Commercial Pilot Licence

A Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) is a professional licence. This licence allows you to fly commercially and be employed as a commercial pilot. The CAANZ CPL is an ICAO recognised licence so if you are an International Student you can convert this licence and continue to use it when you return home, if your country is also ICAO accrediated.

To obtain a CPL, you need to complete the six CPL theory subjects (Human Factors, Air Law, Meteorology, Principles of Flight, Navigation, General Aircraft Technical Knowledge) as well as Flight Radio Telephony. You will also need to complete the ICAO English Proficiency Assessment and a minimum of 200 hours (or 170 hours approved short course) flight time covering the CAANZ CPL Syllabus requirements.

Nelson Aviation College offers two courses per year to complete the CPL theory subjects in February and August. For more information see our CPL theory page. Students must achieve a mark of 70% or better to pass each theory exam. Students with English as a second language must complete and pass the PPL theory course prior to commencing the CPL theory. For all other students the PPL examinations will be sat in conjunction with the CPL examinations.

The CPL flying component can be completed at any time throughout the year to suit you. Our course consists of 140 hours (or 110 hours approved short course) of flight time including the flight test. 70 hours Cessna 152 and 70 hours Cessna 172 (or 50 hours Cessna 152 and 60 hours Cessna 172 for the approved short course). You will complete the minimum requirements for the issue of a CPL, including Basic Mountain Flying and Cross Country.

The course cost includes all landing and airways fees as well as the initial flight test and licence issue fees. As flying is a skill, your actual course cost may vary and will depend on your abilities, knowledge and effort put towards acquiring this licence. Any additional hours required to meet the CPL standard over and above the 140 or 120 hours allocated will be charged at the current aircraft rates at the time of training. Examination retests and flight test partials will incur additional charges.

The duration of the CPL flying component is approximately twenty one weeks, but can vary due to weather delays and students ability.

  • CPL flying courses can be tailored to suit the number of hours required by individual country minimums. The course hours outlined above meet the NZ minimum requirements. Please contact us for individual quotes if you have additional hour requirements.
  • Student Loan funding is not available for this course.