This is the 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.

The national qualification required to operate aircraft radio equipment for commercial flying. Pilots who fly professionally will need this license.

The national qualification required to operate aircraft radio equipment for non-commercial flying. Pilots who fly recreationally will need this license.

The medical certificate that proves you have passed your aviation medical exam

The medical exam you must undergo if you want to legally fly in Japan. In Japan, there are class 2 and 1, where class 2 is more for recreational flying and class 1 is for professional or commercial flying.

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 (so communicating with the ATC), and is valid for life.

A comprehensive document containing vital information for safe air navigation. In Japan, we have an eAIP, which is an online platform where you can visit to access said information.

An aircraft registration is a code unique to a single aircraft. In Japan, they begin with a JA, followed by 4 alphabets or numbers (ex: JA3931)

AFM (Airplane Flight Manual) is a legally required document specific to an aircraft's serial number. It contains all required operating limitations, procedures, and performance data.

The application form used to request the pilot competence certificate, after you pass your competence exam.

Form required to apply for the airmen competence certification academic examination.

The application form used to register for the airmen competence certification academic examination. This form is required for applicants such as pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers. By completing the necessary fields, attaching the required revenue stamp payment slip, and including a self-addressed return envelope, applicants can submit the form to the regional aviation bureau where they wish to take the examination.

A flight club in Japan, is an organization that you can join to rent out an aircraft. In Japan, if you want to fly recreationally you must join said clubs, if you want to avoid expensive flight school fees. Refer to our lists of flight clubs for more details.

Flight plans are a document that contains the route, altitude, and other information that a pilot must follow when flying. In Japan, this is filed uniquely, a guide will be published soon.

Think of this as a certificate that proves you are airworthy. Without this, you are legally not allowed to fly in Japan.

A certification that verifies you successfully passed your pilot competency assessment, including the official date on which you met the required standards.

The exam required to obtain or renew your Pilot Competency Certificate (技能証明書). If you’re converting a license issued by an ICAO-recognized authority, you won’t need to take it the first time. You will, however, need to pass it again upon renewal.