--- title: "FCL.235 Skill test — Part-FCL · Avioverse" description: "Through the completion of a skill test, applicants for a PPL shall demonstrate the ability to perform as PIC on the appropriate aircraft category the…" url: "https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/aircrew/part-fcl/subpart-c/fcl-235" --- # FCL.235 Skill test ANNEX I (Part-FCL) · Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 · EAR revision 25 Nov 2025 IR Implementing rule ## FCL.235 Skill test (a) Through the completion of a [skill test](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/skill-test), applicants for a PPL shall demonstrate the ability to perform as PIC on the appropriate [aircraft](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aircraft) category the relevant procedures and manoeuvres with the [competency](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/competency) appropriate to the privileges granted. \[applicable until 17 February 2026 - Regulation (EU) 2020/2193] (a) Through the completion of a skill test, applicants for a PPL or a GPL shall demonstrate the ability to perform as PIC on the appropriate aircraft category the relevant procedures and manoeuvres with the competency appropriate to the privileges granted. \[applicable from 18 February 2026 - Regulation (EU) 2025/134] (b) Applicants for the skill test shall have received flight instruction on the same class or [type of aircraft](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/type-of-aircraft) to be used for the skill test. (c) Pass marks (1) The skill test shall be divided into different sections, representing all the different phases of flight appropriate to the [category of aircraft](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/category-of-aircraft) flown. (2) Failure in any item of a section will cause the [applicant](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/applicant) to fail the entire section. If the applicant fails only 1 section, he/she shall repeat only that section. Failure in more than 1 section will cause the applicant to fail the entire test. (3) When the test needs to be repeated in accordance with (2), failure in any section, including those that have been passed on a previous attempt, will cause the applicant to fail the entire test. (4) Failure to achieve a pass in all sections of the test in 2 attempts will require further training. IR · FCL.235 — Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 · Regulation (EU) 2025/134 · Aircrew Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 25 Nov 2025 AMC Acceptable means of compliance ## AMC1 FCL.235 Skill test CONTENTS OF THE [SKILL TEST](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/skill-test) FOR THE ISSUE OF A PPL(A) (a) The route to be flown for the navigation test should be chosen by the FE. The route may end at the aerodrome of departure or at another aerodrome. The [applicant](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/applicant) should be responsible for the flight planning and should ensure that all equipment and documentation for the execution of the flight are on board. The navigation section of the test should have a duration that allows the pilot to demonstrate his/her ability to complete a route with at least three identified waypoints and may, as agreed between the applicant and FE, be flown as a separate test. (b) An applicant should indicate to the FE the checks and duties carried out, including the identification of radio facilities. Checks should be completed in accordance with the authorised checklist for the [aeroplane](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aeroplane) on which the test is being taken. During pre-flight preparation for the test the applicant should be required to determine power settings and speeds. Performance data for take-off, approach and landing should be calculated by the applicant in compliance with the operations manual or flight manual for the aeroplane used. FLIGHT TEST TOLERANCE (c) The applicant should demonstrate the ability to: (1) operate the aeroplane within its limitations; (2) complete all manoeuvres with smoothness and accuracy; (3) exercise good judgment and [airmanship](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/airmanship); (4) apply aeronautical knowledge; (5) maintain control of the aeroplane at all times in such a manner that the successful outcome of a procedure or manoeuvre is never seriously in doubt. (d) The following limits are for general guidance. The FE should make allowance for turbulent conditions and the handling qualities and performance of the aeroplane used: (1) height: (i) normal flight ± 150 ft (ii) with simulated engine failure ± 200 ft (if ME aeroplane is used) (2) heading or tracking of radio aids: (i) normal flight ± 10° (ii) with simulated engine failure ± 15° (if ME aeroplane is used) (3) speed: (i) take-off and approach +15/–5 knots (ii) all other flight regimes ± 15 knots CONTENT OF THE SKILL TEST (e) The skill test contents and sections set out in this AMC should be used for the skill test for the issue of a PPL(A) on SE and ME aeroplanes or on TMGs. | SECTION 1 PRE-FLIGHT OPERATIONS AND DEPARTURE | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Use of checklist, airmanship, control of aeroplane by external visual reference, anti/de-icing procedures, etc. apply in all sections. | | | a | Pre-flight documentation, NOTAM and weather briefing | | b | Mass and balance and performance calculation | | c | Aeroplane inspection and servicing | | d | Engine starting and after starting procedures | | e | Taxiing and aerodrome procedures, pre-take-off procedures | | f | Take-off and after take-off checks | | g | Aerodrome departure procedures | | h | ATC compliance and R/T procedures | | SECTION 2 GENERAL AIRWORK | | | a | ATC compliance and R/T procedures | | b | Straight and level flight, with speed changes | | c | Climbing: i. best rate of climb; ii. climbing turns; iii. levelling off. | | d | Medium (30 ° bank) turns | | e | Steep (45 ° bank) turns (including recognition and recovery from a spiral dive) | | f | Flight at critically low air speed with and without flaps | | g | Stalling: i. clean stall and recover with power; ii. approach to stall descending turn with bank angle 20°, approach configuration; iii. approach to stall in landing configuration. | | h | Descending: i. with and without power; ii. descending turns (steep gliding turns); iii. levelling off. | | SECTION 3 EN-ROUTE PROCEDURES | | | a | Flight plan, dead reckoning and map reading | | b | Maintenance of altitude, heading and speed | | c | Orientation, timing and revision of ETAs and log keeping | | d | Diversion to alternate aerodrome (planning and implementation) | | e | Use of radio navigation aids | | f | Basic instrument flying check (180° turn in simulated IMC) | | g | Flight management (checks, fuel systems and carburettor icing, etc.) | | h | ATC compliance and R/T procedures | | SECTION 4 APPROACH AND LANDING PROCEDURES | | | a | Aerodrome arrival procedures | | b | \* Precision landing (short field landing), crosswind, if suitable conditions available | | c | \* Flapless landing | | d | \* Approach to landing with idle power (SE only) | | e | Touch and go | | f | Go-around from low height | | g | ATC compliance and R/T procedures | | h | Actions after flight | | SECTION 5 ABNORMAL AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES | | | This section may be combined with sections 1 through 4 | | | a | Simulated engine failure after take-off (SE only) | | b | \* Simulated forced landing (SE only) | | c | Simulated precautionary landing (SE only) | | d | Simulated emergencies | | e | Oral questions | | SECTION 6 SIMULATED ASYMMETRIC FLIGHT AND RELEVANT CLASS OR TYPE ITEMS | | | This section may be combined with sections 1 through 5 | | | a | Simulated engine failure during take-off (at a safe altitude unless carried out in an FFS) | | b | Asymmetric approach and go-around | | c | Asymmetric approach and full stop landing | | d | Engine shutdown and restart | | e | ATC compliance, R/T procedures or airmanship | | f | As determined by the FE: any relevant items of the class or type rating skill test to include, if applicable: i. aeroplane systems including handling of auto pilot; ii. operation of pressurisation system; iii. use of de-icing and anti-icing system. | | g | Oral questions | \* These items may be combined, at the discretion of the FE. AMC · AMC1 FCL.235 — Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 · ED Decision 2011/016/R · Aircrew Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 25 Nov 2025 AMC Acceptable means of compliance ## AMC2 FCL.235 Skill test CONTENTS OF THE [SKILL TEST](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/skill-test) FOR THE ISSUE OF A PPL(H) (a) The area and route to be flown should be chosen by the FE and all low level and hover work should be at an adequate aerodrome or site. Routes used for section 3 may end at the aerodrome of departure or at another aerodrome. The [applicant](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/applicant) should be responsible for the flight planning and should ensure that all equipment and documentation for the execution of the flight are on board. The navigation section of the test, as set out in this AMC should consist of at least three legs, each leg of a minimum duration of 10 minutes. The skill test may be conducted in two flights. (b) An applicant should indicate to the FE the checks and duties carried out, including the identification of radio facilities. Checks should be completed in accordance with the authorised checklist or pilot operating handbook for the [helicopter](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/helicopter) on which the test is being taken. During pre-flight preparation for the test the applicant is required to determine power settings and speeds. Performance data for take-off, approach and landing should be calculated by the applicant in compliance with the operations manual or flight manual for the helicopter used. FLIGHT TEST TOLERANCE (c) The applicant should demonstrate the ability to: (1) operate the helicopter within its limitations; (2) complete all manoeuvres with smoothness and accuracy; (3) exercise good judgement and [airmanship](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/airmanship); (4) apply aeronautical knowledge; (5) maintain control of the helicopter at all times in such a manner that the successful outcome of a procedure or manoeuvre is never seriously in doubt. (d) The following limits are for general guidance. The FE should make allowance for turbulent conditions and the handling qualities and performance of the helicopter used. (1) height: (i) normal forward flight ± 150 ft (ii) with simulated major emergency ± 200 ft (iii) hovering IGE flight ± 2 ft (2) heading or tracking of radio aids: (i) normal flight ± 10° (ii) with simulated major emergency ± 15° (3) speed: (i) take-off approach – 10 knots/+15 knots (ii) all other flight regimes ± 15 knots (4) ground drift: (i) take-off hover IGE ± 3 ft (ii) landing no sideways or backwards movement CONTENT OF THE SKILL TEST (e) The skill test contents and sections set out in this AMC should be used for the skill test for the issue of a PPL(H) on SE or ME helicopters. | SECTION 1 PRE-FLIGHT OR POST-FLIGHT CHECKS AND PROCEDURES | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Use of checklist, airmanship, control of helicopter by external visual reference, anti-icing procedures, etc. apply in all sections | | | a | Helicopter knowledge, (for example technical log, fuel, mass and balance, performance), flight planning, NOTAM and weather briefing | | b | Pre-flight inspection or action, location of parts and purpose | | c | Cockpit inspection and starting procedure | | d | Communication and navigation equipment checks, selecting and setting frequencies | | e | Pre-take-off procedure, R/T procedure and ATC compliance | | f | Parking, shutdown and post-flight procedure | | SECTION 2 HOVER MANOEUVRES, ADVANCED HANDLING AND CONFINED AREAS | | | a | Take-off and landing (lift-off and touch down) | | b | Taxi and hover taxi | | c | Stationary hover with head, cross or tail wind | | d | Stationary hover turns, 360° left and right (spot turns) | | e | Forward, sideways and backwards hover manoeuvring | | f | Simulated engine failure from the hover | | g | Quick stops into and downwind | | h | Sloping ground or unprepared sites landings and take-offs | | i | Take-offs (various profiles) | | j | Crosswind and downwind take-off (if practicable) | | k | Take-off at maximum take-off mass (actual or simulated) | | l | Approaches (various profiles) | | m | Limited power take-off and landing | | n | Autorotations, (FE to select two items from: basic, range, low speed and 360° turns) | | o | Autorotative landing | | p | Practice forced landing with power recovery | | q | Power checks, reconnaissance technique, approach and departure technique | | SECTION 3 NAVIGATION - EN ROUTE PROCEDURES | | | a | Navigation and orientation at various altitudes or heights and map reading | | b | Altitude or height, speed, heading control, observation of airspace and altimeter setting | | c | Monitoring of flight progress, flight log, fuel usage, endurance, ETA, assessment of track [error](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/error) and re-establishment of correct track and instrument monitoring | | d | Observation of weather conditions and diversion planning | | e | Use of navigation aids (where available) | | f | ATC liaison with due observance of regulations, etc. | | SECTION 4 FLIGHT PROCEDURES AND MANOEUVRES | | | a | Level flight, control of heading, altitude or height and speed | | b | Climbing and descending turns to specified headings | | c | Level turns with up to 30° bank, 180° to 360° left and right | | d | Level turns 180° left and right by sole reference to instruments | | SECTION 5 ABNORMAL AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES (SIMULATED WHERE APPROPRIATE) | | | Note (1) Where the test is conducted on an ME helicopter, a simulated engine failure drill, including an SE approach and landing should be included in the test. | | | Note (2) The FE should select four items from the following: | | | a | Engine malfunctions, including governor failure, carburettor or engine icing and oil system, as appropriate | | b | Fuel system malfunction | | c | Electrical system malfunction | | d | Hydraulic system malfunction, including approach and landing without hydraulics, as applicable | | e | Main rotor or anti-torque system malfunction (FFS or discussion only) | | f | Fire drills, including smoke control and removal, as applicable | | g | Other abnormal and emergency procedures as outlined in an appropriate flight manual and with reference to Appendix 9 C to Part-FCL, sections 3 and 4, including for ME helicopters: (a) Simulated engine failure at take-off: (1) rejected take-off at or before TDP or safe forced landing at or before DPATO; (2) shortly after TDP or DPATO. (b) Landing with simulated engine failure: (1) landing or go-around following engine failure before LDP or DPBL; (2) following engine failure after LDP or safe forced landing after DPBL. | AMC · AMC2 FCL.235 — Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 · ED Decision 2011/016/R · Aircrew Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 25 Nov 2025 AMC Acceptable means of compliance ## AMC3 FCL.235 Skill test CONTENT OF THE [SKILL TEST](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/skill-test) FOR THE ISSUE OF THE PPL(AS) (a) The area and route to be flown is chosen by the FE. Routes used for section 3 may end at the aerodrome of departure or at another aerodrome and one destination should be a controlled aerodrome. The skill test may be conducted in two flights. The total duration of the flight(s) should be at least 60 minutes. (b) The [applicant](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/applicant) should demonstrate the ability to: (1) operate the [airship](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/airship) within its limitations; (2) complete all manoeuvres with smoothness and accuracy; (3) exercise good judgement and [airmanship](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/airmanship); (4) apply aeronautical knowledge; (5) maintain control of the airship at all times in such a manner that the successful outcome of a procedure or manoeuvre is never seriously in doubt. FLIGHT TEST TOLERANCES (c) The following limits should apply, corrected to make allowance for turbulent conditions and the handling qualities and performance of the airship used. (1) height: (i) normal flight ±200 ft (ii) simulated major emergency ±300 ft (2) tracking on radio aids: ±15° (3) heading: (i) normal flight ±15° (ii) simulated major emergency ±20° CONTENT OF THE TEST (d) The skill test contents and sections set out in this AMC should be used for the skill test for the issue of a PPL(As). (e) Items in sections 5 and 6 may be performed in an FNPT (As) or a FS (As). | SECTION 1 PRE-FLIGHT OPERATIONS AND DEPARTURE | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Use of airship checklists, airmanship, control of airship by external visual reference, anti-icing procedures, and principles of [threat](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/threat) and [error management](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/error-management), etc. apply in all sections | | | a | Pre-flight, including: flight planning, documentation, mass and balance, NOTAM and weather briefing | | b | Airship inspection and servicing | | c | Off-mast procedure, ground manoeuvring and take-off | | d | Performance considerations and trim | | e | Aerodrome and traffic pattern operations | | f | Departure procedure, altimeter setting, collision avoidance (look-out) | | g | ATC compliance and R/T procedures | | SECTION 2 GENERAL AIRWORK | | | a | Control of the airship by external visual reference, including straight and level, climb, descent and look-out | | b | Flight close to pressure height | | c | Turns | | d | Steep descents and climbs | | e | Flight by reference solely to instruments, including: i. Level flight, control of heading, altitude and air speed; ii. Climbing and descending turns; iii. Recoveries from unusual attitudes. | | f | ATC compliance and R/T procedures | | SECTION 3 EN-ROUTE PROCEDURES | | | a | Flight plan, dead reckoning and map reading | | b | Maintenance of altitude, heading and speed and collision avoidance (look-out procedures) | | c | Orientation, timing and revision of ETAs and log keeping | | d | Observation of weather conditions and diversion to alternate aerodrome (planning and implementation) | | e | Use of radio navigation aids | | f | Flight management (checks, fuel systems, etc.) | | g | ATC compliance and R/T procedures | | SECTION 4 APPROACH AND LANDING PROCEDURES | | | a | Aerodrome arrival procedures, altimeter setting, checks and look-out | | b | ATC compliance and R/T procedures | | c | Go-around action | | d | Normal landing | | e | Short field landing | | f | Post-flight actions | | SECTION 5 ABNORMAL AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES | | | This section may be combined with sections 1 through 4 | | | a | Simulated engine failure after take-off (at a safe altitude) and fire drill | | b | Equipment malfunctions | | c | Forced landing (simulated) | | d | ATC compliance and R/T procedures | | e | Oral questions | | SECTION 6 RELEVANT TYPE ITEMS | | | This section may be combined with sections 1 through 5 | | | a | Simulated engine failure during take-off (at a safe altitude unless carried out in a FFS) | | b | Approach and go-around with failed engine(s) | | c | Approach and full stop landing with failed engine(s) | | d | Malfunctions in the envelope pressure system | | e | ATC compliance, R/T procedures and airmanship | | f | As determined by the FE: any relevant items of the type rating skill test to include, if applicable: i. Airship systems; ii. Operation of envelope pressure system. | | g | Oral questions | AMC · AMC3 FCL.235 — Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 · ED Decision 2011/016/R · Aircrew Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 25 Nov 2025 AMC Acceptable means of compliance ## AMC4 FCL.235 Skill test CONTENTS OF THE [SKILL TEST](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/skill-test) FOR THE ISSUE OF A [GYROPLANE](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/gyroplane) PILOT LICENCE (a) The route to be flown for the navigation test should be chosen by the FE. The route may end at the aerodrome of departure or at another aerodrome. The [applicant](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/applicant) should be responsible for flight planning and should ensure that all equipment and documentation for the execution of the flight are on board. The navigation section of the test should have a duration that allows the pilot to demonstrate their ability to complete a route. In addition, it must have at least three identified waypoints and may, as agreed between the applicant and the FE, be flown as a separate test. (b) The applicant should indicate to the FE the checks and duties carried out, including the identification of radio facilities. Checks should be completed in accordance with the authorised checklist for the gyroplane on which the test is being taken. During pre-flight preparation for the test, the applicant should be required to determine power settings and speeds. Performance data for take-off, approach and landing should be calculated by the applicant in compliance with the operations manual or flight manual for the gyroplane used. FLIGHT TEST TOLERANCE (c) The applicant should demonstrate the ability to: (1) operate the gyroplane within its limitations; (2) complete all manoeuvres with smoothness and accuracy; (3) exercise good judgement and [airmanship](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/airmanship); (4) apply aeronautical knowledge; (5) maintain control of the gyroplane at all times in such a manner that the successful outcome of a procedure or manoeuvre is never seriously in doubt. (d) The following limits are for general guidance. The FE should make allowances for turbulent conditions and the handling qualities and performance of the gyroplane used: (1) height: ± 150 ft; (2) heading or tracking of radio aids: ± 10°; (3) speed: (i) take-off and approach: + 15 kt / – 5 kt, (ii) all other flight regimes: ± 15 kt. CONTENT OF THE SKILL TEST (e) The content and sections of the skill test set out in this AMC should be used for the skill test for the issue of a GPL. In all sections, the following should be included: (1) radiotelephony (RT), as appropriate for the airfield and classification of airspace; (2) critical assessment of active rotor handling, whenever the blades are turning at less than flying speed; (3) use of checklists, airmanship, control of gyroplane by external reference and de-icing procedures, etc. (f) Content and sections of the skill test for the issue of a GPL. | SECTION 1 – PRE-FLIGHT OPERATIONS | | | ------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | a | Pre-flight preparation: pilot(s) and passenger(s) Documentation, fitness to fly | | b | Pre-flight preparation: gyroplane Documentation, pre-flight inspection, servicing | | c | Pre-flight preparation: weather Forecast, interpretation of actual weather, personal limits | | d | Pre-flight preparation: flight planning NOTAM, route plan, destination plan, fuel, mass and balance, performance | | e | External factors and pressure to fly | | SECTION 2 – TAKE-OFF AND LANDING | | | a | Pre- and post-take-off procedures | | b | Aerodrome departure procedures | | c | Aerodrome arrival procedures | | d | Start-up and taxi | | e | Take-off and landing, touch and go, full stop | | f | Rejected take-off | | g | Go-around from baulked approach | | h | Precision landing 0 m + 100 m (simulated 1-m fence at each side) | | i | Glide approach – precision landing 0 m + 200 m (simulated 1-m fence at each side) | | SECTION 3 – GENERAL HANDLING | | | a | Straight and level flight | | b | Turning to heading | | c | 360-degree turns | | d | Climb and descent to given heights and headings | | e | Fast flight (90 % VNE) | | f | Slow flight, at level altitude | | g | Stationary flight (if possible) | | h | Idle-power slow-speed descent, recovering with power | | i | Idle-power slow-speed descent, recovering without power to glide descent | | j | 360-degree turns around a ground reference | | SECTION 4 – EN ROUTE PROCEDURES | | | a | Flight plan, dead reckoning and map reading | | b | Maintenance of altitude, heading and speed | | c | Orientation, airspace structure, timing and revision of ETAs and log keeping | | d | Diversion to alternate aerodrome (planning and implementation) | | e | Flight management (checks, fuel systems, carburettor icing, etc.) | | SECTION 5 – EMERGENCY LANDING | | | a | Standard emergency procedures | | b | Precautionary landings | | c | Simulated engine failure | | d | Unusual attitude recovery | | SECTION 6 – RETURN AND POST-FLIGHT ACTIONS | | | a | Airfield rejoining procedure | | b | Shutdown | | c | Post-flight actions | AMC · AMC4 FCL.235 — Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 · Aircrew Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 25 Nov 2025 [All rules in SUBPART C – PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL) AND GYROPLANE PILOT LICENCE (GPL)](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/aircrew/part-fcl/subpart-c) Consolidated from the EASA Easy Access Rules (revision 25 Nov 2025, extracted 13 Oct 2026) for convenience. Not the official publication — verify against the Official Journal of the European Union and the EASA publications before operational use.