---
title: "Complex aeroplane — EASA Definition · Avioverse"
description: "Article 2, Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011: ‘Complex aeroplane’ means an aeroplane that meets either of the following characteristics:"
url: "https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/complex-aeroplane"
---

# Complex aeroplane

EASA defines “Complex aeroplane” in one regulation. The wording below is reproduced verbatim from the EASA Easy Access Rules, with a link to the paragraph it comes from.

> ‘Complex aeroplane’ means an aeroplane that meets either of the following characteristics:
>
> (i) with a maximum certificated take-off mass exceeding 5 700 kg;
>
> (ii) certificated for a maximum passenger seating configuration of more than nineteen;
>
> (iii) certificated for operation with a minimum crew of two pilots;
>
> (iv) equipped with a turbojet engine or turbojet engines or more than one turboprop engine;

Article 2 · Aircrew · Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 · Easy Access Rules, 25 Nov 2025 revision · [Read Article 2](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/aircrew/cover-regulation/powers-and-recitals#article-2)

## Defined in the same article

- [acceptable means of compliance (AMC)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/acceptable-means-of-compliance)
- [Aircrew](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aircrew)
- [alternative means of compliance](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/alternative-means-of-compliance)
- [approved training organisation (ATO)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/approved-training-organisation)
- [ARO.RAMP](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aroramp)
- [Automatically validated](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/automatically-validated)
- [basic instrument training device (BITD)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/basic-instrument-training-device)
- [cabin crew member](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/cabin-crew-member)