The Philippines is one of the best destinations for aviation training in Asia due to its largely English-speaking population, relatively low cost of living, and abundant flight schools. More than 40 aviation schools and training institutions are currently operational throughout the nation, all of which are well-equipped to train both Filipino and foreign students.
If you’re an aspiring pilot in search of reputable aviation schools in the Philippines, you’ll also want to familiarize yourself with the different pilot licenses and certifications you can work towards while you’re in the country. To help you get a sense of what an ideal piloting career path looks like for you, the following guide will walk you through the stipulated requirements for each type of license.
Basic Piloting Qualifications
All individuals who wish to become pilots need to meet a defined set of basic requirements before they can begin working toward any kind of piloting certification. These requirements have been set by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and are as follows:
- Age – Aspiring pilots must be at least 17 years old to enter aviation training, though Student Pilot Licenses (SPL) may already be issued to individuals at 16 years of age.
- Health Status – Aspiring pilots must furnish a valid medical certificate, though the specifications vary per flight school, to confirm they are both physically and mentally fit to fly.
- English Language Proficiency – English is the language of international aviation and, therefore, the language all professional pilots can expect to use when communicating via the aircraft radio or filling out pre-flight paperwork. At least level 4 English proficiency is recommended for anyone who’d like to pursue aviation training in the Philippines.
- Educational Attainment – Potential student pilots must at least have completed high school to enter an aviation training program. It’s worth noting that while you can become a student, private, or commercial pilot with only a high school diploma, a college degree is likely to be a major requirement for any of the country’s major airlines. Degrees in aeronautics, aviation, engineering, computer science, and other related fields are usually preferred but not required.
Licenses and Certificates Available in the Philippines
Once you meet all the above requirements, you can begin looking for flight schools and training programs that meet your specific career goals. The different pilot licenses you can earn at a Philippines-based aviation school are described in detail below:
Student Pilot License (SPL)
The Student Pilot License (SPL) is the very first license you’ll need to obtain on your aviation journey. It will enable you to begin your flight training and eventually accumulate the flying hours you’ll need for a Private Pilot License (PPL). To apply for an SPL in the Philippines, you’ll need to be at least 16 years old and able to understand, speak, read, and write in English at the minimum level stipulated by the CAAP. An SPL is valid for about 24 months.
Private Pilot License (PPL)
A private pilot license (PPL) will let you to operate aircraft for leisure, but doesn’t allow you to fly for a living. To be eligible for a PPL in the Philippines, a student pilot must be at least 17 years old and have a valid SPL. They should also submit the following documentary requirements:
- Class 2 Medical Certificate
- NBI Clearance
- NTC Radio Telephony License
- Flight logbook with 40 recorded flight hours, which can be broken down into at least 20 hours of dual flight instruction, 10 solo flight hours, and 10 hours of either dual or solo flight.
To earn their PPL, a student pilot must pass a written exam administered by the CAAP. They must also pass an oral exam and a practical flight test, which are typically overseen by official CAAP check pilots.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
A commercial pilot license (CPL) allows you to fly aircraft professionally, whether for airlines or for any other organizations that employ pilots to transport passengers and cargo. The requirements for a CPL include the following:
- Valid PPL
- Class 1 Medical Certificate
- Proficiency rating of at least level 4 on the English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT)
- NTC Radio Telephony License
- Flight logbook with 150 recorded flight hours
As with the PPL, individuals applying for a CPL must pass a CAAP-administered written exam, an oral exam, and a flight test.
Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)
The ATPL is the highest-level pilot license you can earn, allowing you to act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft. ATPL holders are seasoned aviators who typically go on to become lead pilots for major commercial airline companies. Those aiming for this type of license will need to complete a specialized ATPL ground training program, as well as a written exam from the CAAP.
Documentary requirements for an ATPL are as follows:
- Valid CPL
- Class 1 Medical Certificate
- Proficiency rating of at least level 4 on the English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT)
- NTC Radio Telephony License
- Flight logbook with 1500 recorded flight hours
If you dream of flying professionally one day, the Philippines is an ideal place to get your start in aviation. As a first step, get to know the many flight schools in the country and the training programs they offer. Then you’ll be informed enough to choose an institution that can provide you with the training you need and help you secure your desired certifications.
