Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

At Special Air Academy in Teuge, we offer a comprehensive Commercial Pilot License (CPL) program designed for aspiring professional pilots. Our experienced instructors provide high-quality training to ensure you meet the highest standards of the aviation industry. Enroll today and take the first step towards a successful career as a commercial pilot!

Schedule an introduction

Get to know the flight school without obligation and discuss how best to start your training. Fill in your name, phone number, and email address, and one of our staff members will contact you to schedule a non-binding introduction.

With the commercial pilot license, you are allowed to operate single-pilot aircraft as a captain or multi-pilot aircraft as a co-pilot on commercial flights. For example, you can conduct sightseeing flights or specialized operations with Special Air Services, and you can also join an airline as a first officer. The training program for the CPL consists of two phases: the VFR and IFR phases, as well as a pre-training program called phase 0. Additionally, phase 1 is divided into two parts.

Landing at Lelystad Airport

Phase 0

Phase 0 takes place before you begin your commercial training. This is also known as night training. Completing the night training is a requirement for obtaining the commercial pilot license. During at least 5 hours of flying, you will learn how flying in the dark differs from daytime flying.   This includes a solo circuit flight and a cross-country navigation flight to another airport. Additionally, you must hold a Class 1 medical certificate.

Phase 1A

Phase 1A includes exercises similar to those in the PPL training program. However, the focus is much more on airmanship, passenger, and crew briefings. Additionally, passenger comfort is very important. If you have not yet completed a navigation flight of 300 nautical miles (550 km) to two airports, you will need to do so during this phase. Finally, you will also take a flight with our aerobatic aircraft. The goal of this is to master basic recovery and prevention techniques.

ILS Schiphol

Phase 2

Phase 2 is known as the basic instrument flight module. During this phase, you will learn how to read the instruments in IMC and also how to use navigation points to navigate through IFR airspace. If you continue your training to obtain your instrument rating, you will receive full exemption from the basic instrument flight module of the IR training and vice versa.

Phase 1B

Phase 1B mainly focuses on preparing for the exam with one exception. All flights will be conducted with a “complex” aircraft. This means the aircraft has 4 seats, a variable pitch propeller, and retractable landing gear. You will fly at least 5 hours on this aircraft and complete it with a skill test. It is also possible to fly this complex aircraft in Phase 1a or a multi-engine aircraft when combined with an MEP class rating.

If you cannot fly due to bad weather, this time will be used to review theory (aircraft-specific information). Additionally, it is possible to prepare for future flights or use the simulator to practice the basics of instrument flying. The time you spend in the simulator does not count towards the hours needed to obtain your license, but it will help you if you accidentally fly into a cloud.

Theory course

Successfully completing your PPL theory unfortunately does not grant you exemptions for the CPL theory exams. There are two programs available: CPL and ATPL. If you are interested in obtaining your Instrument Rating and/or progressing to airlines, it is necessary to complete the ATPL theory program. If you already have an Instrument Rating or are not interested in obtaining one, the CPL theory program will suffice.

The CPL(A) training can only be provided by a government-registered and recognized flight school, such as Special Air Services. The minimum age for applying for the license is 18 years.

Download hier de prijslijst voor de CPL opleiding

In a nutshell

Hour requirements

To obtain a CPL(A) license, the student pilot must have flown at least 150 flight hours before starting the training. The course consists of:

  • Minimum of 25 hours with a flight instructor
  • of which at least 5 hours in a complex aircraft (Piper Arrow)
  • of which at least 10 hours basic instrument flight
  • of which at least 1 hour Upset Prevention And Recovery Training (UPRT)
  • At least a valid Private Pilot License (PPL)
  • if you do not yet have a night rating: at least 5 hours of night flying.

Before taking the exam, the student pilot must have at least 200 flight hours, of which 100 must be as pilot-in-command.

Theory exams

CPL(A) or ATPL(A) theory courses can theorie opleiding wordt gegeven door Orbit-Groundschool.

All theory subjects must be passed within 18 months. After passing the CPL(A) theory exam, you may take the practical exam. The practical exam must be passed within 24 months of the theory exam.

We would like to invite you to take a trial flying lesson with our company without obligation.