From pilots, for pilots

Your Pilot-Hub Academy

Our Academy accompanies you on your way to your pilot's licence and beyond in your everyday life as a pilot

The Pilot Hub provides an overview

Map-based and filterable search for aerodromes, aviation physicians, language & flight examiners, your checklist for flight preparation and much more!

Stay up-to-date!

We will keep you up to date with the latest news for pilots (NfL), safety tips and general news

We are constantly working to make the Pilot Hub even better!

Since our launch at the beginning of 2024, we have already revised the structure of our website several times. We are always trying to put together new features and information to keep you up to date and support you!

Latest news at Pilot-Hub

Frequency Monitoring Code (FMC) in the FIS: extended trial operation from April 2026

The flight information service (FIS) in Germany has been under increasing pressure for years: rising traffic figures, large sector sizes and limited personnel resources regularly lead to capacity bottlenecks. Against this backdrop, a new procedure - the so-called Frequency Monitoring Code (FMC) - was trialled for the first time in 2025 in a part of the FIR Langen. Following overwhelmingly positive feedback from the field, the trial operation will now be extended from April 2026. The following article explains the background, functionality and significance

28 March 2026

Saharan dust over Europe: when desert dust affects flight visibility

Several times a year, desert dust from the Sahara reaches Europe over long distances and occasionally reaches the Alpine region. Such events are meteorologically interesting and also pose a challenge for weather forecasting. They can also be relevant for general aviation, as the fine dust affects visibility, cloud cover and atmospheric radiation. Although the effects on aircraft in Central Europe are usually minor, reduced visibility, altered lighting conditions and localised

7 March 2026

Why flying over aerodromes with winch launch or parachute operations can be risky

Aerodromes are easily identifiable landmarks for visual flight pilots on the map and in the landscape. Nevertheless, caution is advised when using them as a navigation reference. The situation is particularly critical at aerodromes with glider operations and winch launches or with regular parachute operations. Here, aircraft can operate unexpectedly in close proximity to each other, while individual parties have only limited options for evasive action. Anyone flying over such aerodromes at low altitude or flying uncoordinated through the aerodrome circuit,

7 March 2026

Flight radio exam directly at the trade fair: Federal Network Agency offers BZF and AZF exams at AERO 2026

AERO Friedrichshafen is the most important general aviation trade fair in Europe. In 2026, the Federal Network Agency will once again be offering a special service for prospective and active pilots: During the days of the trade fair, visitors will be able to take the examination for various aeronautical radio licences directly on site. This makes the trade fair not only a meeting place for the industry, but also a practical venue for training and qualification. The initiative makes it easier for

7 March 2026

DFS modernises VOR infrastructure: DVOR technology increases robustness and supports energy transition

DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung has successfully completed a key infrastructure project: Four older CVOR beacons were replaced by modern, less interference-prone DVOR systems. The aim of the measure is to make the navigation infrastructure more robust against interference - particularly from wind turbines - and at the same time to enable the further expansion of renewable energies. The modernisation affects central locations in Germany and is part of a long-term strategy to stabilise the ground-based navigation infrastructure in the age of satellite-based procedures.

22 February 2026

Focus on aviation medicine: Round table at the Ministry of Transport puts pressure on the LBA to reform

Long processing times, a growing loss of trust and a dramatic decline in the number of aviation physicians - the situation in German aviation medicine is being heavily criticised. At a round table at the Federal Ministry of Transport in Bonn, representatives from politics, aviation authorities, associations and industry came together to discuss urgently needed improvements. The discussion revealed structural problems with far-reaching consequences for professional pilots, general aviation and the next generation of air sports enthusiasts. At the same time, there are initial signs that

22 February 2026

NFL Ticker

The entry into force of the new airspace structure on 19 March 2026 will result in several significant changes for general aviation in Switzerland. The focus will be on adjustments around Bern Airport, in particular a new instrument approach to runway 32, as well as further developments in the complex airspaces of Sion and Zurich. The changes also affect gliding, particularly in the Jura. The following article highlights the most important changes, categorises them in operational terms and shows the practical consequences for pilots in VFR and IFR operations.
AERO 2026 in Friedrichshafen will be one of the most important general aviation events in Europe. As in previous years, the expected high volume of traffic will lead to special operational measures. A recent DFS publication describes in detail new and adapted procedures for arrivals and departures, ground movements and helicopter operations. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the most important regulations, categorises them and shows the practical implications for pilots.
Many European pilots fly aircraft with US registration, recognisable by the registration prefix „N“. This practice has been common in general aviation for years, for example for business jets, certain aircraft types or owners who have registered their aircraft in the USA for regulatory or operational reasons. A recent communication from the European Aviation Safety Agency and the German Federal Ministry of Transport now points to an important interpretation by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to this, an N-registered aircraft with a European Part-FCL licence may only be operated in the EU member state that issued this licence. The background to the clarification is an accident in which such an aircraft was operated in a different EU state than the state that issued the licence. The new announcement is intended to ensure that pilots are aware of the regulatory limits when operating N-registered aircraft in Europe.

Visit our Pilot Hub Academy!

The acquisition of a flight licence is basically possible for everyone. But in contrast to a normal car driving licence, a flying licence brings various bureaucratic preparations and requirements to the table.

Within our guide "Getting a license" we would like to show you how to go from pedestrian to pilot, who you need to contact and which pitfalls may await you on your way.

We'll show you the way to your flying licence!

Why the Pilot-Hub?

As part of our own pilot training, we have realised that it is often far too difficult to receive up-to-date, detailed and complete information. There are some really good websites, but even these often only contain partial information. Over time, we found ourselves with an ever-growing list of links and different information snippets. This idea evolved and the result is what you see now.

We are aware that we cannot guarantee absolute correctness and completeness everywhere. Likewise, not all content has been finalised, as we are devoting ourselves to this project in our spare time. We hope for your understanding and ask for your support!

We are constantly working to further improve our pilot hub and are therefore grateful for any feedback, suggestions or criticism. Feel free to use the contact options at the bottom of the page and we will get back to you as soon as possible 🙂

We hope to help you on your way to become a pilot or someone deeply interested in aviation and to accompany you throughout your aviation pathway at all times!

Who is behind it?

Jochen

I only started flying at the age of 40 - which was actually far too late!
After my LAPL training on the trusty Cessna 172, I completed my PPL, my instrument rating and finally my CPL almost seamlessly. Whether Mooney, Cessna or a TB20, flying has cast a spell over me! So much so that I recently became the proud co-owner of a Cessna P210, which also has room for my entire family, including my three children. Who knows, maybe my enthusiasm will rub off on them!

Tim

Originally dreaming of becoming a pilot, I ended up becoming an engineer.
Fortunately, I started my LAPL training at the end of my studies, which was immediately followed by my PPL including night flying.
Naturally, I am also interested in all aircraft technology and avionics and am delighted to be a member of Germany's oldest flying club - the Luftfahrtverein Essen e.V.!

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