Berufsflugzeugführer/Berufsflugzeugführerin (CPL (A))

Professional aircraft pilots (CPL (A)) are trained in a school-based format. For in-person events, learning locations include classrooms at flight and aviation schools, in aircraft, partly in flight simulators, and outdoors. For combined learning forms (e.g., blended learning), learning locations include classrooms, in aircraft and flight simulators for in-person events, and at home for online learning units.

Occupation Type: Training occupation. Type of Training: School-based training at various educational institutions (uniformly regulated nationwide according to EU law). Duration of Training: Varies depending on the educational offer, teaching time (full-time/part-time), and learning format. Learning Locations: Flight and aviation schools. What does one do in this profession? Professional aircraft pilots (CPL (A)) operate cargo and passenger aircraft. After acquiring their flight license and type rating for a specific aircraft, they initially fly as co-pilots and work in a team with the responsible pilot. This work includes radio communication, navigating, and flying the aircraft. Before starting a flight, they gather information, for example, about weather conditions, determine the flight route, calculate flight time and fuel requirements, and check flight instruments for operational safety. They must be able to safely fly and keep an aircraft under control in all flight conditions. After obtaining the license...

Varies depending on the educational offer, teaching time (full-time/part-time), and learning format.

Applicants must demonstrate their physical and psychological suitability or their psychological resilience in a selection process.

Hour Distribution (example): Theoretical Instruction: 250 hours. Air law, aircraft airframe and systems, engine knowledge, instruments, electronics, loading and center of gravity, flight performance, flight planning, human performance, meteorology, general navigation, radio navigation, operational procedures, aerodynamics, radiotelephony. Practical Training: 15-30 hours. Visual flight, instrument flight, night flight. Total Hours: 265-280 hours.

Depending on the educational program, e.g.: Course fees, examination fees, costs for specialized literature and work materials, costs for external accommodation.

During theoretical Ausbildung (vocational training), one acquires knowledge such as the legal foundations of operating aircraft, aircraft parts and cockpit instruments, determining maximum permissible masses and center of gravity positions, and calculations for takeoff, cruise, and landing. Also covered are the effects of reduced air pressure at higher altitudes, causes and symptoms of motion sickness, aviation fitness, the effects of weather phenomena and mountainous terrain on flight, and meteorological safeguarding of air traffic. Maps for flight navigation, calculation of heading and ground speed, flight planning, heading, altitude and altimetry, visual and radio navigation, aerodynamics, radiotelephony and radio communication, and emergency procedures are also part of the Ausbildung (vocational training) content. For an integrated Ausbildung (vocational training), practical training comprises at least 150 hours (with prescribed portions of instrument flight, cross-country flight, night flight, and solo flight).

One should prepare for the following conditions and requirements: Theoretical instruction, if full-time, involves full-day classes on at least four weekdays; if part-time, classes are usually on weekends or evenings, or in block instruction. For in-person events, participation in classes at the educational institution with other aspiring Berufsflugzeugführer/Berufsflugzeugführerin (CPL (A)) candidates (possibly not at one's place of residence) and reviewing content at home is expected. In combined learning forms (e.g., blended learning), there are in-person classes in a classroom setting at the educational institution and self-directed learning via electronic learning platforms and systems from home. Practical exercises may include hands-on work (under guidance), for example, in flight schools. A sense of responsibility and diligence (e.g., when testing cockpit instruments and safety equipment before flight) and observational accuracy and attentiveness (e.g., observing airspace) are important.

For Ausbildung (vocational training) abroad, the following options are available, for example: Austria. Ausbildung (vocational training) offers can be found on AMS Ausbildungskompass (e.g., with the search term "Berufspilot") and WIFI Austria (e.g., with the search term "Berufspilotenausbildung"). The Europass offers the possibility to document Ausbildung (vocational training) sections and learning stays completed abroad. Further information on the Europass is available.

No remuneration is paid for the Ausbildung (vocational training).

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects is a good prerequisite for successful Ausbildung (vocational training): Physics (e.g., to understand aerodynamic principles), English (e.g., to understand radio communication or English-language instructions), Mathematics (e.g., to calculate flight times and fuel requirements), Technology (e.g., to operate cockpit instruments correctly), Geography (e.g., to assess weather conditions in different climate zones).

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Berufsflugzeugführer/in (CPL (A)): Aircraft and Aviation sector: Berufshubschrauberführer/Berufshubschrauberführerin (CPL (H)) (Professional Helicopter Pilot) and Verkehrsflugzeugführer/Verkehrsflugzeugführerin (ATPL (A)) (Airline Transport Pilot). Commonality: Operating aircraft and flight systems. Aerospace Engineering sector: Fluggerätelektroniker/Fluggerätelektronikerin (Aircraft Electronics Technician), Fluggerätmechaniker/Fluggerätmechanikerin Fachrichtung Fertigungstechnik (Aircraft Mechanic - Manufacturing Technology), Fluggerätmechaniker/Fluggerätmechanikerin Fachrichtung Instandhaltungstechnik (Aircraft Mechanic - Maintenance Technology), Fluggerätmechaniker/Fluggerätmechanikerin Fachrichtung Triebwerkstechnik (Aircraft Mechanic - Engine Technology). Commonality: Operating or installing, manufacturing, or maintaining electronic flight systems or aircraft components.

The Berufsflugzeugführer/in (CPL (A)) (Commercial Aeroplane Pilot) training is uniformly regulated nationwide according to EU law. However, access requirements and duration of training may vary depending on the educational provider.

Knowledge, experience, and skills acquired during military service are credited. Pilot licenses from third countries (ICAO licenses) are recognized in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No. 2020/723. Flight time flown in the same aircraft category for which the license or rating is to be applied for, and theoretical knowledge, e.g., proven by the acquisition of other licenses, can be credited.

Graduation title: Berufspilot (Flugzeug)/Berufspilotin (Flugzeug) (Commercial Aeroplane Pilot). Professional title: Berufsflugzeugführer (CPL (A))/Berufsflugzeugführerin (CPL (A)) (Commercial Aeroplane Pilot). (CPL (A) = Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane).

After their Ausbildung (vocational training), Berufsflugzeugführer/innen (CPL (A)) can work, for example, for civil aviation airlines, the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces), in rescue services, or in aerial pest control. Through Anpassungsweiterbildung (adaptive further training), they can keep their specialized knowledge current or bring it up to date. The range of topics extends from air traffic to aviation technology. With a Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (higher education entrance qualification), one can also pursue a Studium (university degree) and, for example, obtain a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Regulation on Aviation Personnel (LuftPersV) in the version of the announcement of 13.02.1984 (BGBl. I S. 265), last amended by Article 2 of the Regulation of 07.12.2021 (BGBl. I S. 5190). Overarching legal provisions (training/activity): Commission Regulation (EU) No. 1178/2011 of 3 November 2011 laying down technical requirements and administrative procedures relating to civil aviation flight crew pursuant to Regulation (EC) No. 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ EU L 311 p. 1), last amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2253 of 11.11.2025 (OJ EU L 2253, p. 1). Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 04.07.2018 on common rules in the field of civil aviation and establishing a European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and amending Regulations (EC) No. 2111/2005, (EC) No. 1008/2008, (EU) No. 996/2010, (EU) No. 376/2014 and the.

Legally, no specific prior education is prescribed. However, depending on the educational institution, the following requirements may be demanded for access to the Ausbildung (vocational training): minimum age of 17 or 18 years, Class 1 aviation medical certificate, certificate of good conduct, possibly a radio telephony certificate, declaration regarding pending criminal proceedings, possibly proof of first aid training, extract from the central traffic register, proof of sufficient knowledge in mathematics, physics, and English. Applicants for a modular Ausbildung must hold a Private Pilot Licence (PPL(A)) and have completed a certain number of flight hours. Anyone who regularly stays in areas of the airfield that are not generally accessible requires confirmation of reliability from the Luftsicherheitsbehörde (aviation security authority).