PPL theory exam in Switzerland

Subjects, questions, times and aids

The whole exam has 124 multiple-choice questions, based on an alternative means of compliance (AltMoC) submitted by the FOCA. The times may not be exceeded (subject names translated):

Subject	Questions	Minutes	Permitted aids
10 Air law	12	17	none
20 Aircraft general knowledge	16	20	none
30 Flight performance and planning	16	55	ICAO chart 1:500,000 Switzerland, protractor, ruler, mechanical navigation computer, compasses, calculator
40 Human performance	12	15	none
50 Meteorology	16	20	none
60 Navigation	16	45	as subject 30
70 Operational procedures	12	17	none
80 Principles of flight	12	17	none
90 VFR communications	12	15	none

A non-programmable calculator with scientific functions is allowed; the FOCA recommends the TI-30 ECO RS. Alphanumeric calculators, electronic navigation computers and other data storage are not allowed. Candidates taking the exam in a foreign language may use a simple dictionary without definitions or formulas.

Training and registration

Training under Part-FCL is only possible as a course at a certified flight school; the FOCA does not accept pure self-study. The school responsible for your training recommends you for the exam. Since 1 January 2026 you register through the dLIS platform. The FOCA publishes dates, venues and closing dates in its exam calendar.

Language

You take the exam in German, French or Italian. For the PPL(A) and the PPL(H) it is also available in English.

Pass mark and deadlines

• A subject is passed at 75 per cent of the possible marks, with no penalty marking.
• You must pass all subjects within 18 months, counted from the end of the calendar month of your first sitting. At most four attempts per subject are allowed.
• If you exceed a deadline or limit, you repeat the whole theory exam after further training; it then counts as a first attempt again.
• You can review failed subjects on site straight after the exam.
• The passed theory is valid for 24 months for the issue of the licence, from the day you completed it.

Radiotelephony desk exam

Since 8 April 2020, the oral radiotelephony desk exam is no longer part of the written theory exam. For the PPL(A), PPL(H) and BPL you must pass it before the skill test.

Question catalogue

The FOCA names its alternative means of compliance as the basis, but no question bank. Switzerland is not on Aircademy’s list of authorities that use the ECQB-PPL. The subjects and learning objectives follow the EASA syllabus.