Getting a commercial pilot licence (CPL)

If you would like to fly an aircraft for work, you need a commercial pilot licence (CPL).

A CPL lets you fly for private and commercial operations under Part 61 of CASR Subpart 61.I.

You can be the pilot-in-command of any operation except:

  • multi-crew aircraft in air transport operations
  • pilot a single pilot certified aeroplane with a certificated maximum take-off weight (MTOW) more than 5,700kg in an air transport operation, unless you have 750 hours of flight time as pilot of an aeroplane
  • pilot a rotorcraft with a certificated maximum take-off weight more than 3,175kg in an air transport operation, unless you have 750 hours of flight time as a pilot of a rotorcraft

You can be the co-pilot in any operation.

What you need to get a commercial pilot licence

To get a CPL, you must:

  • be at least 18 years old
  • be able to speak and understand a certain level of English
  • complete the theory examinations for the relevant aircraft category
  • complete flight training with a Part 141 or 142 operator and be recommended for the flight test
  • meet the minimum aeronautical experience requirements
  • pass the flight test for the licence
  • hold a class 1 medical certificate.

Medical certificates for commercial pilot licences

We issue these medical certificate classes for a CPL licence:

  • Class 1 to attempt the CPL flight test.
  • Class 1 or Class 2 to fly an aircraft.

If you use a Class 2, you are limited to flying a commercial aircraft with:

  • a maximum take-off weight of under 8618 kilograms
  • no passengers.

You can also use a Class 2 if you're flying in a private operation.

You must carry your medical certificate with you whenever you are flying.

How to apply for a commercial pilot licence

To get a CPL for your chosen aircraft category rating, you'll need to:

  1. Apply for a class or type rating

    Identify what rating you want to apply for. Read our guidance pages to learn more about:

  2. Learn the theory and complete your training

    You need to train with a Part 141 or Part 142 flight training operator.

    Find a flight training operator using our search filter.

  3. Sit the general English language assessment

    If you use an aeronautical radio, you will need to meet aviation English language proficiency (GELP).

    You only need to do this once.

    Learn more about applying for a AELP assessment.

  4. Pass the CPL theory exam

    Learn more about the CPL theory exams.

  5. Complete the minimum flying experience

    Once you have completed your CPL theory exam you must complete the minimal flying experience.

  6. Pass a CPL flight test

    This is based on the practical flight standards in Schedule 2 of the Schedule 2 of the Part 61 Manual of Standards (MOS).

Extra Body field

Once you have your CPL, you can:

  • go through this process again to add more aircraft category ratings
  • add endorsements.

To keep your licence active, you will do:

To conduct a flight that requires 2 pilots, you must also complete approved training in multi-crew cooperation. You don't have to do this if you took part in multi-crew operations before 1 September 2015.

Theory and the exams for commercial pilot licences

Some of the subjects you will learn for a CPL are:

  • flight rules and air law
  • aerodynamics
  • meteorology
  • navigation
  • human factors
  • performance, operations and flight planning
  • aircraft general knowledge.

You can study the theory yourself, for example, through a self-learning course. Or you can go to classes with a training provider.

The CPL theory exam tests how well you know the theory of your chosen aircraft rating.

Training for commercial pilot licences

Flight training courses teach general, cross-country and instrument flying.

There are 2 types of courses:

  • intensive integrated courses, through Part 142 flight training operators
  • non-integrated courses, through Part 141 flight training operators.

Some organisations offer both types of courses. You can search for a Part 141 or Part 142 flight training operator near you.

In an integrated training course, you do ground theory with practical flight training at the same time. It's a structured course that you can do quickly.

If you do non-integrated training, you will do more practical flight training and it will take longer.

Basic instrument flying

You will need to do basic instrument flying if you are:

  • applying for an aeroplane licence (CPLA)
  • doing an integrated course of training for a helicopter licence (CPLH).

Otherwise, basic instrument flying is optional.

If you get a CPLH through a non-integrated course, your licence will include a note that it doesn't meet the international standards.

You can still do the basic instrument flying later.

Flying experience for a commercial pilot licence

The right amount of flying experience you need to get a CPL depends on the aircraft category rating you're training for.

For non-integrated training, the regulations recognise some flight time in other categories of aircraft to satisfy the total aeronautical experience requirements.

Minimum hours for an aeroplane CPL

ExperienceHours for an integrated courseHours for a non-integrated courseConditions
Aeronautical experience150200Up to 10 hours can be in a flight simulation training device.
Flight time as a pilot140190-
Pilot in command70100, 60 if you hold a CPL or ATPL with helicopter rating, 80 if you hold a PPL with helicopter rating-
Pilot in command cross-country2020Must be in an aeroplane and include a flight of at least 300 NM with a full-stop landing at 2 aerodromes outside the flight training area.
Dual instrument time1010-
Dual instrument flight time55Must be in an aeroplane.

Minimum hours for a helicopter CPL

ExperienceHours for an integrated courseHours for a non-integrated courseConditions
Aeronautical experience100150 or 105*Up to 10 hours can be in a flight simulation training device. Up to 5 of the 10 hours can be tethered flight time. * In accordance with Part 61 MOS Schedule 9.
Flight time as a pilot90140 or 105*Integrated must be in a helicopter. For non-integrated, at least 70 hours must be in a helicopter. * In accordance with Part 61 MOS Schedule 9.
Pilot in command3535Integrated must be in a helicopter.
Pilot in command cross-country1010Must include a flight of at least 150 NM with landings at 2 areas other than where the flight began. Integrated must be in a helicopter.
Dual instrument time10 Integrated course only.
Dual instrument flight time5 Integrated must be in a helicopter.

Minimum hours for a gyroplane CPL

ExperienceHours for a non-integrated courseConditions
Aeronautical experience150Up to 10 hours can be in a flight simulator.
Flight time as a pilot75In a gyroplane.
Dual flight time20In a gyroplane.
Pilot in command35In a gyroplane.
Pilot in command cross-country20Must be in a powered aircraft with at least 10 hours in gyroplanes.
Dual instrument time10Can be in a flight simulation training device.

Regulations for commercial pilot licences

The rules for commercial pilots are in these sections of Part 61 of CASR Flight crew licencing:

  • Subpart 61.E - general limitations
  • Subpart 61.J - commercial pilot licences
  • Regulation 61.570 - privileges of commercial pilot licences
  • Regulation 61.575 - limitations on exercising privileges - multi-crew operations
  • Regulation 61.580 - requirements for grant of commercial pilot licences - general
  • Division 61.I.2 - aeronautical experience requirements (pilots who have completed an integrated training course)
  • Division 61.I.3 - aeronautical experience requirements (pilots who have not completed an integrated training course).

Transitioning a CAR 5 licence to a Part 61 licence

You can no longer exercise the privileges of a CAR Part 5 licence. If you hold a CAR 5 licence it will need to be transitioned to the new Part 61 licence to continue to operate.

You can transition your licences by using the 'Recognition and Transfer CAR Part 5 Qualifications' form.

Download a digital pilot licence

You can carry a digital version of your pilot licence. Find out how to download a copy to your mobile

Reprinting your licence

Contact us if you need a paper reprint of your licence for operational reasons, such as international air operations. The fee for a licence reprint is $25.

Last updated:
1 Jun 2023
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//licences-and-certificates/pilots/pilot-licences/commercial-pilot-licences/getting-commercial-pilot-licence-cpl
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