Flugprüfung

Flugprüfung is the practical examination in civil aviation that follows theoretical training and flight instruction, required to obtain an aviation license in many German-speaking countries and under EASA rules. In Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and EU member states, the licensing process generally includes theoretical knowledge examinations and a practical flight test conducted by an authorized examiner. The purpose is to demonstrate safe aircraft handling, adherence to procedures, and sound decision making.

The examination typically comprises pre-flight elements (document check, aircraft preflight inspection) and the actual flight in which the candidate demonstrates basic handling, takeoffs and landings, climbs, descents, turns, stalls where applicable, emergency procedures, abnormal situations, navigation, and radio communication. The exact requirements depend on license type (for example Private Pilot License PPL, Commercial CPL, Air Transport Pilot ATPL, or glider licenses) and the applicable aviation authority. In EU/EASA contexts, the practical test is aligned with standardized criteria and is accompanied by minimum flight hours and satisfied medical fitness.

During the Flugprüfung the examiner assesses control precision, situational awareness, compliance with airspace rules, use of checklists, and decision making under simulated or actual contingencies. A failed test often reflects insufficient mastery of maneuvers, poor handling, or procedural errors; failures may be retaken after remediation and a waiting period.

In addition to pilot licensing, the term Flugprüfung may also refer to test flights conducted in aircraft development or certification programs, where prototype or modified aircraft undergo controlled flight testing, performance verification, and safety assessment under the supervision of test pilots.