Flugschule

Flugschule, or flight school, is an educational institution that trains pilots to operate aircraft. They offer programs for recreational pilots and for professional pilots, covering powered aviation and gliding. In German-speaking regions, separate terms are commonly used: motorflugschule for powered flight and segelflugschule for gliding, though many schools provide both or operate under international accreditation.

Training typically combines ground instruction with hands-on flight training. Students learn aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, aviation law, and human factors, followed by supervised flight time. A medical examination is usually required, and progress is certified by the national aviation authority, such as the FAA in the United States or EASA in Europe. Licensing paths diverge by category: for airplanes, Private Pilot License (PPL) and higher ratings such as Instrument (IR), Commercial (CPL), and Airline Transport Pilot (ATPL); for gliders, private and additional ratings exist (often abbreviated PPL(S) or SPL and glider-specific ratings). Many schools also offer night, instrument, multi-engine, and type ratings, as well as training for instructor certificates.

Equipment varies by school: small single-engine aircraft, gliders, and, increasingly, flight simulators. Costs and duration depend on country, regulatory requirements, and the student’s pace. Safety is emphasized through standardized procedures, risk management, and continuous currency maintenance. Flugschulen play a central role in general aviation by providing practical training, certification opportunities, and pathways to professional aviation careers.