Safety in aviation depends to a large extent on ensuring that only trustworthy persons are granted access to safety-critical areas. This is why there are procedures for checking personal reliability in Germany, Austria and Switzerland - even if they do not have the same name in every country.

Austria - Equivalent security clearance 

In Austria, a security check procedure is mandatory for:

• Persons with security-relevant access (e.g. airport apron)

• Flight personnel in commercial air transport (e.g. ATO students)

• Applicants who perform safety-critical functions

Procedure:
Applications are submitted via the Company service portal (USP). The BMK - Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology is responsible.

Validity: 5 years
➡️ BMK - Information on aviation security checks
➡️ USP - Online application

Switzerland - Safety inspection by the FOCA

In Switzerland, too, there is no independent "ZÜP" procedure, but there is a Safety inspection by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA)among others for:

• Flight personnel with a commercial background

• Persons with access to security zones (e.g. airports)

• Applicants in certain aviation-related professions

Procedure:
The check is carried out as part of the licensing or employment procedure and includes information on residence, professional history (5 years), criminal record and much more.

Validity: 3 years
➡️ FOCA - Aviation Security

Germany - ZÜP according to § 7 LuftSiG

In order to start pilot training, the applicant's reliability must be proven. In addition to submitting a declaration of exemption from punishment (to be completed at the flight school) and information in accordance with Section 30 (8) StVo from the driving offence register (not for UL), a reliability check (ZÜP) must also be carried out in accordance with Section 7 of the Aviation Security Act.  

The background check (ZÜP) is a procedure that is carried out in accordance with Section 7 of the German Aviation Security Act (LuftSiG) to check the trustworthiness of persons working in the aviation sector. This check is necessary to ensure the safety of air traffic and to minimise potential safety risks posed by unreliable persons. 

The main objectives of the background check are: 

• Security assurance: Ensuring that only trustworthy persons have access to security-relevant areas and information. 

• Counter-terrorism: Prevention of terrorism and other security-related offences in air traffic. 

• Safety culture: Promotion of a general safety culture within the aviation industry. 

Various aspects of the person concerned are analysed during the background check: 

• Identity verification: Verification of personal data and proof of identity. 

• Criminal record: Inspection of the police clearance certificate to ensure that there are no relevant previous convictions. 

• Investigation proceedings: Check whether there are any ongoing investigations or criminal proceedings against the person. 

• Further safety-relevant information: Collection of additional information from security authorities and other relevant bodies. 

Implementation of the ZÜP: 

The check is carried out by the competent aviation security authority. As part of the check, the persons concerned must submit certain documents and make a declaration regarding ongoing investigations or criminal proceedings. In certain cases, the check can also be carried out online, whereby the identity of the applicant must be verified. 

The ZÜP is required for various groups of persons in air transport, including: 

• Aircraft pilot 

• Persons who have access to security areas at airports 

• Employees of air carriers who carry out safety-related activities 

The ZÜP is valid for 5 years and must be renewed thereafter. It must be applied for at the aviation security authority responsible for your place of residence.