subject to availability, you could sit your exams at our training centre.
The exam fees are not included in the course cost. The UK CAA exams can be booked via the CAA website. The Austro Control exams if sat at Bristol Groundschool can be booked directly through us.
If you are not sure whether to select a UK CAA or EASA course, have a look at our web page about the UK leaving EASA.
EASA
When you have completed each module you may attempt the examinations with either Austro Control or any other EASA examination authority.
Bristol Groundschool students are given priority when booking Austro Control exams at our school. The booking system is released to non-BGS students near the actual exam sitting date.
If you are taking your exams with them, you must register with Austro Control and, unless you are exempt from doing an approved course (for example if you are a military pilot or converting an ICAO licence), you must get us to sign off the fact that you have completed an approved course before your exam bookings are accepted. This applies to other exam authorities too.
UK CAA
You must register with either the UK CAA and, unless you are exempt from doing an approved course (for example if you are a military pilot or converting an ICAO licence), you must get us to sign off the fact that you have completed an approved course before your exam bookings are accepted.
UK CAA Exam Info UK CAA Exam Learning Objectives
Commercial Pilot Licence Course Requirements
Private Pilot’s Licence
Before you start your ATPL theory course, you must have a PPL(A) issued to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. This is a mandatory requirement, and you will be asked for your licence number when you register.You will finish your PPL with 45 to 65 flying hours. The next flying course after your PPL is the CPL. It requires you to have logged 150 hours of flying time before you start. So you will need to build up your hours alongside studying for your ATPL theory if you intend to start your practical training soon after you have passed the ATPL exams.
Class 1 Medical and Eyesight Information
Before starting your commercial flight training, we recommend getting a class 1 medical. This is to help make sure you won’t be barred from obtaining a CPL on medical grounds.Your medical certification must be issued by the body governing your licence: i.e. the UK CAA or your EASA state’s equivalent. If you have a prescription from the opticians we also recommend you complete the UK CAA visual system form or your EASA state’s equivalent.
Visa requirements
Bristol Groundschool courses do not qualify for a student visa. Make sure you can enter the UK before applying for your course and exams. For further information on visas, visit the UK Border Agency website. (You don’t need a visa if you are studying with us remotely.)However, remember you may complete all your theory training online, without the need to visit us in person.
Commercial Pilot Licence Contact Hours
The required hours for the CPL(A) theory course total a minimum of 250 learning hours, with 10% (25 hours) consisting of live tuition. You can fulfil these requirements by attending our revision weeks, which are available in person at our school in Clevedon, UK, or online (excluding module 3, which is currently offered online only).
Please note that recorded classroom sessions do not fulfil the live tuition requirement. Attendance at the revision weeks is a mandatory component of our approved courses.
