AFZ / AZF

AFZ and AZF both refer to the highest-level German radio communication certificate required for certain types of flying within German airspace. These acronyms are used interchangeably:

AFZ – Allgemeines Funksprechzeugnis
AZF – Allgemeines Flugfunkzeugnis

The abbreviation may differ depending on the document source (e.g. EASA vs. LBA), but they denote the same qualification.

Purpose

The AFZ/AZF is mandatory for pilots who:

Operate flights under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), or
Fly in controlled airspace with English-language ATC, or
Intend to use English phraseology in international or German airspace.

It qualifies the pilot to use both German and English radiotelephony in all airspace classes and for both VFR and IFR operations.

Content & Exam

The AZF/AFZ exam covers:

Advanced radiotelephony procedures
Phraseology for IFR operations
Emergency communication
Route clearances, departure and arrival instructions
Holding patterns and approach procedures
Use of English phraseology in controlled airspace

The exam includes:

A theory section (multiple choice and written questions)
A practical exam with simulated ATC interactions, often in both English and German

Comparison to Other Certificates

Certificate	Scope	Language	Use
BFZ/BZF	National certificate for VFR flights in uncontrolled airspace	German	Basic private flying
EFZ/EZF	Extended VFR certificate for controlled airspace	German	VFR in controlled airspace
AFZ/AZF	Full radiotelephony certificate	German + English	VFR and IFR in all airspace

Validity

The AFZ/AZF certificate does not expire. However, language proficiency, especially in English, must be revalidated according to ICAO language level requirements (usually every 4 to 6 years, depending on the level achieved).

In Practice

Holding an AFZ means a pilot is fully certified for all radiotelephony communication required in German and international airspace, including complex IFR scenarios and multilingual operations.