Structure

For pilots, the sky is not the limit

The profession of aircraft piloting is unique in the world because the sun is always shining even when only the clouds are visible from the ground.

In the Aircraft Piloting curriculum, students specialise as either an airplane or helicopter pilot.

Students apply for Aircraft Piloting curriculum and choose the specialisation during the second year.

PROGRAMME DETAILS

This curriculum is taught exclusively in Estonian in a form of daytime studies.

The study period is 4 years, and if one studies full-time, the study is free.

We welcome foreign students through Erasmus+ programme or to study in our international programmes.

CURRICULUM

The students of the Aircraft Piloting curriculum receive a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) along with the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) theoretical competency, and a degree in higher education. Once graduated, they:

have a comprehensive understanding of the instruments and navigation devices on board;
serve as radio operators for communication with air traffic controllers;
can assess upcoming weather conditions and know how to make necessary fuel calculations;
are skilled in teamwork since, in addition to managing the aircraft, they also need to lead the onboard crew.

ADMISSIONS

What is necessary to apply?

State exam in Sciences

Result of the broad state exam in mathematics.

We only take into account the results of Estonian state exams. The required results cannot be replaced by foreign exam results. We also consider state exams in mathematics or physics taken before 2014.

Occupational suitability test (personality and ability test)

Carried out only in Estonian.

Interview

Carried out only in Estonian.

Health assessment (must receive an appropriate assessment)

The admission to Aircraft Piloting curriculum requires a health assessment. Prior to that, a certificate and an extract from the outpatient card from the family doctor, as well as a radiological examination, are required.

Skills of the language of study and English (must receive an appropriate assessment)

The knowledge of the Estonian language must correspond to at least the level of language proficiency B2 defined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Language skills.

English language skills must correspond to at least level B2 defined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Language skills.

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LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

About the studies

For flight training, single-engine aircraft Cessna 152 and Cessna 172, as well as the twin-engine aircraft Piper PA-31 Navajo, are used. For helicopter flight training, a two-seat Robinson R22 helicopter is used.

To build teamwork and practice handling dangerous situations, modern aircraft and helicopter simulators are used.

In the helicopter piloting specialization, students complete 165 hours (incl. 40 hours on the simulator), and in the aircraft piloting specialization, 215 hours (incl. 55 hours on the simulator) of flight training.

Estonian Aviation Academy has a very good student and lecturer ratio (9.6 students per lecturer), which enables us to provide personal and higher-quality teaching in a friendly environment.

Our campus is situated next to Tartu Airport, you can have a closer look by clicking on our virtual tour.

POST-STUDY

Upon graduation, the acquired licenses, skills and broad-based knowledge in the field provide various career options in the aviation industry. The alumnus may pursue a career in the sky as well as on the ground, from being a commercial airline pilot to becoming an entrepreneur or finding employment elsewhere in the aviation sector, for instance as a flight instructor or flight operations manager.

Additionally, after completing the studies, the alumnus can continue their education at the master's level in other universities both in Estonia and abroad.

Over 1000 alumni have graduated from the academy, many of whom are now pilots with well-regarded airlines, top-level engineers, airline executives in airports, airlines, and government agencies.

Today, the graduates are shaping the future of aviation both in Estonia and abroad.

The future of aviation starts here!

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Aviation, the field where extraordinary people are working, was a great childhood dream of mine. Commencing my studies at the Estonian Aviation Academy was the first step on the career ladder in the aviation. In addition to the diploma, I learned that despite some setbacks you need to take risks and consistently pursue your goals.

Alina Preobrazhenskaya
Alumnus, Flight Dispatcher at Diamond Sky

In addition to acquiring specialist skills, I gained a brilliant insight into the aviation industry here at Estonian Aviation Academy. Therefore, I am completely at home in aviation and it has greatly facilitated working in different aviation-related occupations.

Koit Kaskel
Alumnus, Rector of the Estonian Aviation Academy