SEP Rating
Single-Engine Piston Class Rating
Last updated: April 20, 2026 · Maintained by Aviatr Editorial Team
What is SEP Rating?
A Single-Engine Piston (SEP) Class Rating is the EASA class rating attached to every PPL, LAPL, CPL, and ATPL issued for single-engine piston aircraft. It is the default class rating earned automatically during initial license training and must be revalidated every 24 months to remain current and exercise license privileges.
How is SEP Rating used?
SEP revalidation is the recurrent-training milestone most European pilots encounter during their flying career. Revalidation options include: a skill revalidation check flight with a flight examiner, or a combination of experience (minimum 12 flight hours in the previous 24 months including at least 6 hours as PIC, 12 takeoffs and landings, and a one-hour training flight with an instructor). An expired SEP can be renewed but requires a flight examiner proficiency check and payment of a rating re-issuance fee to the national aviation authority. Pilots flying infrequently often lose their SEP currency and must plan the revalidation process well before any intended cross-country flight. The SEP class rating applies to all certified single-engine piston aircraft up to 5,700 kg — so the rating covers Cessna 152, Piper PA-28, Cirrus SR22, and similar aircraft without requiring a separate type-specific endorsement for each airframe.