Three people are sitting at a table with a laptop in business clothes and have a conversation.

Requirements for the pilot training and application at the European Flight Academy

One step closer to your dream of becoming a pilot

No job like any other

Overview of the selection procedure

The job of a pilot is unlike any other – that is why the training is preceded by a selection process that determines whether or not an applicant is suited for this profession.

After you submit your application (a list of all documents required can be found here) we will check if it is complete and whether or not you meet all fundamental requirements. If you meet all fundamental requirements and if your application is in line with our specifications, we will invite you to our next selection step.

Please be aware that you will be able to apply only after having successfully obtained the DLR test certificate and with the corresponding document. You can find more information on the DLR certificate here. 

We at the European Flight Academy view the selection process as a challenge which should be met with sporting ambition – every participant will learn and grow from it. All candidates share a dream: to work in the cockpit of an airline in the not-so-far-off future. To this end, you will master completely new challenges and understand your strengths and weaknesses better in the process.

We would like to encourage you at this point: If you meet the fundamental requirements that have to be met for the pilot training, then you should definitely apply – or do you want to look back one day and have to tell yourself you did not at least try?

A person sits at a table. On the table is a laptop, a pad and a pen.

The various steps of the application

prev
next
The graphical representation of the application process at EFA.

The requirements for the pilot training

Find out what you need in order to successfully apply

The table shows the fundamental requirements you have to meet if you want to apply for the pilot training. You still have questions that have not been answered? Please see our FAQ section for answers to frequently asked questions.We would of course also be happy to help you personally.

Language*

English:

  • Fluent, at least B2 level
  • Assessment of language proficiency: Certificate by the Deutsches Luft- und Raumfahrtzentrum (DLR, German Aerospace Center) with A or B Rating
  • If rated C or D, validation of a current B2 language certificate (The following certificates will be acepted: Cambridge certificate, GMAT, IELTS, LCO, TELC, TOEFL iBT, TOEIC 4 Skills; all test details in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR))

Age (at the time of application)

At least 17 years

Nationality / Passport

  • EU Citizenship
  • Swiss Citizenship
  • EFTA and unlimited residence permit

Education / Degree*

  • General entrance qualification for higher education
  • Leaving certificate (Matura), entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences
  • Federal Vocational Baccalaureate (Fach-/Berufs-Maturität)

or similar qualification if a certificate of admission to a university of applied sciences or to a technical school without an examination is provided

Further Requirements

Certificate by the Deutsches Luft- und Raumfahrtzentrum (DLR, German Aerospace Center) (certificate with the relevant rating must be provided at the start of the application process. You can find further information on the required rating here.)

Aero-Medical Fitness*

Certificate need not yet be provided at the start of the application process

prev
next

 * The recruitment requirements for Lufthansa Group cockpits may vary depending on the airline (further information

You can download the application requirements for pilot training in Switzerland below:

Participants of the SPHAIR courses enjoy advantages. For more information click here.

Application process

Details on requirements and the application

 A hand is holding a pen and is touching the touchpad of a laptop.

Selection process

Selection process

Overview of the individual selection steps

Find out more
A person in the foreground cheers.

Registration for the DLR test

Registration for the DLR test

Book an appointment for the DLR Certificate online now

Find out more
A person is sitting at a desk writing an application for pilot training.

Apply now

Apply now

Take your first step now

Find out more

Other topics

You might also be interested in

Contact us

We are here for you