Privatpilotenlizenz für Motorflugzeuge: Erwerb und Verlängerung

With a Private Pilot License (PPL(A)), you are entitled to operate powered aircraft flights under visual flight rules and for private purposes.

Hint:
The operation of commercial flights is not permitted with this license.

In this respect, there are two different licenses to choose from:

• the licences of the PPL(A), and
• the light aircraft licence (LAPL(A)) in accordance with Regulation (EU) No. 1178/2011.

The non-ICAO compliant LAPL(A) entitles the holder to fly as a PIC within EASA Member States with single-engine piston-engined or TMG landplanes with a maximum take-off mass of 2,000 kg and carriage up to 3 persons. With the ICAO-compliant private pilot licenses PPL(A) according to Regulation (EU) No. 1178/2011 you can fly powered aircraft in the international area.

As a rule, you will need the following documents to register with the approved training organisation:

• Photograph
• Copy of identity card or passport
• Copy of the aviation medical certificate class II
• Application to carry out a background check in accordance with § 7 of the Aviation Security Act
• Certificate of good conduct
• Excerpt from the register of fitness to drive (previously: central traffic register)

• Minimum age: 16 years at the start of training, 17 years at the time of acquisition of a licence
• aeronautical medical certificate class II
• Successful participation in training in emergency measures at the scene of an accident
• Examination of theoretical knowledge
• Practical flight training: at least 30 (LAPL(A)) or 45 (PPL(A)) hours, of which 6 (LAPL(A)) or 10 (PPL(A)) supervised solo flights and 15 (LAPL(A)) or 25 (PPL(A)) with flight instructor. The PPL(A) applicant may complete 5 hours of the minimum 45 hours in a flight simulator.
• Course Radio Response Certificate
• Proof of reliability according to § 7 Aviation Security Act

The costs depend on which organization you start your private pilot license with and for which aircraft you want to purchase it.

Register for training with an approved training organization. There you can complete the theoretical and practical exercises required for the exam.

After completing the training, you must take a theoretical and practical examination before the aviation authority (at the respective regional council).

For the acquisition of the private pilot license, you should plan a period of 3 months to 2 years.

The practical examination must be accepted no later than 24 months after passing the theory test.

The license is valid indefinitely. However, the class ratings entered in the licence (e.g. single-engine piston-powered landplanes - SEP) are valid for 24 months, otherwise 12 months. 

In order to renew your class eligibility for single-engine aircraft or to demonstrate ongoing LAPL(A) flying experience within 24 months, you must:

• complete a competency test in the corresponding class in accordance with Annex 9 to Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 and/or
• complete a refresher flight of at least one hour duration with an authorised teacher.

The Regierungspräsidium in whose district the approved training organisation is located (Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt for the Regierungsbezirk Darmstadt and Regierungspräsidium Kassel for the Regierungsbezirke Kassel and Gießen).