Get Your European Union Pilot License
Complete EASA guide for PPL(A) — Part-FCL Private Pilot Licence: cost, hours, theory exams, medical, and how to convert from foreign licenses. Updated for 2026 regulations.
Cost & key data
| PPL(A) — Part-FCL Private Pilot Licence cost | €10,000 – €18,000 |
| Minimum flight hours | 45 h |
| Theory study (typical) | 100 h |
| Medical class | Class 2 Medical (LAPL Medical for LAPL) |
| Knowledge test | 9 Theoretical Knowledge (TK) papers |
| Minimum age | 17 years |
| License validity | Lifetime; SEP class rating revalidated every 24 months |
| Working language(s) | English, + national languages by NAA |
| Drone authorisation | EASA Open Category Operator (A1/A2/A3) + Specific Category (Part-UAS / IR (EU) 2019/947) |
| Average training time | 9 months full-time |
Step-by-step path to your EASA license
Average completion: 9 months full-time.
- Step 1Pass the medical
Obtain a Class 2 Medical (LAPL Medical for LAPL). 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 45 hours
Log a minimum of 45 flight hours with a certified instructor at an EASA-approved flight school. Includes solo cross-country flights.
- Step 4Pass the knowledge test
9 Theoretical Knowledge (TK) papers — 9 subjects, 75% to pass each — Air Law, AGK, Flight Planning, Human Performance, Meteo, Navigation, Operational Procedures, Principles of Flight, Communications.
- Step 5Pass the skill test (checkride)
Complete an end-of-course practical exam with an EASA examiner. Once passed, your PPL(A) — Part-FCL Private Pilot Licence is issued.
License classes issued by EASA
- LAPL(A) — Light Aircraft Pilot Licence
- PPL(A)
- CPL(A)
- ATPL(A) — frozen / unfrozen
- IR(A) / EIR / CB-IR
- Part-UAS Open / Specific / Certified
European Union drone license under EASA
Drone authority
Part-UAS / IR (EU) 2019/947
Test format
Open A1/A3: 40-question online theory; A2: in-person 30-question exam at NAA; STS-01/02 follow PDRA framework
Maximum altitude
400 ft AGL
Renewal cycle: every 5 years. See the worldwide drone pilot hub for country-by-country comparisons.
How EASA compares to FAA & EASA
vs FAA (United States)
More theory (9 papers vs 1) and stricter medical class. Universal across EU + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland.
Open guidevs EASA (Europe)
You’re already on the EASA guide.
Compare with other worldwide authorities
EASA pilot license — frequently asked questions
How long does an EASA PPL take?
Typically 9–12 months full-time. Theory is heavier than FAA (9 written exams) but the licence is valid across all 31 EASA states without conversion.
Does an EASA PPL work in the UK?
Post-Brexit, the UK CAA runs a parallel licence system. EASA holders need a CAA validation or conversion to fly G-registered aircraft.
How much do the 9 theory exams cost?
Exam fees are €40–€90 per subject depending on the NAA. The full set typically costs €400–€800, plus ground school (around €1,500–€3,000).
What is the EASA Class 2 medical?
An aviation medical issued by an AeMC or AME, valid 5 years (under 40), 2 years (40–50), 1 year (50+). Required for LAPL/PPL/CPL training.
Can I fly drones commercially in the EU with the Open Category?
Yes — Open Category covers most commercial work under 25 kg with VLOS. Higher-risk ops (BVLOS, urban, > 25 kg) require Specific Category authorisation under STS-01/02 or a SORA-derived OA.
Ready to start training for your EASA license?
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