Aviation glossary

What is LAPL?

Light Aircraft Pilot Licence

A LAPL (Light Aircraft Pilot Licence) is a UK/EASA licence for light aircraft, requiring fewer hours than a PPL but carrying some restrictions.

The Light Aircraft Pilot Licence is a lower-cost route into flying, requiring a minimum of 30 hours of training. It restricts the holder to lighter aircraft and a limited number of passengers, and is not ICAO-compliant for international flying in the way a PPL is.

It suits pilots who plan to fly smaller aircraft for leisure within the UK and Europe.

Related terms

PPLA PPL (Private Pilot Licence) allows you to fly as pilot-in-command for leisure and private purposes, but not for payment.GSTThe GST (General Skill Test) is the practical flight test a student passes with an examiner to qualify for a licence such as the PPL.

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