Deutscher Aero Club

What Deutscher Aero Club does

Deutscher Aero Club e.V. (DAeC) is the registered nonprofit umbrella federation (eingetragener Verein) for air sports in Germany, founded in 1950 and headquartered at Hermann-Blenk-Str. 28 in Braunschweig. It organizes, represents, and coordinates approximately 80,000 pilots and air-sports enthusiasts across roughly 1,300 clubs, channeled through 16 regional Landesverbände and four specialized Fachverbände covering seven disciplines: gliding, motor flying, ultralight flying, model flying, parachuting, ballooning, and paragliding/parakiting. DAeC is a member of the Deutscher Olympischer Sportbund (DOSB), Europe Air Sports (EAS), and the FAI.

The organization's product surface combines advocacy and competition organization with a portfolio of operational services. Core technical products include the DAeC-Lernplattform (an OpenOlat-based learning management system for pilot theory training, integrated with the Vereinsflieger club-management system for authentication and progress synchronization), the Ereignismeldung incident-reporting portal connected to EASA's ECCAIRS system, ICAO language proficiency examinations delivered by ~150 authorized examiners, and Luftraumdaten/Airspace Use Plan services. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary Luftsportgeräte-Büro (LSG-B), DAeC executes delegated federal authority for licensing, certifications, and examinations in ultralight flying, parachuting, and large-model aircraft piloting.

DAeC's revenue model rests on three streams: membership dues flowing from member associations, licensing and certification fees administered by LSG-B under federal mandate, and training fees for in-person courses such as the BFL-Lehrgang (735 EUR for members / 935 EUR for non-members, plus VAT, capped at 12 participants). Marketing and distribution are routed through the federative structure, the DAeC website, the monthly Aero Club News insert in aerokurier, an e-learning platform, and an annual presence at AERO Friedrichshafen. The organization is governed by an honorary board led by Präsident Claus Cordes with vice presidents Rudi Baucke, René Brodmühler, and Kjell Buchholtz, supported by approximately six full-time staff at the Bundesgeschäftsstelle and additional staff supporting the Bundeskommissionen and LSG-B.

Name

Deutscher Aero Club

Legal name

Deutscher Aero Club e.V.

Website

https://daec.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1950

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Deutscher Aero Club e.V. is the German nonprofit umbrella federation for air sports, founded in 1950 and headquartered in Braunschweig, coordinating roughly 80,000 pilots across 1,300 clubs in seven disciplines through 16 regional and 4 specialized associations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Air Sports Federation & Aviation Services

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Flight Training (611512)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

National Governing Bodies (NGBs) (MPAKAFAC)

Keywords

• Air sports federation
• Pilot licensing services
• Aviation training
• Aviation safety reporting
• Airspace data services

Headquarters

HQ city

Braunschweig

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: DAeC generates revenue through membership fees from its 16 regional Luftsportverbände (state associations) and 4 Fachverbände (specialized associations). Individual clubs and approximately 80,000 air sports enthusiasts participate through these member organizations.
2. Fees for Licenses and Certifications: The Luftsportgeräte-Büro (LSG-B) generates revenue through fees for certifications, licenses and examinations for ultralight flying, parachuting and large model aircraft operations, as mandated by the Federal Ministry.
3. Training Courses: DAeC offers BFL (Bodenflight leadership) training courses at the Bundesgeschäftsstelle in Braunschweig for 735 EUR for members and 935 EUR for non-members, plus VAT.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Deutscher Aero Club (DAeC) is the national umbrella federation for German air sports, coordinating activities across seven disciplines (gliding, motor flying, ultralight flying, model flying, parachuting, ballooning, paragliding) for approximately 80,000 members through 1,300 clubs. It delivers federally mandated licensing and certification via its Luftsportgeräte-Büro (LSG-B), provides pilot training infrastructure including an OpenOlat-based e-learning platform, conducts ICAO language proficiency examinations, and offers aviation safety reporting and airspace data services. The organization also represents air sports politically and runs competitions, youth programs, and training courses.

Product overview

Deutscher Aero Club (DAeC) is an umbrella federation for German aviation sports with approximately 80,000 members across 1,300 clubs. Rather than a single software product, DAeC operates a portfolio of services including the DAeC-Lernplattform (OpenOlat-based learning management system for pilot training), the Ereignismeldung incident reporting portal integrated with EASA's ECCAIRS system, ICAO language proficiency examinations, and the Luftsportgeraete-Buerro (LSG-B) acting as a federal authority for ultralight aircraft and parachuting. Additional services include airspace data provision, safety committees, youth programs, and the Aero Club News publication. The organization's structure comprises regional state associations (Landesverbaende) and specialized sports federations organized through federal commissions for each aviation discipline.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• DAeC-Lernplattform (DAeC Learning Platform) An online learning management system based on OpenOlat providing pilot theory training and exam preparation courses. Members access learning courses through Vereinsflieger authentication, with progress data synchronized back to their club management system.
• Ereignismeldung (Aviation Incident Reporting Portal) A reporting portal for aviation incidents and safety events, integrated with the European ECCAIRS system managed by EASA. Pilots can submit reports directly to German authorities (BFU, LBA) or the EASA portal.
• ICAO Sprachkompetenzprüfungen (ICAO Language Proficiency Examinations) English language proficiency testing service for pilots at ICAO levels 4, 5, and 6, conducted by approximately 150 authorized examiners across Germany. Tests are offered both at regional locations and during the AERO Friedrichshafen trade fair.
• Luftsportgeräte-Büro (LSG-B) The Luftsportgeräte-Büro (LSG-B) serves as the federal authority's representative for ultralight aircraft, parachuting, and large model aircraft. It handles certifications, approvals, and examinations, staffed by six full-time and part-time personnel.
• Luftraumdaten (Airspace Data Services) Provides airspace use plans (AUP), flight restrictions, and airspace data for pilots. Includes the 'Alles Flusi' safety information portal covering airspace navigation and safety procedures.
• BFL-Lehrgang (Bodenflight-Leader Training Course) A 5-day in-person training course for Bodenflight leadership (BFL) offered at the Braunschweig Bundesgeschäftsstelle. Priced at EUR 735 for DAeC club members and EUR 935 for non-members (plus 19% VAT); minimum 7, maximum 12 participants.
• Aero Club News Monthly 8-page newsletter published as an insert in the aerokurier magazine, covering DAeC activities, competitions, and German aviation sports news. Available as PDF download for non-subscribers.

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Deutscher Olympischer Sportbund (DOSB)coreOthersDAeC is a member of the DOSB (German Olympic Sports Confederation), the umbrella organization for German sports, providing representation and legitimacy in the German sports ecosystem.
• Europe Air Sports (EAS)coreOthersDAeC is a member of Europe Air Sports, the association of national aero clubs in Europe, providing international representation and coordination.
• Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI)coreOthersDAeC is a member of the FAI, the World Air Sports Federation, providing global representation for air sports in international competitions and standards.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom: The UK's national aero club and a direct national-counterpart to DAeC, coordinating multiple air-sports disciplines, competitions, and representation to UK authorities and FAI.
• Deutscher Motor Sport Bund (DMSB): Germany's national motorsport federation and a structural peer: a DOSB-recognized umbrella federation organizing competitions, licensing officials, and representing the sport to authorities. Compares to DAeC on federation model rather than sport discipline.
• Deutscher Segler-Verband (DSV): Germany's national sailing federation. A DOSB-recognized umbrella federation combining elite sport, youth development, training standards, and political advocacy — a close structural and operational analogue to DAeC in another recreational sporting domain.
• Deutscher Fallschirmsportverband (DFV): The independent German parachuting federation covering a discipline also organized within DAeC via its Fallschirmsportvereine. Comparable as a national air-sport federation with overlapping constituency and competition organization.
• Deutscher Hängegleiterverband (DHV): Germany's national hang-gliding and paragliding federation, overlapping with DAeC's Drachen- und Gleitschirmvereine member segment. Comparable as a discipline-specific national air-sport federation offering training, certification, and safety services.
• Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Germany: The German AOPA affiliate representing general aviation pilots. Comparable as a German national pilot/air-sports association with parallel advocacy, training, and airspace representation functions, although focused more on powered GA than DAeC's full multi-discipline remit.

Others

• AERO Friedrichshafen (Messe Friedrichshafen): The annual general-aviation trade show where DAeC maintains a major presence. Comparable as a key channel and industry convener that DAeC uses for member acquisition, partnerships, and brand visibility in German air sports.
• Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA): Germany's federal aviation authority, which delegates certain LSG-B functions to DAeC. Comparable as the regulator counterpart with which DAeC maintains a mandated relationship for pilot and ultralight licensing.

Broad incumbents

• Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI): The global governing body for air sports, of which DAeC is a national member. Comparable as a federation coordinating air-sports disciplines, standards, and competitions at the international level rather than a national umbrella.
• Europe Air Sports (EAS): European association of national aero clubs, of which DAeC is a member. Comparable as a higher-tier federation representing national aero clubs' interests in EU policy and aviation regulation.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/daecev
• Facebookfacebook.com/daecev
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/deutscher-aero-club-e-v-

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Deutscher Aero Club