PILOT SCHOOLS IN SRI LANKA
: Asian Aviation Centre
: Skyline Aviation
: Red Bird Aviation Flight Training Academy
: Open Skies Flight Training Centre
: Lakwin Aviation Pvt LTD
Pilot Training in Sri Lanka
Welcome! Read useful information on how to choose a good pilot school anywhere, even though there may be no pilot school currently operating in Sri Lanka that offers professional training to become a successful airline pilot. It is recommended to start training with any course currently available from a nearby pilot school, which can help save on living costs, transportation, and visa fees, all of which add to the overall cost of training.
The weather conditions in Sri Lanka are generally good, supporting flight operations for small aircraft. This makes it an ideal location to train for flying, with well-controlled operations. Living costs and accommodation are affordable, even for international students in the capital city.
Admission: The admission process is designed to guide prospective pilots on how to start their training. It includes communications with the pilot school via email or phone and involves discussions on course options, training costs, and how to complete your desired level of pilot certification. Regulations for obtaining licenses are based on the Sri Lankan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and comply with ICAO standards, ensuring that licenses are recognized internationally. Although there is no active pilot school in Sri Lanka, there are options available abroad under similar regulations.
Ground School: Ground school covers all the theoretical subjects necessary for pilot training. It involves classroom lessons that prepare students for their written exams, which are a key part of pilot certification. The syllabus covers subjects such as aviation law, meteorology, navigation, and aircraft systems. The classes are typically led by qualified instructors, and the course materials include books, computer-based training software, and other resources to help students succeed in their exams. It is important to ensure that the pilot school provides a solid ground school curriculum that prepares students for both exams and flight training.
Single Engine Airplane: Single-engine airplanes are the most common type of aircraft used in initial pilot training. These airplanes are lightweight, have fewer instruments, and are easier to control, making them ideal for beginners. After a few hours of dual instruction, a student pilot can be ready to fly solo. The Cessna 172 is a widely used single-engine aircraft, but other models may be available as well. This type of training is usually more affordable and provides students with the necessary skills to obtain their private pilot license (PPL).
Multi-Engine Airplane: After gaining experience with a single-engine airplane, students can progress to multi-engine aircraft. These airplanes have more complex systems, such as variable pitch propellers and retractable landing gear. Training on a multi-engine airplane allows pilots to gain the necessary skills to operate larger aircraft, often used by airlines. Completing this training, along with obtaining a commercial pilot license (CPL), prepares pilots for airline jobs. The availability of multi-engine training at a school is an important factor when choosing a place to study.
Simulator: Flight simulators are widely used in pilot training, especially for instrument rating courses. They allow pilots to practice procedures in a controlled environment without the cost of actual flight time. Some pilot schools in Sri Lanka may have simulators available for training, particularly for instrument flying. If simulators are not available, other methods of training can be used, but having access to a simulator makes the training process more efficient and realistic.
License: A pilot’s license is issued by the civil aviation authority of the country where the training was completed. In Sri Lanka, the CAA follows ICAO standards, which makes Sri Lankan pilot licenses recognized internationally. The types of licenses available include private pilot license (PPL), commercial pilot license (CPL), and airline transport pilot license (ATPL). Once a student has completed their training and passed their exams, they can apply for their license from the CAA, which may take a few days to process.
Rating: Ratings are additional qualifications that pilots can add to their license to gain more experience and qualifications in different flying conditions. Some common ratings include instrument rating (IR), night rating, and multi-engine rating. These ratings are important for pilots who want to work for airlines, as they provide the necessary skills to fly safely in a variety of conditions, including at night or in bad weather.
Special Training: Special training is required for pilots who wish to advance their careers, such as obtaining a type rating for a specific aircraft or becoming a flight instructor. This additional training helps pilots increase their qualifications and improve their chances of being hired by airlines. Special training also includes courses on flying different types of aircraft, such as tailwheel airplanes or aerobatic planes, which can be useful for specific jobs in aviation.
Conclusion: Choosing a pilot school involves carefully considering the available options and ensuring that the school provides the necessary training and resources to meet the desired certification level. In Sri Lanka, while there may not currently be a pilot school offering full training programs, international options are available. It’s important to consider factors such as training costs, the quality of the school’s facilities, and the qualifications of the instructors.
Investing in pilot training requires careful planning, but it offers a rewarding career for those who are dedicated and able to afford the costs of training.