Pilot license
Because flying is freedom!
Below you will find all the information you need about pilot training.
Requirements
- Minimum age
There is no minimum age to begin training. The first solo flight is possible from a minimum age of 16 years. The practical exam can be taken from a minimum age of 17 years. - Health check
Before the first solo flight, you must undergo a medical examination. Further information about this is provided below in the training process.
Training process
1. Trial flight
Is flying right for me?
Find out in a trial flight. It doesn't matter which trial flight you choose. You can find all trial flights here.
The best part is that the trial flight will be credited towards your training.
2. Health check
Did you enjoy the trial flight?
Let's move on to the health check. The medical certificate is one of the basic requirements for aviation. It requires medical class 2. Here is the list of all approved medical examiners.
We recommend the following doctors in your area:
- Dr. Daniel Ambauen, Uster (250 CHF)*
- Dr. Fabrizio Varga, Einsiedeln (180 CHF)*
- Dr. Manuela Haller, Horgen (320 CHF)* (only reachable by phone, waiting period 2 months)
* plus additional costs for ECG, audiometry, laboratory, etc., if necessary.
The medical class 2 health check is valid as follows:
- up to 40 years: every 5 years
- 40 - 49 years: every 2 years
- over 50 years: annually
3. Learning theory
There are two options for completing the theoretical exam. The theory can be studied either through a theory course with an instructor (classroom) or via distance learning.
We recommend the theory course. The advantage lies primarily in the mutual exchange. On one hand, with the instructor, who can immediately answer questions about the respective topic. On the other hand, with other course participants, with whom you can discuss experiences and tips continuously. Additionally, you will already learn a lot for the practical training, which reduces the costs of practical training.
Learning materials
For both types of training, the BAK teaching materials (Basic Aviation Knowledge) are used. You can obtain the teaching materials from us or order them here.
Costs
Theory course 1090.00 CHF
Theory materials 900.00 CHF
4. Practical training
Ready for take off?
The practical training comprises a minimum of 45 flight hours block time. The training program includes fixed lesson plans and spans across 10 stages:
Stage 1: Basic Flight Training: Straight and level flight, turns, climbs, descents
Stage 2: Standard procedures in the airport area (traffic patterns)
Stage 3: Simulated emergencies in the airport area (traffic patterns)
Stage 4: Consolidation phase & first solo flights in the traffic pattern
Stage 5: Introduction to navigation & flying to remote airports
Stage 6: Simulated emergencies outside the traffic pattern in terrain
Stage 7: Approach to airports with air traffic control & solo navigation flights
Stage 8: Instrument flying only
Stage 9: Introduction to radio navigation procedures
Stage 10: Flight training & exam preparation
Together with the flight instructor, you'll experience why flying is so wonderful. Our flight instructors are absolute professionals. Only the best of the best work with us, whether it's chief flight instructors, airline pilots, or glacier pilots. So, you're always in safe hands with us.
Costs
The training is more affordable than many people think. Why is that? We conduct a large part of the training with the electric aircraft, which is much cheaper to maintain and operate. This can save up to 4,000 CHF compared to conventional training on an aircraft with an internal combustion engine.
Billing is fair and based on the services received. Prices are per hour (60 minutes).
Flight Instructor: 96 CHF*
Electric Aircraft: 186 CHF**
Combustion Aircraft: 252 CHF**
Landing Fees per landing: 10 CHF
* Time is calculated from handshake to handshake.
**Only the actual time in the air is billed.
Price example for PPL training***
***Thanks to our electric aircraft, the costs for training are very low. Comparable offers from other flight schools are over 23,000 CHF.
These costs are based on experience and may vary depending on the progress of learning. It is evident that with increasing age, the individual elements may need to be practiced multiple times until they are automated.
5. Theory exam
The theoretical part consists of 9 interesting subjects related to aviation:
- 10 Air Law
- 20 General Aircraft Knowledge
- 30 Flight Performance and Planning
- 40 Human Performance
- 50 Meteorology
- 60 Navigation
- 70 Operational Procedures
- 80 Principles of Flight
- 90 Communication VFR
Registration for the PPL theory exam is done through our flight school. The theory exam can be divided into up to six sessions within 18 months, with a maximum of four attempts per subject. We recommend dividing the exam into two to three sessions.
You will take the exams on a computer, and you will receive the results immediately after completion. The theory exam can be taken in German, French, English, or Italian. Further information, as well as the FOCA exam dates, can be found here.
Outlook
After successfully passing the last theory exam, you have 24 months to complete the practical PPL exam.
6. Radiotelefonie VFR
Ein wichtiger Sicherheitsfaktor im Flugberkehr ist die Kommunikation. Damit du unmissverständlich mit Tower, Radar oder anderen Flugzeugen kommunizieren kannst, wurde eine standardisierte Phraseologie geschaffen. Diese erlaubet eine sichere Verständigung zwischen Piloten und Controllern. Das Erlernen dieser Flug-Sprache ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil der Pilotenausbildung.
Die Ausbildung erfolgt einerseits mit unseren Instruktoren während der Ausbildung im praktischen Teil und in einem separaten Theoriekurs.
7. Praktische Prüfung
Die praktische Prüfung muss spätestens 24 Monate ab Bestehen des letzten bestandenen Theoriefachs der BAZL Theorieprüfung absolviert werden. Die praktische PPL-Prüfung wird durch unseren Fluglehrer koordiniert und durch einen Prüfungsexperten abgenommen.
Viel Erfolg!
Wie geht es weiter?
Nach erfolgreichem Bestehen der praktischen Flugprüfung erhältst du deine Privatpilotenlizenz zusammen mit der Klassenberechtigung für einmotorige Kolbemotorflugzeuge unter 5,7 Tonnen (SEP). Das bedeutet: Ab sofort darfst du Motorflugzeuge eigenständig und ohne Entgelt steuern. Deine Berechtigung ist 2 Jahre gültig.
Gemäss Gesetz musst du innert zwei Jahren 12 Flugstunden absolvieren. Eine Flugstunde davon muss mit einem Fluglehrer absolviert werden. Wenn du Passagiere mitnehmen möchtest, musst du mindestens 3 Starts und 3 Landungen innerhalb der letzen 90 Tage nachweisen können.
Somit ergeben sich für dieses coole Hobby Kosten im Jahr von 1164 CHF*.
6 Flugstunden à 186 CHF = 1'116 CHF
0.5 Stunden Fluglehrer à 96 = 48 CHF
*Totalkosten: = 1'164 CHF
Where we fly
Our aircraft are parked in the hangar at Schänis Aerodrom. From there, we take off and can land at various airports. Our aircraft have ranges of up to 1600 km. Suddenly, Europe seems very small.
Departure and landing
What we fly
The Pipistrel Velis Electro, the world's first EASA-certified electric aircraft, is designed for pilot training. It features a 60 kW electric motor and a state-of-the-art cockpit. It operates incredibly quietly both inside and out. The Velis handles well in the air and is agile. It is used year-round, in both summer and winter. The Velis provides great fun for training, charter, and sightseeing flights!
A flight instructor who fits you!
Our flight instructors have years of experience, both professionally and personally. They are accustomed to adapting to the needs and learning pace of each individual pilot. Besides solidarity, fun is at the heart of our training. Our flight instructors are absolute professionals—airline pilots, chief flight instructors, and glacier pilots. Therefore, you are always in safe hands. They handle every situation with calmness and skill.
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Sonny Brändli
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Heinz Kubli
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Sergio Petrig
