EFZ / EZF

EFZ (in Austria: Eingeschränktes Funkerzeugnis) and EZF (an older German variant: Erweitertes Sprechfunkzeugnis) are historical or transitional terms used to describe VFR-only radio certificates in German-speaking countries. Although still occasionally used informally or in older documents, these terms are being replaced by the standardized designations BFZ and AFZ.

• Use: VFR radiotelephony under German language only
• Scope: Typically used in Austria as a certificate for private pilots flying in Class G, E, or D airspace
• Equivalent to: The German BZF II
• Language: German only
• International use: Not valid for international flights or English-language ATC
• Status: Still accepted for VFR in Austria, but being gradually replaced by BFZ

• Formerly used to describe an extended certificate that included both VFR and some elements of IFR phraseology or English communication
• Now functionally obsolete and replaced by the clearly defined categories:
  • BZF I (VFR + English)
  • AFZ/AZF (Full IFR capability)

• In the past, naming conventions were not harmonized between Austria and Germany
• EFZ/EZF were used inconsistently in training environments, flight clubs, and aviation schools
• Today, most authorities use BFZ and AFZ to describe officially recognized certification levels

• Phraseology in German
• General radio theory
• Practical voice communication under VFR
• Typically administered by Austro Control or local authorities

Pilots with an EFZ/EZF should consider upgrading to a BFZ/BZF or AFZ/AZF, especially if flying cross-border or planning to operate in controlled airspace with English-speaking ATC.