SPHAIR
Your path to military aviation starts with a selection flight at Bern‑Belp.
Trusted by Swiss military aviation
SPHAIR is the Swiss Armed Forces' official pilot pre-selection programme. It identifies the candidates who will go on to fly for the Swiss Air Force — military pilots, helicopter crews, paratroopers. Selection is rigorous, federally supervised, and delivered across Switzerland's certified partner flight schools.
alpaviation has been a SPHAIR partner for over 20 years. The Swiss Armed Forces entrusts us with the flight component of the selection process at Bern-Belp — the cockpit assessment that decides who progresses toward a Swiss Air Force career. Being chosen for this role means our instructors, aircraft, and training standards meet the bar set by Swiss military aviation. The same bar we hold every pilot to — SPHAIR candidate or first-time student.
- ✓Federally recognised certificate for a Swiss Armed Forces aviation career
- ✓10 flight hours or 50 parachute jumps toward your SPHAIR qualification
- ✓Flown in real Swiss alpine airspace — the same environment you'll operate in as a military pilot
Flight course — 10 flight hours
What to expect
- •Two-week intensive flight course
- •You fly the aircraft from day one, instructor beside you
- •Full insight into a professional pilot's daily work
- •Ground school, briefings and debriefings by federally trained instructors
Three career tracks
Every SPHAIR candidate is assessed for suitability across three Swiss Armed Forces branches. Your path depends on aptitude, medical category, and fit.
Military Pilot
Fighter, transport and trainer aircraft for the Swiss Air Force. Most selective track — combines EASA licensing with military operational training.
Helicopter Pilot
Swiss Air Force rotary-wing operations — transport, search and rescue, alpine missions. Military training follows successful SPHAIR completion.
Paratrooper / Scout
Airborne reconnaissance and special operations. Physical and mental bar aligns with special forces. Selection covers flight exposure and jump aptitude.
Work hard and don't let anything stop you. It will be demanding.
Who can apply
- Swiss citizenship
- Age between 17 and 22 at application (varies by track)
- Medical fitness to Swiss Armed Forces standard (Class 1 equivalent for pilots)
- Completed secondary education (Matura, EFZ, or equivalent)
- Clean personal record and psychological aptitude
- Strong motivation for a military aviation career
How selection works
- 01
Apply via sphair.ch
Official Swiss Armed Forces portal. Basic eligibility, education and medical fitness are screened here.
- 02
Aptitude and medical testing
Cognitive and psychomotor assessment, Class 1 medical. Determines your track.
- 03
Ground school at alpaviation
Intensive theory: aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, comms, Swiss airspace.
- 04
Selection flights at Bern-Belp
Cockpit assessment by federally trained instructors. Handling, judgement, learning curve evaluated against Swiss Air Force criteria.
- 05
Final evaluation
Instructor reports and Swiss Armed Forces review. Successful candidates enter official military aviation training.
FAQ
Is SPHAIR free?+
Yes. Fully subsidised by the Swiss Armed Forces. No course fees for eligible candidates.
Do I need prior flight experience?+
No. SPHAIR is built for candidates with zero flight hours. The programme teaches and evaluates how you learn.
Can foreign nationals apply?+
No — Swiss citizenship is required. SPHAIR is the entry point to Swiss Armed Forces service.
How long does the flight course take?+
The flight phase at alpaviation is a compact two-week intensive block. Exact schedule depends on the cohort.
What happens if I pass?+
Successful candidates continue into official Swiss Armed Forces training — pilot school, helicopter school, or paratrooper selection.
What happens if I don't pass?+
You keep the flight experience. Many SPHAIR participants who don't progress to military aviation continue into civilian pilot training — alpaviation can support that path directly.
Where do the selection flights take place?+
At Bern-Belp Airport (LSZB), in real Swiss airspace including alpine and controlled terminal environments.
Ready for selection?
SPHAIR applications run through the Swiss Armed Forces portal. Questions about the flight component or visiting us at Bern-Belp? Get in touch.