Get Your China Pilot License
Complete CAAC guide for PPL(A) — CCAR-61: cost, hours, theory exams, medical, and how to convert from foreign licenses. Updated for 2026 regulations.
Cost & key data
| PPL(A) — CCAR-61 cost | ¥120,000 – ¥250,000 (USD $17,000 – $35,000) |
| Minimum flight hours | 40 h |
| Theory study (typical) | 100 h |
| Medical class | Class II Medical (CAAC-issued) |
| Knowledge test | CAAC PPL Theory Exam |
| Minimum age | 17 years |
| License validity | Lifetime; medical and type rating revalidated periodically |
| Working language(s) | Chinese (Mandarin), English (for ICAO Level 4) |
| Drone authorisation | CAAC UAV Pilot License (Small / Medium / Large) (CAAC UAV Cloud — UTMISS / AOPA-China license) |
| Average training time | 12 months full-time |
Step-by-step path to your CAAC license
Average completion: 12 months full-time.
- Step 1Pass the medical
Obtain a Class II Medical (CAAC-issued). The medical certificate must be current before you can fly solo.
- Step 2Theory study & ground school
Complete approximately 100 hours of ground theory covering air law, navigation, meteorology, principles of flight, communications, and human factors.
- Step 3Fly the required 40 hours
Log a minimum of 40 flight hours with a certified instructor at an CAAC-approved flight school. Includes solo cross-country flights.
- Step 4Pass the knowledge test
CAAC PPL Theory Exam — 100 multiple-choice questions, 80% pass mark.
- Step 5Pass the skill test (checkride)
Complete an end-of-course practical exam with an CAAC examiner. Once passed, your PPL(A) — CCAR-61 is issued.
License classes issued by CAAC
- PPL(A) — CCAR-61
- CPL(A)
- ATPL(A)
- Multi-engine / IFR ratings
- UAV — Small / Medium / Large + BVLOS endorsements
China drone license under CAAC
Drone authority
CAAC UAV Cloud — UTMISS / AOPA-China license
Test format
Theoretical exam (Mandarin) + practical with an AOPA-China authorised training centre; categories by MTOM (1.5kg / 7kg / 25kg / >150kg)
Maximum altitude
400 ft AGL
Renewal cycle: every 2 years. See the worldwide drone pilot hub for country-by-country comparisons.
How CAAC compares to FAA & EASA
vs FAA (United States)
Higher pass mark (80% vs 70%) and Mandarin-first instruction. Bilateral training agreements exist with Embry-Riddle and CAE for US-trained CFIs.
Open guidevs EASA (Europe)
Similar theory depth but stricter in-country residency requirements. UAV framework predates Part-UAS but aligns with ICAO RPAS Manual.
Open guideCompare with other worldwide authorities
CAAC pilot license — frequently asked questions
How much does PPL training cost in China?
Roughly ¥120,000–¥250,000 (USD $17,000–$35,000). Many Chinese students train abroad in the US (FAA) and convert because total cost is comparable.
What is the CAAC ICAO English Level 4 requirement?
All commercial pilots flying internationally must hold ICAO Level 4 English. CAAC delivers the test through licensed examiners; renewal every 3 years for Level 4, every 6 for Level 5.
What drone classes does CAAC use?
Small (< 7 kg), Medium (7–25 kg), Large (> 25 kg), with sub-categories for visual line of sight / BVLOS / autonomous. AOPA-China issues the operator certificate.
Can foreigners get a CAAC PPL?
Yes — foreigners can train at CAAC-approved schools but residency and medical processing add 2–4 months. ICAO conversion from FAA/EASA is the most common path.
Is the UTMISS platform required?
Yes — every UAV flight in China above 250g must be filed in the UTMISS / UOM (UAV Operation Management) system before takeoff.
Ready to start training for your CAAC license?
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