Flying in Chile: a pilot's guide
the DGAC Chile regulates flight in Chile; pilots earn a private and then commercial/instrument ratings with the required aviation medical, in an ICAO class-based airspace system.
The national authority
Civil aviation in Chile is regulated by the DGAC Chile. This guide summarises the framework; always confirm the current detail with the DGAC Chile.
Getting a licence (PPL and beyond)
Chile issues private and commercial pilot licences, with commercial and instrument ratings beyond. Training is conducted at approved organisations, with theoretical examinations and a practical flight test.
Medical requirements
An aeronautical medical certificate is required, issued by DGAC-approved examiners, issued through the DGAC Chile-approved aviation medical examiners.
Notable rules & airspace
Chile uses an ICAO class-based airspace system spanning a long, mountainous geography with significant controlled airspace. The detail differs from the US system, so review the local procedures before flying.
Where to find the official rules
Consult the DGAC Chile for the current licensing, medical and operating requirements. This guide summarises and links to those sources rather than reproducing the regulations.
Chile aviation by the numbers
544 airfields on record (20 with scheduled service), 36 airspace volumes, 64 navaids.
- Small airport347
- Heliport142
- Medium airport25
- Closed22
- Large airport8
- Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport12,303 ft
- Diego Aracena International Airport10,991 ft
- Mataveri International Airport10,827 ft
- Coposa Airport10,499 ft
- Canchones West Airport10,165 ft
Counts computed from The Pilots Desk reference data (OurAirports, FAA, OpenAIP).