What is the minimum age for the PPL(A)?

You may begin training earlier, but you must be 16 years old for your first solo flight and 17 years old for licence issue. There is no upper age limit — as long as a valid Medical Class 2 is held.

What does PPL(A) training realistically cost in Switzerland?

Budget CHF 20,000 to 25,000. Of this, approximately CHF 15,000–18,000 goes toward flight hours; the remainder covers theory, Medical, BAZL fees, study materials, and the Skill Test. Flying club members often pay considerably less.

How many theory examinations do I need to pass at the BAZL?

Nine subjects under the EASA syllabus, all multiple choice with a pass mark of 75 %. You sit them electronically at the BAZL in Ittigen. All nine must be passed within 18 months of your first attempt.

How long is the PPL(A) valid?

The licence itself has lifetime validity. The SEP rating entered on the licence must be revalidated every 24 months — either through recent flying experience (12 h, of which 6 h as PIC, plus 1 h training flight with an FI) or a Proficiency Check. A valid Medical Class 2 is also required at all times.

Can I fly abroad with a Swiss PPL(A)?

Within EASA member states (the EU plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), the licence is directly valid. For third countries such as the USA, you will need a validation (e.g. FAA piggyback licence) or a full conversion.

PPL(A) Switzerland: The Complete Beginner's Overview

What is the PPL(A)?

The Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) is an EASA licence under Part-FCL. It allows you to act as pilot-in-command (PIC) of single-engine piston (SEP) aeroplanes in non-commercial operations. You may carry passengers, but you may not charge for doing so — cost-sharing within the narrow EASA framework is permitted.

The licence is valid across all EU/EASA member states. With a PPL(A) issued in Switzerland, you can legally fly in Germany, France, or Spain as well. Outside the EASA area (e.g. the USA), you will need a validation or conversion.

The competent authority in Switzerland is the BAZL (Federal Office of Civil Aviation), located in Ittigen near Bern.

What are you allowed to do with a PPL(A)?

VFR flights (visual flight rules) by day in SEP aeroplanes up to 5,700 kg MTOM
Carry passengers (after 10 h of solo experience as PIC following licence issue — note: recency requirements apply)
Fly domestically and internationally within the EASA area
With additional ratings: night flying (NIGHT), aerobatics (AERO), mountain aerodromes (MOU), aerotowing, instrument flying (IR/EIR/BIR)

Not permitted: commercial air transport, charging passengers beyond cost-sharing, IFR without an instrument rating.

Who can obtain the PPL(A)?

The requirements are straightforward:

Minimum age: 16 years for the first solo flight, 17 years for licence issue
Medical Class 2: aviation medical certificate issued by an AME (Aeromedical Examiner) recognised by the BAZL
Language proficiency: Language Proficiency in English or German/French/Italian, minimum ICAO Level 4
Criminal record: clean background check (the BAZL verifies this as part of the licence application process)
Training costs: realistically CHF 18,000 – 25,000 for the complete training in Switzerland

No specific educational qualification is required. A solid basic understanding of mathematics and physics is helpful for the theory subjects, however.

The path from zero to licence

1. Introductory flight and Medical

Before you invest time and money, take an introductory flight at a flying school. If it feels right, obtain your Medical Class 2 from an AME. Without a valid Medical, no solo flight is permitted. The list of AMEs is available on the BAZL website.

2. Enrolment at an ATO or DTO

You need an approved training organisation:

ATO (Approved Training Organisation) — the classic route, often based at regional aerodromes
DTO (Declared Training Organisation) — a leaner structure, frequently used by flying clubs

Both are permitted for PPL(A) training. There are dozens in Switzerland — from Birrfeld and Grenchen to Bern-Belp, Lausanne, and Locarno.

3. Theoretical knowledge training

Nine subjects under the EASA syllabus:

Air Law
Human Performance
Meteorology
Communications
Principles of Flight
Operational Procedures
Flight Performance and Planning
Aircraft General Knowledge
Navigation

Theory training can be completed through classroom instruction, distance learning, or a learning platform such as Aero.Academy. Minimum hours are defined by the ATO/DTO syllabus; in practice, expect 100+ hours of self-study.

4. Theoretical knowledge examinations at the BAZL

You sit the examinations electronically at the BAZL (Ittigen). Each subject is multiple choice with a pass mark of 75 %. You have a maximum of four attempts per subject, and all nine subjects must be passed within 18 months of your first attempt. Once all subjects are passed, the theoretical knowledge credit is valid for 24 months for the purpose of scheduling the Skill Test.

5. Practical flight training

A minimum of 45 flight hours in total, comprising:

25 h dual (with a flight instructor)
10 h solo, of which 5 h solo cross-country, including one cross-country flight of ≥ 150 NM with landings at two aerodromes other than the aerodrome of departure

In practice, most students require 50–60 hours before they are ready for the Skill Test. Hours are typically logged on a Cessna 152/172, Piper PA-28, or Diamond DA20/40.

6. Skill Test (practical examination)

You complete the test flight with a Flight Examiner (FE) designated by the BAZL. The test covers flight planning, normal and emergency procedures, navigation, and landings. Upon passing, you submit your licence application to the BAZL.

7. Licence issue

The BAZL issues the PPL(A) with an SEP rating entered. BAZL fees: approximately CHF 200–400 for licence issue, plus examination fees per theory subject. The licence itself has no expiry — the SEP rating must be revalidated every 24 months (12 h of flight time, of which 6 h as PIC, 1 h training flight with an FI, or a Proficiency Check).

How long does it take?

Full-time commitment on an intensive programme: 6–9 months. Part-time alongside employment, which is the norm: 1–2 years. The limiting factors are weather (particularly in winter), instructor and aircraft availability, and your available time for theory study.

What does the PPL(A) cost in Switzerland?

Approximate figures for 2024:

Dual flight hours: CHF 350–450/h
Solo hours: CHF 250–350/h
Theory course: CHF 500–2,500
Medical Class 2: CHF 250–400 (initial examination)
BAZL examination fees and licence: approx. CHF 1,000 total
Skill Test: CHF 500–800

Realistic total: CHF 20,000–25,000. Flying club members can often complete training at significantly lower cost.

After the PPL — what comes next?

The PPL is the entry point, not the destination. Useful next steps include:

Night Rating (minimum 5 h night flying training)
Mountain Rating (MOU) — particularly relevant in Switzerland
Instrument Rating (IR, EIR, or BIR) for weather independence
Multi-engine Piston Rating (MEP)
On the path to a professional licence: CPL, ATPL

For each of these steps, solid PPL foundations pay dividends.

As of: 2026-05-19T16:29:45.81444+00:00. This article is a guide and does not replace official authority information or training at an approved ATO. Regulations may change — for legally binding information consult your competent aviation authority (BAZL in CH, LBA in DE, Austro Control in AT) or your flight school directly.