Welcome:
PILOT SCHOOLS IN BULGARIA – Take a closer look at how to choose the best pilot school in Bulgaria, including an overview of courses and explanations that will help you make a well-informed decision on where and how to get started with pilot training. Bulgaria’s location and favorable weather conditions support flight operations year-round, making it an ideal destination for flight training. The cost of living is affordable, and international students are welcomed. Many people travel to Bulgaria for pilot training because of the favorable academic environment.
Admission:
Admission is the process of communicating with a pilot school, often through email or smartphone apps, to receive information and make arrangements for training. Whether the pilot school is located in Bulgaria or abroad, information provided will be based on ICAO rules and regulations concerning flight crew licenses. This stage often includes making decisions about course options, budgeting, and planning.
Some of the pilot schools in Bulgaria offering pilot training include:
- Private College of Transportation (PCT)
- Bulgarian Aeronautical Centre
- Air Sport
- Rebus Fly
- Breeze Aviation
- Sofia Flight Training ATO
- Bulgarian Aviation Academy
- Flight School Olimpia Air
- Institute of Air Transport
Ground School:
Ground school provides the theoretical knowledge necessary to understand aviation and prepare for flight training. Subjects taught in ground school help students become familiar with the principles of flight, aircraft systems, instruments, and navigation. Students attend classes in classrooms, where they are guided by certified flight instructors. After completing theoretical studies, students must pass written exams with a score of around 75%. Ground school is a fundamental step before moving on to practical flight training.
Single Engine Airplane:
Single-engine airplanes, such as the Cessna 172 or Piper models, are commonly used for initial flight training. These airplanes are ideal for learning the basics of flying. Training involves flight preparation, dual instruction (with an instructor), and solo flights. Students typically work on both visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument procedures. After completing this stage, students can obtain Private Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and progress to more advanced training.
Multi-Engine Airplane:
Multi-engine airplanes are used for advanced flight training and are essential for those looking to pursue careers with airlines. Learning to fly multi-engine aircraft introduces more complex procedures, such as managing more than one engine, handling the aircraft under various conditions, and navigating with instruments. The training includes dual instruction with an instructor and involves flying larger aircraft like Piper, Cessna, or Diamond. After completing multi-engine training, students can move on to further certifications like a Type Rating for specific aircraft used by commercial airlines.
Simulator:
Simulators are crucial tools for training, especially for instrument rating courses. Flight simulators allow students to practice flying procedures without being in the air, making it easier to understand and master complex techniques. Students can train on the simulator before attempting to apply these skills during actual flights. A good flight school should have access to simulators for instrument rating and other complex training scenarios, as they greatly enhance the learning process.
License:
In Bulgaria, pilot licenses are issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. To obtain a license, students must pass both written and practical exams. There are different levels of licenses that can be obtained, starting with the Private Pilot License (PPL), followed by the Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and eventually the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). These licenses are recognized in other countries, and students can easily convert their Bulgarian license to an ICAO-standard license for use internationally.
Rating:
Ratings are qualifications that can be added to a pilot’s license. These ratings enable pilots to fly under specific conditions, such as Instrument Rating (IR), which allows a pilot to fly based solely on instruments, or Night Rating, which qualifies a pilot to fly during nighttime. These ratings are essential for pilots who want to fly for commercial airlines, as many companies require instrument and night ratings. After completing the necessary training and passing exams, pilots can add these ratings to their licenses.
Special Training:
Special training is designed for pilots to gain expertise in specific areas, such as flying different types of airplanes or performing advanced maneuvers. For example, Class Ratings allow pilots to fly specific aircraft types, and Type Ratings are needed to fly larger commercial aircraft. Additionally, some flight schools may offer training to become a flight instructor, which is a common career progression for experienced pilots. While specialized flight activities like sport flying, formation flying, and skydiving are not available in Bulgaria, pilots can pursue these activities abroad.
Conclusion:
Choosing a pilot school in Bulgaria involves carefully considering the school’s accreditation, the types of aircraft they use, and the availability of advanced training options. The country offers a range of pilot schools and training options, but students may also need to travel abroad for advanced courses or specific ratings. While Bulgaria is an affordable and practical destination for initial training, students looking to pursue a career as an airline pilot will need to consider additional training in other countries. However, Bulgaria remains an excellent place to start a successful aviation career, thanks to its supportive training environment and welcoming international community.