LAPL or PPL: which licence to choose

The difference between the EASA LAPL(A) and PPL(A) in hours, privileges, medical and recency, to help you pick the right one.

The short answer

The LAPL(A) needs fewer hours and a lighter medical, and lets you fly aeroplanes up to 2,000 kg with up to three passengers in Europe. The PPL(A) takes longer, but opens heavier aircraft, more passengers, worldwide recognition under ICAO, and the path to night, instrument and commercial ratings.

Side by side

• Training: LAPL at least 30 hours, including 15 dual and 6 supervised solo; PPL at least 45 hours, including 25 dual and 10 supervised solo
• Aircraft: LAPL up to 2,000 kg maximum takeoff mass and no more than four people on board; PPL no such limit in class
• Medical: LAPL medical or higher; PPL class 2
• Recognition: LAPL within EASA states; PPL is an ICAO licence
• Recency: LAPL needs 12 hours as PIC with 12 takeoffs and landings and 1 hour of refresher training in the last 24 months; PPL keeps its class rating valid through revalidation

Upgrading later

Hours flown for the LAPL count toward the PPL, so starting with the LAPL is not a dead end. Your training organisation assesses how much of the PPL course remains.

Where caeloo fits

caeloo adds up your dual, solo, PIC and cross country time from the flights you log, so you can see where you stand for either licence.