DLR to become training center for flight test personnel

Whether in the control tower, in maintenance, or in the development of new technologies: Aviation places high demands on people and machines alike. Flight experiments require highly specialized knowledge and personnel due to their specialized procedures. However, there are few qualified, independent training centers for test pilots or flight test engineers worldwide. Since May 2026, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Cologne has been one of them, helping to secure critical aviation competencies.

The DLR has been certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as a training organization for flight test personnel. This certification will allow the DLR to qualify its own pilots and test engineers. After completing the training program, they will be authorized to conduct experiments with fixed-wing aircraft. This includes maiden flights with prototypes and pushing the boundaries of existing systems, such as speed and altitude. The certification will be extended to include helicopters in the future.

The DLR operates the largest civilian research fleet of aircraft and helicopters in Europe. The fleet operates in areas ranging from Greenland to Antarctica and from the U.S. to Japan. The organization focuses on training and continuing the education of its junior staff in accordance with European standards.

The DLR, together with other research institutions and companies, makes NRW one of the most innovative locations for the aerospace industry in Europe. Further information on aerospace in NRW is available on the NRW.Global Business website.