Part-FCL Pilot Licensing: Privileges, Ratings, and Document Requirements

010-04-02Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-03-272 min

Part-FCL (Flight Crew Licensing) establishes the requirements for the issue and maintenance of pilot licences and ratings.

Licensing Authority (ICAO Annex 1)

The Licensing Authority is designated by a Contracting State to:

  • Evaluate an applicant's qualifications.
  • Issue and endorse licences and ratings.
  • Designate personnel and approve training courses and simulators.
  • Validate licences from other States.

Obligation to Carry Documents (FCL.045)

A pilot must always carry and present without undue delay the following documents when exercising the privileges of their licence:

  1. Valid licence.
  2. Valid medical certificate.
  3. Photo identification document.

Note: The flight time record (logbook) must be presented without delay, but it is not strictly mandatory to physically carry it on the flight if it can be presented digitally or subsequently.

Licences and Privileges

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

To obtain a CPL, a minimum age of 18 years is required.

  • Privileges: Exercise all the privileges of LAPL and PPL, act as pilot-in-command (PIC) or co-pilot in non-commercial operations, and act as PIC in commercial air transport of any single-pilot aircraft (subject to restrictions).
  • Requirements: 150 hours of flight time (integrated course), including 80 of instruction, 70 as PIC, 20 cross-country, 5 night, and 10 instrument.

Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)

  • Privileges: Exercise all the privileges of LAPL, PPL, and CPL, and act as PIC in commercial air transport.

Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL)

  • Privileges: Act as co-pilot in an aeroplane required to be operated with a co-pilot.

Ratings

A rating is an authorization entered on or associated with a licence and forming part thereof, stating special conditions, privileges or limitations pertaining to such licence.

Instrument Rating (IR)

  • Validity: 1 year.
  • Revalidation: Within the 3 months preceding the expiry date. Requires a proficiency check.
  • Renewal: If expired, requires refresher training at an ATO and passing the proficiency check.

Recent Experience (FCL.060)

To operate in commercial air transport or carry passengers, a pilot must have carried out in the preceding 90 days at least 3 take-offs, approaches, and landings in an aircraft of the same type or class (or an FFS flight simulator).