France: flight school rental rates

Direction générale de l'Aviation civile (DGAC) basics

These points are in our own words from Direction générale de l'Aviation civile (DGAC)'s public pages, which are the official word. Requirements vary, so confirm the details with Direction générale de l'Aviation civile (DGAC) and with the school before you plan training or a rental.

• Who issues licences. EASA, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, sets common pilot licensing rules (Part-FCL) but does not issue licences itself; in France the national authority does. EASA says you can get a licence in any EASA member state, whatever your nationality.Source: EASA: Licensing for General Aviation (page shows no date) ↗ · checked Oct 29, 2026
• LAPL and PPL (aeroplane). EASA's general aviation licensing page describes two private licences. The Light Aircraft Pilot Licence, LAPL(A), is valid in Europe only, for non-commercial VFR flying in single-engine piston aeroplanes up to 2,000 kg with up to four people on board; it needs at least an LAPL medical. The Private Pilot Licence, PPL(A), can also be used outside the EU, is non-commercial, and is VFR unless you add an instrument rating; it needs at least a class 2 medical. EASA lists about 100 hours of theory for both, and at least 30 hours of flight instruction for the LAPL(A) and 45 hours for the PPL(A). LAPL(A) holders get credit toward a PPL(A). Pilots with a non-EU ICAO licence can convert it under set conditions, including exams, a skill test and a European medical.Source: EASA: Licensing for General Aviation (page shows no date) ↗ · checked Oct 29, 2026
• Commercial pilot licence (CPL). EASA's rules say a CPL applicant must be at least 18, complete theory and flight instruction at an approved training organisation (ATO), and pass theory exams and a skill test. A CPL lets you fly as pilot in command of single-pilot aircraft in commercial operations, with some limits, and as co-pilot.Source: EASA: Easy Access Rules for Aircrew, Part-FCL (revision from August 2023) ↗ · checked Oct 29, 2026
• Medical certificates. EASA's medical rules (Part-MED) link medicals to licences: at least an LAPL medical for the LAPL, at least class 2 for the PPL, and class 1 for the CPL and airline licences. A student pilot may not fly solo without the medical needed for the licence. A class 1 medical is valid for 12 months (6 months from age 60, or from age 40 for single-pilot commercial passenger flying). A class 2 medical is valid for 60 months until age 40, 24 months until age 50, then 12 months. You can renew up to 45 days before expiry.Source: EASA: Easy Access Rules for Aircrew, Part-MED (revision from August 2023) ↗ · checked Oct 29, 2026
• Where to take a medical. EASA's medical FAQs say a first class 1 medical can only be done at an aeromedical centre (AeMC), while class 2 and LAPL medicals can be done at an AeMC or by an aeromedical examiner (AME). A medical issued in any EASA member state is recognised in all of them.Source: EASA: Medical FAQs (page shows no date) ↗ · checked Oct 29, 2026
• Applying for a licence in France. The French government's pilot licence page says licence requests go to the civil aviation safety directorate (DSAC) through an online portal for flight crew, and it provides the forms for a first LAPL(A) and PPL(A). It says a European Part-FCL licence has been required since April 8, 2014, including on French national aircraft, though an old national licence can still be converted. To use an LAPL(A), the page says recent experience in the last 24 months includes 12 hours of flight time and 12 take-offs and landings.Source: DGAC: Pilotes d'avion (updated October 20, 2026) ↗ · checked Oct 29, 2026