The Benefits of Studying in Europe to Become an Airline Pilot
As we move into 2023, the aviation industry is seeing some significant changes. As careers are booming, it’s now easier than ever before to become a successful airline pilot. With well-appointed flight schools, highly-skilled instructors and a diverse airline community, let’s take a look at the benefits of studying to become a pilot in one of the most sought-after areas of the world, Europe.
If you are interested in becoming an Airline pilot, it’s no secret that Europe is at the heart of successful flight training, as it is home to some of the world’s leading major airlines. This can make it especially important to choose the right flight school for the best chances of success with your endeavours. Europe is the destination to beat with beautiful, consistent weather conditions that are perfect for training year-round, but there’s much more to it than clear skies and sunshine. Some of the top benefits include:
- Comprehensive flight courses that meet EU-approved standards
- The European flight training market is set to grow, with an expected compound annual growth rate of over 5% between 2023 and 2028 (according to Mordor Intelligence) meaning more advanced and constantly evolving courses to meet the new standards.
- Highly-regulated, modern training programs and facilities, as flight schools work to meet demand with the projected pilot shortage
- According to IATA, overall travel numbers are likely to reach 4 billion in 2024, based on the recovery of 41.7% of 2019 revenue passenger-kilometres in 2021 to 68.5% in 2022, so pilots are now more in demand than ever before
- Leading European flight schools like Egnatia Aviation have a 95.7% employment rate, with alumni flying for airlines in 61 different countries around the world
- A unique way to combine the highest quality of training with traveling the world and experiencing new things
Outstanding European facilities
European flight training programs are some of the most extensive available, with advanced aircraft, flight simulators and facilities, so that trainee pilots can experience the most realistic aviation environments and flying scenarios available before they step onto the tarmac as qualified pilots.
For example, Egnatia Aviation operates from one of the most well-equipped airports in southern Europe; Kavala International Airport (KVA/LGKV). With high-end facilities to support Visual and Instrument Flight training including VOR/DME and NDB locators, the new Alsim ALX simulators and the most modern Diamond fleet in Europe, cadets can expect an in-depth, authentic understanding of training at all levels. To further support pilot demand, Egnatia now owns its very own “Lydia” aerodrome, where the first 62 flight days have already been completed. Since its instalment and operations approval, a total of 565 flights and 894 flight hours have been conducted.
Access to experienced instructors
When you learn that flight instructors are required to have several years of experience as fully trained and licenced pilots before they can begin training for their position, you’ll see that there is a significant level of hands-on understanding in the niche to support academic qualifications. This is not the case for many industries, so new cadets in European flight schools will have unrivalled access to real-world knowledge and practical skills that surpass simply learning how to fly.
All pilots (and therefore instructors) are expected to have a host of soft skills to enhance their capabilities when flying, including a calm demeanor, a level head in the face of unpredictable circumstances, adaptability, excellent judgment and good interpersonal and communication skills.
Egnatia has 42 internationally trained, expert instructors that work with a host of highly-skilled industry personnel, to provide students with a top-tier education and mentor-based support throughout their studies. Thus, our experts ensure that whoever wants to become a pilot in Europe can count on Egnatia Aviation.
Diverse cultures in aviation
Aviation is one of the most culturally diverse industries, in terms of both the work environment and the clientele. This means that it can be a good idea to study abroad to broaden your horizons and gain some additional skills that you may otherwise miss out on. Airlines will be looking for adaptability and the ability to communicate well with people of other cultures, alongside open-mindedness, independence and confidence, thus undertaking your education in Europe can be a great addition to your CV. A 2014 study by the European Commission suggests that those studying abroad have better employment records and are more attractive when hiring over those who studied at home. Egnatia is one of the most inclusive and diverse aviation schools in Europe and as they have over 2,550 pilots trained so far, their ethos is certainly doing just that.
Our international graduates fly for airlines in 61+ countries.
Networking opportunities
When training to become a pilot, it can be important to meet other aspiring pilots, network and make connections with professionals in the airline industry. Egnatia is not only the winner of many international awards, but it also has worldwide recognition thanks to its participation in global conferences and workshops that bring the industry together.
They regularly attend the European Airline Training Symposium (or EATS), Athens Flying Week, the Pilot Careers Live exhibition, the International Association of Aviation Personnel Schools (IAAPS) meetings, industry workgroups and major airshows around the world (including the Dubai Airshow). Also, they actively participate with dedicated presentations that attract a large audience in Pilot Expo; Europe’s largest event dedicated to flight crew recruitment and training.
International recognitions
Pilot licensing regulations are well standardised for the member states of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and a European pilot’s license has international recognition, so those studying with Egnatia will have access to a host of advanced courses to become a professional airline pilot.
Is it time to sign up for a flight school in Europe and become a professional airline pilot?
It’s no secret that when you want to study in Europe to become an airline pilot, Egnatia Aviation is one of the leading flight schools in the industry. Pilots have one of the highest job satisfaction levels; in fact, this role falls into the top 17% of careers worldwide according to The Healthy Journal. Pilots gain a unique perspective on global travel, and it is one of the most unique and fulfilling ways to explore the world. With well-appointed facilities, a range of training courses, highly-skilled instructors, fantastic success stories and so much more, the choice should be easy.