Flying in Austria: a pilot's guide
Austria's Austro Control regulates flight within the EASA framework; pilots train for the LAPL or PPL under Part-FCL with Part-MED medicals in a SERA class-based airspace system.
The national authority
Civil aviation in Austria is overseen by Austro Control, operating within the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) framework that harmonises rules across Europe. This guide summarises the requirements; always confirm the current detail with Austro Control and EASA.
Getting a licence (PPL and beyond)
Pilots train under EASA Part-FCL. The common entry licences are the LAPL (Light Aircraft Pilot Licence) and the PPL(A), with night, instrument and commercial ratings beyond. Training is at an Approved or Declared Training Organisation, with theoretical-knowledge examinations and a practical skill test. Minimum hours and the syllabus are set by EASA and Austro Control.
Medical requirements
Medical certification follows EASA Part-MED: a LAPL medical for the LAPL, or a Class 2 medical for the PPL, issued by an authorised Aero-Medical Examiner or centre.
Notable rules & airspace
Austria uses the ICAO/EASA class-based airspace system under SERA (the Standardised European Rules of the Air), with national variations, danger and restricted areas, and language and radio requirements. The detail differs from the US system.
Where to find the official rules
Consult Austro Control and EASA for the current Part-FCL, Part-MED and operating requirements. This guide summarises and links to those sources rather than reproducing the regulations.
Austria aviation by the numbers
201 airfields on record (6 with scheduled service), 223 airspace volumes, 28 navaids.
- Heliport123
- Small airport55
- Closed13
- Large airport6
- Medium airport3
- Seaplane base1
- Vienna International Airport11,811 ft
- Linz-Hörsching Airport9,843 ft
- Graz Airport9,842 ft
- Hinterstoisser Air Base9,022 ft
- Salzburg Airport9,022 ft
Counts computed from The Pilots Desk reference data (OurAirports, FAA, OpenAIP).