A comprehensive document containing vital information for safe air navigation

The Aeronautical Service (or Special) Radio Operator Exam is the certification process for becoming a 航空特殊無線技士 (Kōkū Tokushu Musen Gishi) or a 航空無線通信士 (Koku Musen Tsuushinshi) — Aeronautical Special Radio Operator. This is the license that allows you to operate a radio on an aircraft, and is valid for life.

航空従事者技能証明学科試験, or Koku Jujisha Gino Shomei Gakka Shiken, is a written exam you must pass to obtain your JCAB pilot license. Since November 2023, aviation personnel knowledge exams have switched to Computer-Based Testing (CBT). Instead of fixed dates at limited locations, you can take the exam at any time, as long as you have a valid license.

The airmen medical exam, also known as the kouku-jyujisha academic exam, is an exam that is usually necessary to take in order to fly in Japan. More information about this exam can be located in the officil JCAB website.

An Aviation Medical Certificate is a document that certifies a pilot or aviation personnel is in a physical and mental condition that allows them to safely perform aviation duties. In Japan, it is issued after an examination by a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner or a designated medical institution approved by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), if the applicant meets the required standards.

A flight club in Japan, is an organization that you can join to rent out an aircraft. Unlike flight schools, most of them are non profit and are generally open for anyone to join. By joining a flight club, you can rent out an aircraft to fly (if you are eligible to fly in Japan), as well as participate in flight training, study sessions, and more.

The “pilot license” issued by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). There are different types, such as Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot. Without this, you cannot operate an aircraft in Japan. Once obtained, the certificate itself does not expire (but there are conditions to keep it valid for actual flying).

A skills check required to actually fly. Conducted periodically (usually every 2 years) with a designated examiner or instructor to ensure your piloting skills and procedures meet the standards. Without passing this, you cannot fly, even if you hold a certificate.

An exam conducted by an examiner registered with the JCAB to renew the Tokutei Soujyu Gino license every 2 years. The exam is consisted of two parts: an oral exam and a flight skills check. Both are based on guidelines and checklists provided by the JCAB.