LAPL
Light Aircraft Pilot License
Last updated: April 20, 2026 · Maintained by Aviatr Editorial Team
What is LAPL?
A LAPL (Light Aircraft Pilot License) is an EASA pilot license with reduced requirements compared to a PPL — only 30 flight hours are required instead of 45 — but with privileges restricted to non-commercial flight of single-engine light aircraft up to 2,000 kg maximum takeoff mass within EASA airspace only.
How is LAPL used?
The LAPL was introduced by EASA to provide an accessible pathway into general aviation for pilots who fly purely for recreation. Training covers a subset of the PPL syllabus and theoretical knowledge — the same nine PPL subjects but with some depth reductions, 100 hours of theory, and a lighter skill test. LAPL holders cannot fly outside EASA member states, cannot carry more than three passengers, and cannot convert directly to an ICAO non-EASA license without additional credits and flight hours. The LAPL medical is a reduced-stringency variant of the Class 2 that many pilots find easier to obtain, especially as they age past 50. Many pilots who find the PPL Class 2 medical renewals restrictive transition to LAPL privileges in later flying years to preserve their access to non-commercial flight with a simpler medical examination. The LAPL bridges the gap between ultralight flying (which is usually governed by national rules) and the full EASA PPL standard — offering a middle-ground license for pilots who want more than national ultralight privileges but less than full PPL compliance burden.