SPHAIR / Flight aptitude test

Pre-flight training (FVS) was revised under the new name of SPHAIR – flight aptitude test on 1. January 2004 on the basis of new requirements and circumstances.

SPHAIR has been devised to record talented professional pilots and pilot aspirants and determine their aptitude for introducing them to the air force or general aviation later. The selection of prospective parascouts is also carried out via SPHAIR.

On December 2003, the Federal Council decided to define the responsibility for SPHAIR anew: the agency was transferred from the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (UVEK) or from the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (BAZL) to the Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), where the Swiss Air Force has borne the responsibility since 1 January 2004. The change of departments took place within the context of the Federal Act on Aviation, Article 103a, according to which the Confederation supports basic and progressive training of cadets who are considered to be candidates for military pilots, flying instructors, professional pilots or parascouts.

The commander of Flight Training Unit 31, Brigadier General Werner Epper, is president of the Federal Supervisory Board FVS. The management board is led by Col Beat am Rhyn, commander Screening & Basic Training of the Swiss Air Force Pilot School. Major Beat Hedinger is in charge of the pilots (Chief Flight Operations SPHAIR). Staff WO Thomas Rappo is responsible for the evaluation of future parascouts.

What is new about SPHAIR?
Primarily, that with the Internet we have a platform at hand with which the targeted age group can be perfectly reached. Interested 17 to 21-year-old Swiss citizens can inform themselves at www.sphair.ch about the career of a professional (military) pilot or parascout and can find out very quickly whether they are basically suited or not. After their application, a one-day aptitude test has to be absolved in Dübendorf. Only afterwards, may applicants attend a flight or parachute course in one of the approximately 15 flight and paratrooper schools. Persons who have completed these courses with good qualifications are entitled to express their desire to become military pilots or parascouts when being drafted.

And the costs...?
SPHAIR is financed by the DDPS. Participants only pay a portion of the costs for course documents, board and lodging.

Open questions?
Further information on SPHAIR can be found on the www.sphair.ch homepage. But also have a look at other websites, for instance those links listed on this site in the column on the right. There you will find further information on SPHAIR.