Applying for a pilot licence for recreational flying
If you want to fly an aircraft, helicopter or gyroplane recreationally, you must have the appropriate licence. You can apply for a licence as a private pilot for non-commercial flights.
Last updated on 28 May 2025
Criteria for the pilot licence
In order to be able to get an pilot licence, you must:
- be medically fit to fly an aeroplane;
- have the right training, knowledge and experience.
Please visit the website of the Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport, ILT (Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate) to find out:
- the requirements for an aeroplane pilot licence;
- the requirements for a helicopter pilot licence;
- the requirements for a gyroplane pilot licence.
How to apply for a pilot licence
You must contact the Civil Aviation Authority the Netherlands (CAA NL), part of the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) to:
- apply for your aeroplane pilot licence;
- apply for your helicopter pilot licence;
- apply for your gyroplane pilot licence.
Pilot a glider
If you want to pilot a glider (in Dutch) then you need a Sailplane Pilot Licence (SPL).
Laws and regulations (in Dutch)
Besluit bewijzen van bevoegdheid voor de luchtvaart, hoofdstuk 2
Regeling bewijzen van bevoegdheid en bevoegdverklaringen voor luchtvarenden 2001