Applying for a Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL)
If you want to fly recreationally, you must have the appropriate licence. This is the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL).
Last updated on 14 January 2022
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Criteria for the RPL
In order to be able to get an RPL, you must:
- be at least 16 years old;
- be medically fit to fly an aeroplane. You need a medical certificate from an authorised physician of medical authority (in Dutch) proving that you:
- have sufficient flying experience;
- have completed a flight training course;
- have passed the RPL theory exam;
- have passed the practical exam.
You can apply for the practical exam via Kiwa Register or a recognised flying school.
Flying with an RPL
Flying with an RPL only allows you to fly an aircraft that:
- is suitable for a maximum of four persons;
- has a piston engine;
- has a maximum take-off weight of 2 000 kg.
You may only fly on the basis of the Visual Flight Rules (VFR flights), which means that the pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to see where the aircraft is going. You may also only fly during daylight. You may only fly in Dutch airspace.
Applying for an RPL
You must contact the Kiwa Register to apply for your Recreational Pilot Licence and complete the form Application for a Licence for aircraft or helicopters.
Validity of an RPL
Your RPL indicates the kind and type of aircraft you are qualified to fly. The licence is valid for a fixed period of time.
Laws and regulations (in Dutch)
Wet luchtvaart, artikelen 2.1 en 2.2
Besluit bewijzen van bevoegdheid voor de luchtvaart, artikelen 2, 6 en 8
Regeling bewijzen van bevoegdheid en bevoegdverklaringen voor luchtvarenden 2001, artikel 11