The profession
The EASA licence is issued under the European regulatory framework. Its reach goes beyond France: it is recognised across all EASA member states, which considerably widens the range of possible applications.
But you still need to understand what it covers, because a licence alone is not enough to fly the line.
The building blocks of a usable licence
The CPL allows professional flying. The IR rating opens up instrument flight, essential in air transport. The MEP rating allows multi-engine flying. Finally, the ATPL theory certificates, once obtained, form what is called a frozen ATPL.
The full ATPL is unlocked later, once the required flight experience is reached in an airline.
What comes after the licence
An airline recruits on a licence, but then has you fly a specific aircraft type. The corresponding type rating is delivered by the airline or an approved organisation, after recruitment.
The APS MCC completed at the end of training prepares you for this multi-pilot environment, without being a type rating.
Keeping your licence valid over time
A licence is a living thing: ratings are revalidated on their own schedules, and the Class 1 medical certificate is renewed periodically.
Anticipating these deadlines is part of the job, just like preparing a flight.
