LAPL vs PPL Aircraft 2026: Choosing Your Private Pilot Licence

Choosing between LAPL (Light Aircraft Pilot Licence) and PPL (Private Pilot Licence) is one of the key decisions for any aspiring private pilot in France. Both European licences, regulated by EASA and issued by the DGAC, share common foundations but differ in flight hours, privileges and ambitions. Here is the detailed comparison to pick the right licence for your 2026 project.

Flight hours: 30 vs 45

LAPL requires a minimum of 30 flight hours, including 15 dual and 6 supervised solo. PPL requires 45 hours, including 25 dual and 10 supervised solo, with a 270 km navigation flight including two full-stop landings at different aerodromes. These 15 extra hours translate into 3000 to 5000 euros of additional cost depending on whether training takes place at a flying club or private school.

In practice, the FFA reports that PPL students fly on average 55 to 65 hours before the exam, vs 40 to 50 for LAPL. PPL prepares for more complex situations: international flight, higher mass, multiple passengers, which justifies the increased volume.

Maximum mass: 2000 kg vs unlimited

LAPL limits the pilot to aircraft up to 2000 kg maximum take-off mass, with 4 seats maximum and 3 passengers carried. This covers nearly all classic flying club aircraft: DR-400, Cessna 152 and 172, Robin DR-401, Piper PA-28. It is more than enough for leisure flying, training and European navigation.

PPL imposes no mass limit beyond class and type ratings. A PPL pilot can fly Cessna 182, Piper Saratoga, Cirrus SR22, and add ratings (multi-engine, IFR, mountain, seaplane) to fly higher-performance aircraft. This difference radically changes a pilot s growth potential.

International flying: Europe vs worldwide

LAPL is valid only within the European Economic Area (EU plus Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland). You can fly in France, Spain, Italy, Germany, but not in post-Brexit UK, Morocco or the United States. For flights to North America or Africa, PPL becomes essential.

PPL is recognised worldwide via the Chicago Convention (ICAO). With an EASA PPL, a pilot can rent an aircraft in the US (after a quick FAA verification), Canada, Morocco or Australia. Traveller pilots and expatriates always prefer PPL for this reason.

Theory: 9 modules in both cases

Both licences require 9 theoretical modules, but content and level differ. Subjects are identical: air law, aircraft knowledge, performance, human factors, meteorology, navigation, procedures, principles of flight, communications. However, the PPL programme deepens basic instrument navigation, advanced aviation meteorology and international procedures.

The PPL theoretical exam contains more questions per subject (up to 30 vs 12 to 16 for LAPL) and imposes the same 75 percent pass mark per subject. PPL theoretical training costs 400 to 1000 euros via approved e-learning, vs 300 to 800 euros for LAPL.

Medical: LAPL vs Class 2

LAPL requires a LAPL medical certificate, less demanding: visit to an EASA-approved general practitioner, no systematic ECG before 50, valid 5 years before age 40 then 2 years after. Cost: 80 to 150 euros. Ideal for occasional pilots or seniors with minor medical history.

PPL requires a stricter Class 2: visit to an Aero Medical Examiner (AME), ECG at first visit then at age 40, audiogram, full ophthalmological exam. Valid 5 years before 40, 2 years between 40 and 50, 1 year after 50. Cost: 150 to 250 euros. This class is mandatory to progress to a professional licence (CPL, ATPL).

Our advice: LAPL for leisure, PPL for ambition

Choose LAPL if you fly for leisure, in France or Europe, on classic flying club aircraft, and want to control initial cost. Choose PPL if you plan to fly outside Europe, carry more passengers, add ratings (IFR, multi-engine) or move toward a professional pilot career. A LAPL can always be upgraded later to a PPL with 15 extra hours, making LAPL an excellent starting choice. Our complete PPL aircraft licence guide details the next steps.