Private pilot's license for powered aircraft: acquisition and renewal

A private pilot license (PPL(A)) entitles you to fly powered aircraft under visual flight rules and for private purposes.

Note:
Commercial flights are not permitted with this license.

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

• the PPL(A) licenses and
• the light aircraft license (LAPL(A)), each in accordance with Regulation (EU) No. 1178/2011.

The non-ICAO-compliant LAPL(A) entitles the holder to fly as PIC within the EASA member states with single-engine land aircraft with a piston engine or TMG with a maximum take-off mass of 2,000 kg and carrying up to 3 passengers. With the ICAO-compliant private pilot licenses PPL(A) in accordance with Regulation (EU) No. 1178/2011, you can fly powered aircraft internationally.

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).

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

• Photograph
• Copy of your identity card or passport
• Copy of the aeromedical fitness certificate class II
• Application for a background check in accordance with Section 7 of the Aviation Security Act
• Certificate of good conduct
• Extract from the driving aptitude register (previously: central traffic register)

• Minimum age: 16 years at the start of training, 17 years when obtaining a license
• Medical certificate class II
• Successful participation in training in immediate measures at the scene of an accident
• Examination of theoretical knowledge
• Practical flight training: at least 30 (LAPL(A)) or 45 (PPL(A)) hours, including 6 (LAPL(A)) or 10 (PPL(A)) supervised solo flights and 15 (LAPL(A)) or 25 (PPL(A)) with a flight instructor. The PPL(A) applicant may complete 5 hours of the minimum 45 hours in a flight simulator.
• Radiotelephony certificate course
• Proof of reliability according to § 7 Aviation Security Act

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

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

You should allow a period of 3 months to 2 years to obtain your private pilot's license.

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

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

In order to extend your class rating for single-engine aircraft or to be able to demonstrate continuous flight experience for the LAPL(A)) within 24 months, you must

• complete a proficiency check in the relevant class in accordance with Annex 9 of Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 and/or
• complete a refresher flight of at least one hour with an instructor.

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