Welcome:
PILOT SCHOOLS IN SWITZERLAND – Read this post to learn how to choose a pilot school or complete your training in another country when coming from Israel or planning to study in Switzerland. There are several factors to consider when choosing a pilot school, not only the type of airplanes you will fly and the registration certificate of the school from the civil aviation authority, but also the cost of training, living expenses, and weather conditions of the place.
Weather and lifestyle in this country can impact the overall training progress, but once you find a good pilot school, it is important to plan effectively. This includes considering the options available to ensure you can continue training in the right way.
Admission:
Admission is one of the first stages in communication with a pilot school. It helps determine how to proceed with training, providing guidance on what courses to take, preparing a budget, and helping you apply for a student visa if you plan to study abroad. A good understanding of English is essential to be admitted into a pilot school.
The following pilot schools in Switzerland are available:
- EFOS Flight
- Flugschule Grenchen
- Swiss Aviation Training LTD
- Flugsportgruppe Grenchen
- Fly 7 Executive Aviation SA
- Air Espace Flight Academy
- AVIATIS FTO
- Horizon Swiss Flight Academy
- Wings Level
Ground School:
Ground school provides classroom-based instruction where students learn the theoretical subjects required to become a pilot. This training follows a syllabus based on European JAR FCL regulations, or according to EASA and ICAO guidelines.
Students are taught by certified instructors and use computer software during training. Upon completion of the theory portion, students must pass written exams, typically with a passing grade of at least 75%. Ground school is essential for learning basic principles, and this phase is important before moving on to actual flying lessons.
Single Engine Airplane:
Single-engine airplanes, such as Cessna and Piper, are commonly used for initial flight training. They provide a great way for student pilots to start learning basic flying skills. The training typically requires 15 to 20 hours of dual instruction before a student can fly solo.
A private pilot license (PPL) or commercial pilot license (CPL) can be obtained through single-engine aircraft training. If you’re planning to continue to multi-engine training, this course provides the foundation for the next steps.
Multi Engine Airplane:
Once you have completed single-engine training, you can progress to multi-engine training. Multi-engine aircraft such as Piper, Tecnam, Cessna, and Diamond are often used for this stage. These planes are equipped with more complex systems, including variable-pitch propellers and retractable landing gear, which require advanced skills.
Multi-engine training is necessary for those pursuing a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and for aspiring airline pilots. Completing this training prepares students for a wide range of flying conditions and makes it easier to enter the aviation industry.
Simulator:
Simulators are an important part of flight training, especially for Instrument Rating (IR) courses. They allow students to practice flying under various conditions, such as bad weather or engine failure, without the risks of flying in an actual airplane.
A simulator can replicate real flight conditions and help students learn flight procedures. It is essential for training courses such as Instrument Rating or Type Rating. If a pilot school does not have a simulator, this may affect the availability of specific courses, such as IR training.
License:
A pilot’s license is essential to fly an airplane legally. It serves as proof of a pilot’s qualifications and is required to apply for jobs in aviation. Students in Switzerland can obtain various licenses:
- Private Pilot License (PPL): Allows private, non-commercial flying.
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Allows flying for compensation or hire.
- Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): The highest level of certification for airline pilots.
After completing a course and passing the exams, students can apply for a license through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). In Switzerland, the license is issued according to the standards set by EASA.
Rating:
A rating is an additional qualification added to a pilot’s license. Ratings allow a pilot to fly in specific conditions, such as at night or under instrument flight rules (IFR).
Ratings are obtained through a combination of written and practical exams, with the most common ratings being Night Rating and Instrument Rating. For more advanced flying, Type Ratings may be required to operate specific aircraft, which involves additional training on particular airplane types.
Special Training:
Special training can be required to develop skills for flying certain types of aircraft or performing specific maneuvers. For example, aerobatic training or formation flying may be pursued by pilots interested in stunt flying or participating in airshows.
While there are no specific flying clubs in Switzerland, other types of special training include skydiving or glider flying. In some cases, pilots pursue Instructor Ratings to teach others how to fly, which provides both experience and job opportunities.
Conclusion:
When choosing a pilot school in Switzerland, there are several important factors to consider: the cost of training, the type of aircraft used, and whether the school is certified by the civil aviation authority. It’s important to ensure the school meets international standards for licensing, such as EASA and ICAO guidelines. Additionally, you should also take into account living expenses and the local weather conditions, as these can affect the overall training experience.
Make sure to do thorough research on available pilot schools, and if you’re considering studying abroad, choose a country with favorable training conditions and a recognized civil aviation authority.