#about

airBaltic Training Pilot Academy
is the right choice for you to become a
professional airline pilot!

Airline pilot profession

By joining our training programme, you will be able to develop your European Aviation Transport Pilot Licence (“Frozen” EASA ATPL) within approximately 18 months. Besides, you do not need any previous aviation education or experience to achieve this goal!
More details and starting dates.

Guaranteed job

You’ll be guaranteed a job as a pilot at airBaltic as soon as you’ve been selected for the training programme at Pilot Academy. See more

Financing available

Pilot Academy will assist with documentation if bank loan needed. See more
A single total cost of up to 79 000 euro is applicable for each student. It includes the selection, modern theoretical courses based on computer-based training and self-study, best-in-industry study books on individually allocated iPads, professional instructor-led theoretical classes, simulator and practical flight training, mandatory examinations and, finally, certification and the associated licensing fees. Extra costs apply only if the student fails several examinations and continues the course. The cost does not include living and other subsistence expenses, but we will help with economical accommodation solutions at the best value at your flight training location.
Note. Please take into account that the credit organization will expect a down payment of at least 15 000 euro from personal funds to issue the remaining sum as a loan.

Modern aircraft and professional instructors

You will be flying most modern training aircraft at Pilot Academy, allowing you to transfer your knowledge and skills into the most advanced 21th century airliner flight decks. See more
Pilot Academy will utilize aircraft especially designed and produced for training purposes. They are fitted with the latest generation digital avionics, eco-engines, integrated flight instrument systems with synthetic vision and advanced safety features. These systems are not on the minimum certification requirement list, but bring the training closer to the standards of modern commercial aviation. Likewise, both the single and twin-engine aircraft will ensure a common cockpit environment that will in turn facilitate the study process.
You will be trained by professional instructors who are currently actively flying at airBaltic, and those who are well known specialists in this field, ensuring the necessary focus on the actual requirements and working conditions of a commercial airline pilot.

#programme

Requirements

The minimum requirements for candidates:

- 18 years old or older
- Hold EU/EEA/CH passport
- High school graduate
- Health meets Class 1 Medical Certificate requirements Show more
Before applying, the candidate should make sure that their health meets Class 1 Medical Certificate requirements – the official version is available on the European Aviation Safety Agency’s website, a good explanation is available on the official website of the United Kingdom’s CAA – and should generally conform to high requirements towards a person’s health, thus existing health problems should be strictly self-assessed.
- Excellent written and spoken English knowledge (studies are fully in English)
- No criminal record Show more
Strict security checks apply as access to aerodrome infrastructure is required.
- Ability to swim
- If loan required, clear credit history

Factors that improve candidates chance to succeed:

- High level grades in maths, physics and English
- Interest and experience in aviation
- Good cognitive abilities Show more
    o Quick and precise thinking
    o Highly focused, precise attention
    o High information processing speed
    o Good spatial orientation and understanding
    o Strong logical and mathematical thinking
    o Quick memorization of new information
    o Multitasking capability
- Positive personality traits Show more
    o Good communication skills
    o High self-discipline and self-control
    o Composed and restrained
    o Ability to accept criticism and willingness to improve
    o Leadership skills – capacity to organize, plan, take responsibility
    o Rational decision-making, especially under stress
    o Achievements-oriented
    o Accurate and neat
- Healthy, active lifestyle Show more
Students have to be physically fit to accept long scheduled work hours in the limited space of an aircraft cabin.
- Postitive community impact and feedback

#selection

Selection process

Based of applications 2019/2020 groups selection process is scheduled every month.

In order to ensure maximum success potential for all candidates, a robust selection process of several stages is in place. The stages are as follows:

Consolidation of application documents

Evaluation of applicant’s education and security profile

Group tasks on Pilot Academy premises

Evaluation of teamwork, psychological and cognitive performance

Physical exercise and health capacity evaluation

According to the requirements for aviation transport pilots

Assessment of financial solvency or credit worthiness

Performed in cooperation with the partnering finance
institution chosen by the candidate

Individual assessment of skills and capacities

English, maths and physics skills, cognitive and
spatial orientation capacities

Final interview and decision

#application

Application

Applications are accepted online - just click the button below to get started!

Apply Now

To be considered for 2019/2020 groups of students application must be submitted till December 31, 2019. Earlier applications will have preference in the first selection stage.

The candidate must fill out an electronic application providing the following information, in English:

CV
Motivation letter (200 words maximum)
Written responses to two questions (100 words max. each):
- What are the main characteristics and qualities of an excellent pilot?
- What I have done that makes me a good candidate?
High school statement of grades (including physics, math, and English)
Results of the Centralised or equivalent exams, if available
English knowledge certificate, if available

#program

Training programme in more detail

The training philosophy and execution focuses on effective preparation of professional, high-performing pilots who comply with the workforce requirements of the leading airlines globally today and in the future.

The full study process consists of three principal parts: theoretical classes, simulator sessions, and practical flight training for obtaining the ATPL licence and the associated ratings.

Theoretical training subjects include:
          Air law
          Principles of flight
          Airframes and Systems, Power plant, Electrics
          Instrumentation
          Mass and balance
          Performance
          Flight planning and monitoring
          Meteorology
          General navigation
          Radio navigation
          Operating procedures
          Aircraft operation manuals
          VFR and IFR Communication
          Human performance and limitations
          Multi crew cooperation

Practical training includes:
          Flight and navigation simulator (FNPT II)
          Single engine aircraft flight
          Multi-engine aircraft flight

Upon completing the flight training examinations, the cadet becomes a licensed Commercial pilot with Multi Engine Instrument Rating* and ATPL frozen, as prescribed by European Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011.
With this licence and rating the pilot is ready to start Type Rating on the desired type of airplane.

*CPL(A) licence with the following ratings, certificates and privileges:
- SEP (land)
- MEP (land)
- ME IR (A)
- ICAO English, Level 4 or higher endorsement.

Autumn groups of students start the theoretical classes on September. Spring groups of students start the theoretical classes on March. Selection for a group starts three months before the study start and practical flight training starts in two months from start of theoretical classes, after a successful completion of the theoretical studies.

Note. The exact duration of the course depends on the cadet’s individual performance, and the availability of specific meteorological conditions; the average duration of the full training cycle is about 18 months.

Separate courses are organized for candidates who have already completed the initial parts of pilot training in other training organizations. Such modular training process involves preparation of a customized study plan to account for the previous training and cover the missing modules, ratings, and licences, and the total fee will be calculated individually.

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Location

The theoretical studies will take place in Riga, on the premises of the airBaltic Training centre at Riga International Airport, Pilotu iela 6. Since 2010, airBaltic Training operates in a building specifically designed and constructed for aviation training purposes, located within the territory of the largest airport in the Baltics – Riga Airport – and these premises will be used for the Pilot Academy training programme.

The practical flying is planned to be based at Liepāja Airport, as it is well suited for a training environment. It has the necessary instrument approaches, flexible airspace, neighbouring airports for cross-country flights, good city infrastructure and accommodation and rest opportunities. airBaltic Training Pilot Academy will help to arrange overnight stays at student dormitories at reduced rates

About the company

airBaltic Training is the educational subsidiary of airBaltic – the leading flag carrier in the Baltic states. airBaltic Training was founded in 2010, and has served as an educational stepping stone for hundreds of aviation professionals, so far mostly pilots and cabin crew. airBaltic Training offers a full span pilot education, encompassing both the theoretical and practical parts of training.