End of bilateral recognition after almost 30 years
The previous mutual recognition of Austrian and German paragliding and hang gliding licences was based on an agreement from 1996, which made it much easier for pilots to take part in flight operations in both countries. Many German pilots decided in favour of training in Austria - be it because of regional proximity, shorter training times or intensive training opportunities in the Alpine region.
However, this regulation will be completely abolished at the end of 31 December 2025. From this date, Austrian licences for pilots resident in Germany will automatically lose their validity. This applies in particular to those who start training or want to acquire a new licence from 2026.
New requirements from 1 January 2026
From 2026, pilots with permanent residence in Germany will require a German pilot's licence in accordance with Section 4 (1) LuftVG. This means:
- A valid Austrian licence is no longer sufficient
- Austrian training is only partially recognised
- the final examination and granting of the licence must take place in Germany
This means that clear national rules of responsibility will come into force for training, which should standardise the process.
Role of the DHV - central office for recognition and examination
The German Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association (DHV) will be the sole point of contact from 2026:
- the recognition of training services provided by Austrian flight schools
- taking the theoretical and practical examinations
- the issue of the German pilot licence
This will anchor the training landscape for paraglider and hang glider pilots more firmly in Germany. Pilots who have completed their basic training in Austria must go through the DHV in order to obtain a licence valid in Germany.
Grandfathering for licences already acquired
German pilots who obtain their Austrian licence by 31 December 2025 will be comprehensively protected. They may continue to fly in Germany. Important points:
- licence ownership remains valid
- No additional German pilot's licence is required
- the safety regulations applicable in Germany must be complied with
This includes, in particular, the regulations on flying practice in accordance with Section 45 (4) and Section 45a LuftPersV. Anyone who has not flown for a longer period of time must reconfirm their flying competence through refresher training or flights under supervision.
Reasons for the new regulation - a look at the bigger picture
Even if the BMDV formally communicates the measure merely as the cancellation of an old agreement, several structural motives can be identified:
- Harmonisation of training: Germany wants to ensure that all domestic pilots are tested to the same standards.
- Safety aspects: Standardised audit trails facilitate official supervision, accident analyses and the introduction of new safety programmes.
- Clarity of responsibility: With the DHV as the sole inspection authority, there is less administrative work and a clear legal allocation.
In addition, Germany is following a trend that is visible in many areas of air sports: national standards are being strengthened and international specialisations reduced.
Effects on pilots
There are different consequences for active and prospective pilots depending on the situation:
For pilots with an Austrian licence before 31.12.2025:
- Onward flight in Germany possible
- Validity of the German safety and exercise regulations
- No additional licence path required
For pilots in training in Austria:
- Acquisition of the licence must be completed by the end of 2025
- A German pilot's licence will be mandatory from 2026
For pilots who want to take off from 2026:
- complete training via German flight schools or
- Recognition of the Austrian parts of the training, but with DHV examination
Reactions in the scene
The new regulation has been received differently by flying schools and clubs. While German flight instructors welcome more standardisation, Austrian schools are critical of the loss of German students. Many pilots particularly regret the loss of uncomplicated mutual recognition, which worked well for decades.
At the same time, some experts expect long-term benefits: clearer responsibilities, better data on safety developments and harmonised training could improve the overall quality of sport.
Conclusion
The abolition of the mutual recognition of Austrian and German paragliding and hang gliding licences, which has been in place since 1996, marks a major change for motorless flying. While existing pilots will hardly experience any restrictions due to the generous protection of existing licences, the training path for new pilots will be significantly more national in character. The central role of the DHV creates clarity and uniform standards, but also places higher organisational demands on all those who want to fly a paraglider or hang glider in Germany in the future.
On 1 January 2026, a new chapter in the training and licensing of these air sports will begin - one that will bring more structure, but also more responsibility for each individual.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)
