Welcome:
PILOT SCHOOLS IN LAOS – Take a closer look at ways to figure out how to deal with chances of getting pilot training done the right way and building relationships that support your training. Based on location, some students in Laos travel abroad to find a place to become pilots, apply for a course, and then conduct their training before converting their licenses when they return home.
A pilot career takes many years to reach a good standard, particularly for those aspiring to command turbo prop or jet engine airplanes used by airline companies, including those flying to Laos. Achieving this requires commitment, hard work, and significant investments to complete training in foreign countries.
Admission:
Admission is the process of building a relationship between a pilot school and new students who are about to begin their training. This step provides full guidance on how to get started with pilot training at a high standard, making use of good opportunities to make informed decisions on where to start your training. It can be a challenging decision for some, but if you can afford the course, it is important to choose wisely. Pilot schools use ICAO regulations or the country’s civil aviation authority rules to admit students. Currently, in Laos, there is only one pilot school available:
- Civil Aviation Flight Training Center
Ground School:
Ground school is an essential part of the training where students gain theoretical knowledge. This stage includes subjects that provide a strong foundation for flying an airplane safely. Instruction is typically conducted in classrooms, and students are guided by certified flight instructors. After completing ground school, students will be prepared for flight lessons. It is also crucial to study independently at home to reinforce the knowledge gained in class. By the end of this phase, students should be ready to take the written exams.
Single Engine Airplane:
In Laos, the Cessna 172 is the primary single-engine airplane used for training. It is widely regarded as one of the best types of aircraft for pilot training due to its availability in many countries, which makes license conversion easier. This aircraft is ideal for learning to fly under visual flight rules (VFR) and is the standard training airplane at many flight schools around the world. After completing training with the Cessna 172, pilots can continue to upgrade their skills by pursuing higher-level certifications and ratings.
Multi-Engine Airplane:
Multi-engine training is essential for those wishing to become airline pilots. It allows students to fly aircraft with more than one engine, and involves additional complexities such as managing more instruments and performing more tasks during flight. Typically, multi-engine training requires a combination of theoretical knowledge and dual instruction hours with an experienced instructor. The cost of training increases with this course, but it is necessary for anyone wanting to pursue a career in airline aviation. Multi-engine training is not currently offered in Laos, so students will need to travel abroad to complete this stage of their training.
Simulator:
Flight simulators are used to help students practice flying using instruments alone, or to simulate various flight conditions such as bad weather or engine failure. They are especially useful for instrument rating training, as they allow pilots to practice without being in the air. It is important to choose a flight school that has a flight simulator to aid in training. In Laos, the Civil Aviation Flight Training Center does have a simulator for training purposes, which helps students practice critical skills before moving on to actual flight training.
License:
A pilot’s license is a crucial document that proves a pilot’s qualifications. Once a pilot completes their training and passes both theoretical and practical exams, they can apply for a license from the relevant civil aviation authority. Since Laos is a member state of ICAO, it is possible for pilots to convert their licenses to any other country that is also a member of ICAO. It is recommended to pursue a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), as this is the most common and marketable license for aspiring airline pilots.
Rating:
Ratings are additional qualifications added to a pilot’s license that allow them to fly in specific conditions. These can include Night Ratings or Instrument Ratings, which are essential for flying under poor visibility or at night. While instrument rating courses are available in Laos, type ratings (for larger aircraft) and multi-engine ratings typically require training abroad. These additional qualifications are essential for pilots who wish to fly for commercial airlines.
Special Training:
Special training helps pilots gain experience and qualifications to operate specific types of aircraft or engage in specialized flying operations. For example, instructors who want to teach others to fly must complete an instructor rating. In Laos, the Civil Aviation Flight Training Center offers basic training, but other specialized training programs (such as flight instructor certifications) may require pilots to go abroad for further training. Activities like sport aviation, formation flights, and skydiving are not currently available in Laos, but they are options in other countries.
Conclusion:
In Laos, there is limited access to flight training, and students wishing to pursue a career as a pilot will most likely need to study abroad. It is essential to research and choose a flight school that meets your needs in terms of cost, quality of training, and future career goals. Although training abroad may involve additional expenses, it provides access to higher-level certifications and specialized training, which are not yet available in Laos.
When returning to Laos after training abroad, pilots can convert their licenses and apply for local or international jobs. With many experienced pilots nearing retirement, there is an increasing demand for new pilots, making now a great time to pursue a career in aviation.