Where to take an airplane pilot course

Flying is not just a passion, it is an art that requires proper training, knowledge and skills. As a long-time aviation industry expert and owner of GB Aircraft, every day I meet people who dream of taking to the skies. The most common question I am asked is precisely: where to do a course for an airplane pilot? Choosing the right flight school is a key element in the success of a future pilot. In this article, I will share with you my knowledge of the best training centers in Poland, costs, duration and aspects you should pay attention to when choosing where to begin your aviation adventure.

Types of aviation licenses and pilot career paths

Before moving on to choosing a school, it’s worth understanding what types of pilot licenses are available and what kind of career path you’re looking for. In Poland, as in the rest of the European Union, there are three basic types of airplane pilot licenses:

• PPL(A)(Private Pilot Licence) – a tourist license that allows non-commercial flights in single-engine piston aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of up to 5700 kg.
• CPL(A)(Commercial Pilot Licence) – a commercial pilot’s license that allows you to fly commercially. To obtain it, you must complete the ATPL(A) theory course, which includes 120 hours of lecture and 530 hours of self-study, pass theoretical and practical exams, and fly at least 200 hours.
• ATPL(A)(Airline Transport Pilot License) – the highest degree a commercial pilot can obtain in civil aviation. This license allows control of aircraft weighing more than 5.7 tons and carrying more than 9 passengers.

Most would-be pilots start with a PPL(A) license, which they then supplement with additional ratings, such as IR(A) (instrument flight) or MEP(L) (flying multi-engine aircraft).

Where to do an aircraft pilot course – a review of the best schools

In Poland, we have several educational paths for future pilots. You can choose a university, a private aviation school, an aeroclub or an academy run by an airline. Below is a selection of options for 2025:

1. aviation academies run by airlines

LOT Flight Academy is one of the most reputable flight schools in Poland. As part of LOT Polish Airlines, it offers comprehensive training from PPL(A) to ATPL(A). Their 0-ATPL(A) program is the most popular option for academy students. Many graduates have found employment with airlines, including PLL LOT. Training is conducted by instructors who are LOT airline pilots, which guarantees the highest level of preparation.

2. private flight schools

There are several private flight schools on the market with many years of experience:

Bartolini Air – the largest pilot training center in Central Europe and the Polish representative of aircraft manufacturers Tecnam and Daher (TBM). The company is headquartered at Lodz International Airport (EPLL). It offers a modern fleet and also manufactures FNPT II flight simulators.

GoldenWings Flight Academy – a professional pilot training center based at the Warsaw-Babice airport and in Krakow. It has an experienced instructional staff consisting mainly of airline pilots and top sports competitors. The school has an extensive fleet of aircraft, including Cessna and Piper, and holds PART 145, CAMO and AOC certificates.

Ventum Air – a flight school with state-of-the-art training facilities, which has the only Full Motion simulator by Redbird in Poland. It offers a variety of training programs, including 0-ATPL(A), ME/IR/CPL, PPL(A) and beginner courses.

Royal-Star Aero – Aviation Training Center, offering a full training package from PPL(A) to ATPL(A) and a wide range of additional ratings. The school has an extensive aviation fleet and flight simulators.

3. universities

Rzeszow University of Technology and the State Higher Vocational School in Chelm offer aviation majors along with the opportunity to obtain a pilot’s license. Rzeszow University of Technology runs the direction of Aviation and Aerospace Engineering, and the State Higher Vocational School in Chelm runs the specialty of Pilotage.

Interestingly, Poland is the only country in the EU where the best pilot candidates can earn most of their licenses for free thanks to funding from the Ministry of Infrastructure.

4. regional aeroclubs

Local aeroclubs, such as Aeroklub Podkarpacki, Aeroklub Krakowski or Aeroklub Lubelski, also offer an airplane pilot course for a PPL(A) license. They are often a good choice for people who want to fly recreationally or start their aviation adventure at a slightly slower pace.

How to choose the best flight school?

Choosing a flight school is a decision that will affect your entire career. Here are the key aspects you should pay attention to:

1. Certifications and authorizations – check if the school has an ATO (Approved Training Organization) certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Authority.
2. Aircraft fleet – modern aircraft are not only for comfort, but also for safety.
3. Instructor staff – experienced instructors, preferably active airline pilots, will provide you with the highest level of training.
4. Infrastructure and teaching facilities – flight simulators, lecture halls, access to training materials.
5. Alumni reviews – it’s a good idea to see where graduates of a particular school are working and what their training experiences are.
6. Cost and flexibility of training – compare the prices of different schools, but keep in mind that the cheapest option is not necessarily the best.

Cost and duration of aircraft pilot courses

The cost of flight training is significant, but it must be viewed as an investment in the future. The table below shows the approximate costs and duration of courses at different schools:

*For the best candidates in the Ministry of Infrastructure program.

Training for a PPL(A) license includes a minimum of 45 hours of flying, of which 40 hours are flying in the air and 5 hours are simulator exercises. In addition, it is necessary to complete theoretical training, which amounts to about 110 hours of instruction and lectures in 9 curriculum subjects.

Simulators in the process of training pilots

Modern flight simulators are playing an increasingly important role in the pilot training process. At GB Aircraft, we offer state-of-the-art simulator solutions that significantly improve the quality and efficiency of training:

• Alsim simulators – advanced EASA certified flight simulators, ideal for IFR training and emergency procedures
• Frasca simulators – faithfully reproducing the behavior of aircraft of various types
• ELITE systems – compact and modular solutions for smaller training centers
• Simnest – Simulators dedicated to training helicopter pilots
• EDDA Systems – Advanced air traffic control simulators, perfect for training crew-ATC coordination

The use of simulators allows safe practice of emergency procedures that are difficult to simulate in real flight, and significantly reduces training costs.

Trends and future of airplane pilot courses

Observing the aviation training market, there are several clear trends:

1. The rise in popularity of “ab initio” programs – training from zero to an airline pilot’s license, often organized in cooperation with airlines.
2. Virtual reality (VR) in training – already 70% of schools have introduced VR elements into their training programs by 2025.
3. Integration of UAV (drone) training – many pilots supplement their qualifications with drone operator licenses.
4. Ecological aspects of aviation – more and more schools are incorporating electric aircraft into their fleets, such as the PS-28 Cruiser or PS-28N Cruiser, which we offer at GB Aircraft.
5. Expanding training to include helicopters – For pilots looking for versatility, training on helicopters such as the Robinson R44 Raven II or MD 500E, which are also offered by GB Aircraft, is an excellent addition.

GB Aircraft experience and recommendations

As a long-time supplier of aircraft and helicopters to flight schools in Poland, we have a unique perspective on the quality of the training they offer. At GB Aircraft, we especially recommend centers that invest in a modern fleet and simulators, taking care of the safety and comfort of trained pilots. For those planning a career in business aviation, we recommend training courses that also include familiarization with Cruiser or Cessna Citation aircraft, which are also in our offer.

Summary

Choosing the right course to become an aircraft pilot is a decision that requires careful consideration of many factors. The most important points to keep in mind:

1. Determine your aviation goals – do you want to fly recreationally or are you planning a career?
2. Check the certificates and reputation of the flight school – a good school is the foundation of solid training.
3. Pay attention to the aircraft fleet – modern and well-maintained machines are a guarantee of safety.
4. Evaluate the instructional staff – experienced instructors will give you not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical tips.
5. Compare cost and duration of training – but remember that quality is more important than price.

As GB Aircraft, the exclusive representative of many renowned aviation brands in Poland, we offer not only the highest quality aircraft and helicopters, but also comprehensive consulting for flight schools and future pilots. Our long-standing presence in the market allows us to provide expert knowledge in selecting the right equipment for flight training.