Flight training
The section “Flight Training” contains all information about licensing and training for crews and flight schools. Candidates can apply for financial support for their training as professional pilots and flight instructors.
Flight school
In order for a flight school to train pilots it has to hold a licence from the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). Based on the relevant Swiss regulations and the European standards that are applicable in Switzerland, the FOCA and its inspectors are responsible for defining a certification and supervision procedure for flight schools providing training for winged aircraft, helicopters and balloons.
FSTD - Flight Simulation Training Devices
In order to perform creditable flight training on synthetic training devices (FSTD) the relevant training devices must be qualified according to FSTD.
Pilot licences and examinations
The issuance and the renewal of pilot licences (aeroplanes, sailplanes, helicopters, balloons) are the responsibility of the FOCA.
Examiners for pilot examinations
The FOCA appoints examiners, trains them and supervises their activities. Examiners have the duty of ensuring that pilots meet and comply with the relevant national and international training requirements.
FOCA accepted Digital Logbooks
With the digital flight logbook "FOCA dLogbook" license holders (powered flight, gliding, helicopter and balloon) have the possibility to record their flying activities in digital form.
Digitisation of the licensing application and examination system
The dLIS project has been successfully launched and is now in operational use. Since December 2024, the “Drones” module has been live, and since November 2025 the module for flight personnel is also available.
Guidance Material / Information
The FOCA publishes “Guidance Material/Information (GM/INFO)” on relevant topics. The aim of these documents is to help operators prepare the necessary documentation and certificates, define procedures and training courses, and adapt the Operations Manual system accordingly.
Finanzhilfen im Bereich Luftfahrt
Das BAZL ist zuständig für die Verteilung von einem Teil der Erträge, die aus der Mineralölsteuer auf Flugtreibstoffen erhoben werden. Damit kann das BAZL Massnahmen sowie Aus- und Weiterbildungen zur Entwicklung einer sicheren und umweltfreundlicheren Schweizer Luftfahrt unterstützen.