The differences between ATPL, CPL & MPL

Becoming a pilot is a dream harboured by many aviation enthusiasts. It also requires more than just learning how to fly. You will need the right training, qualification, and, most importantly, the correct license to kickstart your career. Many incoming pilots have a hard time understanding what to choose- ATPL vs CPL, as well as CPL vs MPL.

All three licenses have a specific role to play in a pilot’s journey. If a CPL allows pilots to operate aircraft commercially, then an MPL authorizes them to do so. Likewise, an ATPL represents the highest level of pilot certification required to command commercial aircraft as a captain.

In the debate over which pilot license is better, it is important to thoroughly consider each pathway with its different eligibility criteria, training structures, flight hour requirements, costs, and career possibilities. Understanding these differences is essential before investing time and resources into pilot training.

What are Pilot Licenses?

Before understanding the differences between pilot licenses, it is also important to understand what a pilot license is. Consider a pilot license as an official certification allowing an individual to operate an aircraft, once they complete training, examinations, and flight experience. Similar to what a driver's license does, a pilot's license also shows what type of aircraft a pilot is certified to operate.

Such licenses are issued by a country’s aviation authority after strict checks that ensure that the individual has the right flight training, safety procedures, aircraft operations, and decision-making skills. The requirements for obtaining a pilot license differ across countries, though the general criterion tends to remain the same.

While there are various licenses that an aspiring pilot can opt for to begin their flying career, three main licenses are the most common: Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL), and Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).

It is important to understand the purpose, requirements, and career opportunities associated with each licence, which can help aspiring pilots choose the right training path.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

In the ATPL vs CPL debate, the first license we look into is the CPL. A CPL is essentially an advanced PPL that calls for more precise flying and better levels of airmanship. This type of license allows pilots to fly aircraft and get paid for their services. It is one of the most common types of pilot licenses that most aspiring pilots choose to build an aviation career.

Essentially, a CPL allows a pilot to work in various roles, such as charter operations, cargo flights, aerial photography, flight instruction, and, in certain cases, with additional qualifications, airline operations.

a. CPL Eligibility

When understanding the differences between pilot licenses, it is crucial to note the basic eligibility requirements to obtain a CPL. Depending on the specific aviation authority, the general rules include:

Meeting the minimum age requirement, which is generally 18 years
Holding a valid aviation medical certificate, such as a class 1 certificate
Completing ground school training
Passing aviation theory examinations
Completing required flight training hours
Demonstrating proficiency in aircraft handling, navigation, and flight operations

The training to obtain a CPL includes advanced flight skills such as instrument flying, cross-country navigation, emergency procedures, and multi-engine aircraft operations.

b. Career Opportunities with CPL

There are various avenues one can choose from once they obtain a CPL. These include becoming a charter pilot, cargo pilot, corporate aviation pilot, flight instructor, and first officer roles, with additional requirements such as type rating and airline-specific training.

It is important to note that a CPL does not permit a pilot to operate as an airline captain. To do that, pilots need to gain additional experience and progress towards achieving an ATPL.

Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL)

In the CPL vs MPL debate, we will now look at the MPL, or Multi-Crew Pilot License. An MPL is a professional pilot license that is specifically designed to help pilots get into airline operations. MPL training differs from the traditional pilot training. While the latter focuses heavily on single-pilot flying skills, MPL training is built around the environment of modern airline cockpits.

If you choose the MPL pathway, you will focus on developing skills required to operate as part of a flight crew, where pilots work closely with another pilot and follow airline-standard procedures.

a. MPL Training Process

In the CPL vs MPL debate, what does the training process for obtaining an MPL look like? The training for this type of pilot license emphasises:

Multi-crew cooperation
Crew Resource Management (CRM)
Airline operating procedures
Simulator-based training
Decision-making and teamwork

From the start of the training process, students are exposed to airline-style operations and cockpit environments, making the training pathway more closely aligned with airline employers' requirements.

b. MPL Career Path

Once you complete your training for MPL, you will begin your career as a first officer, depending on airline requirements and regulatory approvals. The usual path starts with obtaining your MPL license, getting a job as a first officer, gaining flight experience, training, obtaining an ATPL, and finally becoming an airline captain.

Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

When understanding the differences between pilot licenses, the last and most important item is the ATPL. It is the highest level of pilot certification and what a pilot requires to become an airline captain.

When you obtain an ATPL, it confirms to future employers that you possess the advanced knowledge, experience, and skills required to take responsibility for an aircraft carrying passengers in commercial airline operations. While CPL and MPL are generally entry points into professional aviation careers, ATPL represents a later stage of a pilot’s career after gaining significant flying experience.

a. ATPL Requirements

Obtaining an ATPL is not so straightforward, as pilots need to complete certain conditions. These include:

Meet minimum age requirements
Hold the required medical certification
Complete advanced theoretical examinations
Accumulate the required flight experience
Demonstrate advanced aircraft operation skills

Flight experience is one of the most important facets of obtaining an ATPL. Pilots typically earn their ATPL after working as first officers and building the necessary flight hours. Additionally, a sizable portion of training is conducted in simulators rather than on smaller aircraft, where it is possible to practice threat and error management and imitate particular circumstances. You must, however, possess both the class or type rating for the aircraft you wish to fly and the relevant aircraft category rating on your ATPL.

ATPL vs CPL vs MPL: Key Differences Explained

While the CPL, MPL, and ATPL are all connected, they serve different purposes.

1. Career Level

The career level looks different for the three licenses. A commercial pilot license, or a CPL, provides professional pilots a starting point. It allows aspiring pilots an avenue to fly commercially, but it does not qualify them to command large airline aircraft. When one obtains an MPL, they are ready to take a job as a first officer, since an MPL is a specialized pathway designed for exactly this.

Once one achieves both, they can opt for an ATPL. The ATP, as mentioned before, is the highest form of pilot license, allowing experienced pilots to become airline captains. It is also important to know what a frozen ATPL is, which many pilots start their career with. A frozen ATPL is when a pilot has completed the required ATPL theory examinations but has not yet gained the flight experience needed for a full ATPL.

Since we are talking about pilot licenses, it is also worthy to understand the PPL vs CPL debate. In the PPL vs CPL debate, a PPL, or a private pilot license, can be considered the foundational pilot certification, allowing an individual to fly recreationally but not commercially.

2. Training Focus

The focus of training for each license differs, but complements the other. When you go for CPL training, your training will focus on aircraft handling, navigation, flight skills, and commercial flying fundamentals. Similarly, the training focus for obtaining an MPL includes airline operations, multi-crew flying, simulator training, and team-based decision-making.

Considering the importance of an ATPL, the training focused on obtaining this license is different. Since you have mastered the basics of flying, the emphasis here is on advanced aviation knowledge, airline-level operations, and command responsibilities.

3. Career Opportunities

Once you obtain your license and complete the necessary training, the employment landscape will be in your favour. Pilot jobs are on the rise, owing to the increase in global air travel and the rapid expansion of aircraft fleets by airlines. However, each license will present you with a different set of opportunities.

With a CPL in hand, you have the options of joining a charter, cargo, or aviation-related role. Once you get your MPL, you can progress to a direct airline-focused route. An ATPL will provide you access to senior airline positions, especially captain roles. Explore our blog to know how to obtain a pilot license, whether it is an ATPL, CPL, or an MPL.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice honestly depends on your career goals, preferred aviation pathway, and long-term plans. While a CPL will allow you to fly a small piston aircraft as the pilot in a command position, you need an ATPL to pilot an aircraft that has a maximum takeoff weight greater than 5700 kg. Therefore, getting an ATPL will lead to many more prospects since airlines typically only accept ATPL holders rather than CPL holders. Simply said, if you've always desired to be an airline pilot, are prepared to advance from the first officer to captain, and want to fly larger planes like Boeing, Airbus, or similar commercial airliners, an ATPL is the right licence for you. With more and more airline captain jobs coming up, obtaining an ATPL is the go-to choice for many pilots who want to progress to senior roles.

A CPL makes sense if you want flexibility and want to explore different aviation careers. This license provides you with a strong foundation to work in different areas of aviation before progressing further. But if your goal is to become an airline pilot, an MPL may be a better choice. It prepares pilots for the specific requirements of a multi-crew airline cockpit.

Ultimately, choosing between ATPL, CPL, and MPL depends on factors such as your budget, career goals, training preferences, and the type of flying career you want to build. If you want to explore more about different pilot licenses, check out our blog on the types of pilot licenses. While this article covers the three major licenses, ATPL, CPL, and MPL, the blog provides a more detailed overview of other pilot licenses that aspiring aviators can pursue to begin and advance their flying careers.

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Wrapping Up

Each of the licenses discussed in this blog represents a different stage and pathway in a pilot’s professional life. As an aspiring pilot, it is also important to understand that there is no single license that is best for a pilot. Ultimately, the right choice depends on professional goals, what type of flexibility you seek in your career, and the path you want to take towards an airline career.

Besides the license, it is also important to have a type rating. Explore our blog to understand type rating in aviation. With more and more pilot jobs on the rise, the probability of becoming a pilot is in your favor. Begin your journey to becoming a pilot by first understanding the differences between ATPL, CPL, and an MPL to make an informed decision that aligns with your long-term aviation ambitions.

ATPL vs CPL vs MPL: Which Pilot License Should You Choose?