Aviation radio as a key competence for pilots
If you want to fly an aircraft in Europe, you can't avoid the topic of aeronautical radio. Especially in controlled airspace, clear and standardised communication between pilots and air traffic control is essential for the safe flow of air traffic. In Germany, proof of appropriate knowledge is required in the form of an aeronautical radio certificate.
These radio licences are issued by the Federal Network Agency. The agency is responsible for examining and issuing the corresponding licences in Germany and regularly organises examination dates at various locations. In general aviation, these examinations are an integral part of pilot training.
During AERO 2026 in Friedrichshafen, the Federal Network Agency is now bringing this examination process directly to the trade fair. This will give many student pilots, flight instructors and active pilots the opportunity to take their exams in a special environment - right in the centre of European general aviation.
Test dates during the AERO 2026
The Federal Network Agency offers daily examinations throughout the trade fair. Between 22 and 25 April 2026, an examination will take place at 9:30 a.m. each day. The procedure is the same as the regular procedure.
Participants must first pass a theoretical examination. Among other things, they are tested on their knowledge of speech groups, radio procedures, aviation phraseology and basic legal conditions. This is followed by a practical radio examination. In this, the candidates simulate typical radio situations from air traffic, such as taxiing at the aerodrome, take-off clearances or approach procedures.
The aim of this practical test is to demonstrate secure and standardised communication in the cockpit under realistic conditions. Precise communication is a key safety factor, especially in mixed operations between VFR and IFR traffic.
These radio certificates can be obtained at the trade fair
At AERO 2026, several different aircraft radio licences covering different areas of use can be acquired.
BZF II authorises radiotelephony in visual flight exclusively in German. This certificate is often required by pilots who are mainly travelling to smaller airfields in German-speaking countries.
BZF I extends this authorisation to German and English and thus also allows radio communication with international pilots or at airports with English radio phraseology.
BZF E is the English-language variant and is used in particular by pilots who mainly fly internationally or who complete their training in English from the outset.
An extended radio licence is required for instrument flights. This is where the general radiotelephony certificate for the aeronautical radio service, AZF for short, comes into play. This allows radio communication in both visual and instrument flight and is available in German and English.
The AZF E variant is limited to English-language radio communication and is often chosen by pilots who are mainly travelling internationally.
Prerequisites for participation in the examination
Anyone wishing to take part in one of the examinations must fulfil a number of formal requirements. For the BZF I and BZF II radiotelephony certificates, the minimum age is 14 years and nine months on the day of the exam. This means that it is possible to take the exam three months before your 15th birthday. Many student pilots take advantage of this opportunity parallel to their practical training.
A supplementary examination is required to obtain an AZF. Applicants must already be in possession of a BZF I or BZF II and present this document on the day of the examination. The minimum age here is 17 years and nine months, i.e. also three months before the 18th birthday.
Regardless of the certificate, it goes without saying that thorough preparation for the exam is essential. The exam content is based on the internationally standardised radio procedures for civil aviation. In addition to phraseology and radio discipline, this also includes knowledge of airspace, reporting points and typical communication procedures between the cockpit and air traffic control.
Registration and organisational information
Interested pilots must register for the test in advance. Registration is done by e-mail to the Federal Network Agency. The registration deadline for the examination dates during AERO 2026 is 23 March 2026.
As places are limited and experience shows that demand is high, early registration is recommended. In particular, student pilots who are planning their training around the trade fair period can secure an attractive date for their radio examination.
During the trade fair itself, the Federal Network Agency will also have its own stand. Visitors will find the agency in Hall A5 at Stand 230, where they can find out about the various radio certificates, examination procedures and legal framework conditions.
AERO as the meeting place for European general aviation
With this offer, the Federal Network Agency is once again emphasising the importance of AERO Friedrichshafen as the central meeting place for general aviation in Europe. Every year, the trade fair attracts manufacturers, flight schools, associations, authorities and pilots from all over the world.
In addition to the presentation of new aircraft, avionics systems and technologies, the topic of training also plays an important role. Seminars, workshops and information events offer insights into current developments in aviation, new regulatory requirements and trends in pilot training.
The opportunity to take an official flight radio test directly at the trade fair therefore fits perfectly into the concept of the event. For many prospective pilots, a visit to the AERO is not only an informative experience, but also an important step on the way to obtaining their own licence.
Source references:
Aviation magazine
