⚠️ What is CPL skill test ✈️
License skill test or simply skill test is a checkride with EASA Flight Examiner. It serves as verifcation of theoretical knowledge and subsequent flight with Flight Examiner on so-called complex aeroplane with duration of at least 90 minutes. The flight partially simulates the real revenue - commercial flight. Succesfuly passed CPL skill test grants the privileges iaw FCL.305.A and FCL.305. Applicants for the CPL shall have fulfilled the requirements for the class or type of aircraft used in the CPL skill test. Most common class rating used for CPL(A) skill test is either single-engine SEP(land) with so-called complex configuration (variable pitch propeller, retractable undercarriage and seating capacity for at least 4 persons). Alternatively the CPL skill test can also be done using multi engine aeroplane - MEP(land).
By attending the CPL skill test. and obtaining the CPL license you become a professional pilot. That is very last step in the training towards the professional pilot career.
It is important to mention that once obtained, the commercial pilot license is valid permanently without necessity for revalidation or renewal. Only limiting factor is validity of the rating or certificates including the medical certificate.
EASA CPL skill test in general
In accordance with FCL.320 an applicant for a commercial pilot license shall pass CPL skill test in accordance with Appendix 4 to Part FCL to demonstrate the ability to perform, as PIC of the aeroplane, the relevant procedures and manoeuvres with the competency appropriate to the privileges granted. In addition an applicant for the issue of a commercial pilot license - CPL(A) shall have fulfilled the requirements for the classrating of the aircraft used in the CPL skill test.
Duration of CPL ✈️ skill test
The aeroplane used for the CPL skill test shall meet the requirements for training aeroplanes, and shall be certificated for the carriage of at least four persons, have a variable pitch propeller and retractable landing gear. It is so-called complex aeroplane that needs to be used for the CPL skill test. Checkride with Flight Examiner can also be done in multi-engine aeroplane.
The route to be flown shall be chosen by the Flight Examiner and the destination shall be a controlled aerodrome. The CPL Exam candidate shall be responsible for the flight planning and shall ensure that all equipment and documentation for the execution of the flight are on board. The duration of the flight for the purpose of CPL(A) skill test shall be at least 90 minutes.
Scope of ✈️ CPL skill test
An applicant for Commercial Pilot License shall pass all the relevant sections of the CPL skill test. If any item in a section is failed, that section is failed. Failure in more than one Section will require the applicant to take the entire CPL skill test again. An applicant failing only in one section shall only repeat the failed section. Failure in any section of the retest, including those sections that have been passed on a previous attempt, will require the applicant to take the entire test again. All relevant sections of the CPL skill test shall be completed within 6 months. Failure to achieve a pass in all relevant sections of the test in two attempts will require further training.
Further training in flight school may be required following any failed CPL skill test. There is no limit to the number of CPL skill tests that may be attempted.
Should the applicant choose to terminate a CPL skill test for reasons considered inadequate by the Flight Examiner (FE), the applicant shall retake the entire CPL skill test. If the test is terminated for reasons considered adequate by the Flight Examiner, only those sections not completed shall be tested in a further flight.
At the discretion of the Flight Examiner, any manoeuvre or procedure of the test may be repeated once by the CPL Exam candidate. The Flight Examiner may stop the test at any stage if it is considered that the applicant’s demonstration of flying skills requires a complete re-test.
CPL Exam candidatet shall be required to fly the aircraft from a position where the PIC functions can be performed and to carry out the test as if no other crew member is present. Responsibility for the flight shall be allocated in accordance with national regulations.
CPL Exam candidate shall indicate to the Flight examiner the checks and duties carried out, including the identification of radio facilities. Checks shall be completed in accordance with the checklist for the aircraft on which the test is being taken. During pre-flight preparation for the test, the applicant is required to determine power settings and speeds. Performance data for take-off, approach and landing shall be calculated by the applicant in compliance with the operations manual or flight manual for the aircraft used. The Flight examiner shall take no part in the operation of the aircraft except where intervention is necessary in the interests of safety or to avoid unacceptable delay to other traffic.
We are authorised to provide an EASA skill test for initial obtain of the commercial pilot license in various variants of SEP(land) and MEP(ladn) classes for example:
- Diamond DA-42 Twin Star
- Piper PA-28R
- Cessna C172RG
- and many more
Content ✅ of CPL skill test
The content of the CPL skill test is described in Appendix 4(4) to Part FCL.
Items in Section 2 (c) and (e)(iv), and the whole of sections 5 and 6 may be performed in an FNPT II or an FFS. Use of the aeroplane checklists, airmanship, control of the aeroplane by external visual reference, anti-icing/de-icing procedures and principles of threat and error management apply in all sections.
- SECTION 1 - PRE FLIGHT OPERATIONS AND DEPARTURE
- a. Pre-flight, including: Flight planning, Documentation, Mass and balance determination, Weather brief, NOTAMS
- b. Aeroplane inspection and servicing
- c. Taxiing and take-off
- d. Performance considerations and trim
- e. Aerodrome and traffic pattern operations
- f. Departure procedure, altimeter setting, collision avoidance (lookout)
- g. ATC liaison – compliance, R/T procedures
- SECTION 2 - GENERAL AIRWORK
- a. Control of the aeroplane by external visual reference, including straight and level , climb, descent, lookout
- b. Flight at critically low airspeeds including recognition of and recovery from incipient and full stalls
- c. Turns, including turns in landing configuration. Steep turns 45°
- d. Flight at critically high airspeeds, including recognition of and recovery from spiral dives
- e. Flight by reference solely to instruments, including:
- (i) level flight, cruise configuration, control of heading, altitude and airspeed
- (ii) climbing and descending turns with 10°–30° bank
- (iii) recoveries from unusual attitudes
- (iv) limited panel instruments
- f. ATC liaison – compliance, R/T procedures
- SECTION 3 - EN ROUTE PROCEDURES
- a. Control of aeroplane by external visual reference, including cruise configuration Range/Endurance considerations
- b. Orientation, map reading
- c. Altitude, speed, heading control, lookout
- d. Altimeter setting. ATC liaison – compliance, R/T procedures
- e. Monitoring of flight progress, flight log, fuel usage, assessment of track error and re -establishment of correct tracking
- f Observation of weather conditions, assessment of trends, diversion planning
- g. Tracking, positioning (NDB or VOR), identification of facilities (instrument flight). Implementation of diversion plan to alternate aerodrome (visual flight)
- SECTION 4 - APPROACH AND LANDING PROCEDURES
- a. Arrival procedures, altimeter setting, checks, lookout
- b. ATC liaison - compliance, R/T procedures
- c. Go-around action from low height
- d. Normal landing, crosswind landing (if suitable conditions)
- e. Short field landing
- f. Approach and landing with idle power (single-engine only)
- g. Landing without use of flaps
- h. Post flight actions
- SECTION 5 - ABNORMAL AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
- a. Simulated engine failure after take-off (at a safe altitude), fire drill
- b. Equipment malfunctions including alternative landing gear extension, electrical and brake failure
- c. Forced landing (simulated)
- d. ATC liaison - compliance, R/T procedures
- e. Oral questions
- SECTION 6 — SIMULATED ASYMMETRIC FLIGHT AND RELEVANT CLASS OR TYPE ITEMS
- a. Simulated engine failure during take-off (at a safe altitude unless carried out in an FFS)
- b. Asymmetric approach and go-around
- c. Asymmetric approach and full stop landing
- d. Engine shutdown and restart
- e. ATC liaison – compliance, R/T procedures, Airmanship
- f. As determined by the FE — any relevant items of the class or type rating skill test to include, if applicable:
- (i) aeroplane systems including handling of autopilot
- (ii) operation of pressurisation system
- (iii) use of de-icing and anti-icing system
- g. Oral questions
Pass criteria ✅ CPL skill test is not a kill test
Conditions for pass of the CPL(A) skill test are described in Appendix 4(B)(3) and (B)(4) to Part FCL. The CPL Exam candidate has to demonstrate the ability to:
- operate the aeroplane within its limitations,
- complete all manoeuvres with smoothness and accuracy,
- exercise good judgement and airmanship;
- apply aeronautical knowledge; and
- maintain control of the aeroplane at all times in such a manner that the successful outcome of a procedure or manoeuvre is never seriously in doubt.
The following limits shall apply, corrected to make allowance for turbulent conditions and the handling qualities and performance of the aeroplane used.
- Height
- normal flight ±100 feet
- with simulated engine failure ±150 feet
- Tracking on radio aids ±5°
- Heading
- normal flight ±10°
- with simulated engine failure ±15°
- Speed
- take-off and approach ±5 knots
- all other flight regimes ±10 knots
EASA CPL(A) privileges
In accordance with. FCL.305.A and FCL.305 the privileges of the holders of a CPL(A) are to:
- exercise all the privileges of the holder of an LAPL(A) and a PPL(A);
- act as PIC or co-pilot of any aircraft engaged in operations other than commercial air transport;
- act as PIC in commercial air transport of any single-pilot aircraft subject to the restrictions specified in FCL.060;
- act as co-pilot in commercial air transport subject to the restrictions specified in FCL.060.