You do need to have a license to fly an aircraft. The type of license required depends on both the type of aircraft you’re flying and the type of work you’re doing. For example a Private Pilot License (PPL) holder can fly a Cessna 172, however they’d need a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in order to be remunerated for flying the aircraft. Here are a few different flying qualifications you can train for: Private Pilot License (PPL) This allows the holder to fly as pilot-in-command for recreational purposes. PPL holders cannot be remunerated for flying. To gain a PPL you need to have flown at least 45 hours and pass a series of ground examinations. PPL holders can add a Flying Instructor Rating to their listing of qualifications. Once added, they can get paid for instructing. Light Aircraft Pilots License This permits the holder to fly small aircraft. National Private Pilots License (NPPL) This allows the holder to either fly Simple Single Engine Aircraft (SSEA) or Microlights & Powered Parachutes (depending on which course you took) Commercial Pilots License (CPL) This allows the holder to be paid for acting as the pilot in command of an aircraft. They can also act as and be paid for the position of co-pilot. Air Transportation Pilots License (ATPL) This allows the holder to fly as part of a multi-crew aircraft, such as an airliner. In addition to the various types of pilots license, depending on the aircraft you’re flying you may need additional training in the form of a type rating. This qualifies the pilot to fly on a specific type of complex aircraft. For example a pilot type-rated on the Airbus A320 series of aircraft will also be qualified to fly the A318, A319 and A320.