Applying for a pilot licence for recreational flying
If you want to fly an aircraft, helicopter or gyroplane recreationally, you must have the appropriate licence. You can apply for a licence as a private pilot for non-commercial flights.
Last updated on 28 May 2025
Lees deze informatie in het Nederlands
Criteria for the pilot licence
In order to be able to get an pilot licence, you must:
- be medically fit to fly an aeroplane;
- have the right training, knowledge and experience.
Please visit the website of the Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport, ILT (Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate) to find out:
- the requirements for an aeroplane pilot licence;
- the requirements for a helicopter pilot licence;
- the requirements for a gyroplane pilot licence.
How to apply for a pilot licence
You must contact the Civil Aviation Authority the Netherlands (CAA NL), part of the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) to:
- apply for your aeroplane pilot licence;
- apply for your helicopter pilot licence;
- apply for your gyroplane pilot licence.
Pilot a glider
If you want to pilot a glider (in Dutch) then you need a Sailplane Pilot Licence (SPL).
Laws and regulations (in Dutch)
Besluit bewijzen van bevoegdheid voor de luchtvaart, hoofdstuk 2
Regeling bewijzen van bevoegdheid en bevoegdverklaringen voor luchtvarenden 2001