Reviewed by Tim Hittinger, ICAO examiner (A-126-LPE)Is the test recognised in Germany?
Yes. German authorities recognise language proficiency certificates obtained in another EU member state on application. The legal basis is Section 125(3) of the German Aircrew Regulation (LuftPersV); the LBA states that a language certificate obtained in an EU member state can be recognised on application. You show that the testing body is authorised to conduct the test.
Our tests run via the language testing body LTB 112, which is certified and supervised by the Austrian Austro Control GmbH; our examiners are on Austro Control’s list too. In practice, the LBA and the regional aviation authorities accept our certificates.
Which authority is responsible?
That depends on your licence (Section 5 LuftPersV):
| Licence | Competent authority |
|---|---|
| LAPL, PPL | The aviation authority of your federal state (e.g. Regierungspräsidium or Luftamt) |
| CPL, ATPL, MPL | Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) |
| Instrument rating (IR) | Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) |
The issuing authority is stated on your licence.
Step by step to registration
- Take the test – online, about 30 minutes.
- Receive your certificate – by email within 24 hours.
- Apply – at the LBA with the form “Antrag auf Eintrag eines Sprachenvermerkes”, at the regional authorities with their form for licence amendments (in Baden-Württemberg, for example, at the Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart with the item “Erwerb eines Sprachnachweises”).
- Enclose the documents – see the list below.
- Pay the fee – under the German fee regulation (LuftKostV) the entry costs €15 to €35 per language.
- Entry – the authority enters language, level and validity in your licence.
Documents required by the LBA form
- Copy of the test report (your certificate)
- Proof that the testing body is authorised by an EU or EFTA state – here: certification of LTB 112 by Austro Control GmbH
- Copy of the recognition of the language examiner’s authorisation
- Copy of your licence, front and back
We are happy to provide the proofs regarding the testing body and your examiner on request. Austro Control’s official lists (testing bodies, tests, examiners) are also public: austrocontrol.at.
Why isn’t GAT on the LBA’s list?
The LBA publishes lists of the testing bodies and individual examiners it has approved itself. Testing bodies certified by another EU authority are not on it – they are covered by recognition under Section 125(3) LuftPersV. That is why you find LTB 112 and our examiners on Austro Control’s lists.
BZF, AZF and ICAO level – what is needed for what?
In Germany, BZF I and AZF are radio operator certificates issued by the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur). The ICAO level is separate: it proves your language proficiency and is entered in your pilot licence. To use English on the radio you need both. The order is up to you – you can take the language test before or after the BZF or AZF.
In Germany, sailplane, balloon and microlight pilots are among those exempt from the ICAO language requirement. Foreign rules may still require a level for them – our advice: better to have a level than to need one.
Sources
- Section 125 LuftPersV (German) – gesetze-im-internet.de
- Section 5 LuftPersV (German) – gesetze-im-internet.de
- LBA: entry of language proficiency (German) – lba.de · application form (PDF)
- Austro Control: lists of language testing bodies and examiners – austrocontrol.at