Pilot Training at Hungarian Universities

Many students choose to pursue pilot training in Hungary due to the advantages it offers. Hungarian aviation schools provide more equipped and cost-effective training compared to flight schools in Turkey and other European countries. In Turkey, prospective pilot students have three main options: cadet programs of specific airlines, aviation departments at universities, or independent flight schools. However, each of these options comes with its disadvantages. Cadet programs may require you to work for the airline for a specified period, and if you cannot fulfill this commitment due to unforeseen circumstances, you may be required to repay the debt in euros. Universities often have high admission requirements and low acceptance rates, coupled with modest tuition fees. Independent flight schools, on the other hand, charge high fees and often only provide an ATPL license upon graduation.

Choosing to study pilot training in Hungary allows you to avoid these issues and graduate with both an ATPL license and an engineering or engineering science diploma. Having an engineering degree is advantageous because being a pilot is a dynamic profession, and you need to prove each year that you can pass a Class 1 medical test and have no health issues that would prevent you from flying or working as a pilot. If you fail this test, your pilot’s license becomes invalid. In such cases, your engineering diploma can come into play, and after determining which field of engineering you want to pursue, you can complete any missing courses and start working as an engineer. Another advantage of studying in Hungary is the simultaneous learning of technical and flight courses. Some schools only offer theoretical courses for the first two years before starting flight training. However, this approach may negatively affect your ability to grasp theoretical concepts and apply them during flights. In Hungary, you begin flying after completing theoretical courses in your first year, and within a year, you reinforce everything you’ve learned through practical flight experience. Your flights and classes progress simultaneously throughout the program.

In total, the education program spans seven semesters (3.5 years). During the third semester, you start preparing for the 14 exams required for the ATPL license, which you must pass within 18 months. If you fail an exam, you have the chance to retake it. As for flight training, you start with single-engine Cessna or Tecnam aircraft, and after about 25 hours of flight with experienced pilot instructors, you complete your first solo flight and earn your first stripes. Later, you transition to multi-engine Tecnam aircraft, accumulating approximately 140 hours of flight time. Subsequently, you commence simulator training, which totals 60 hours of flight. You graduate with a minimum of 200 flight hours. After successfully completing all exams (both theory and flight), you earn a Frozen ATPL, indicating that you have met all the necessary conditions to become a pilot except for accumulating 1500 flight hours, which are required for becoming a first officer. You also have the opportunity to obtain an MCC (Multi-Crew Cooperation) license, which involves 50 hours of training in an Airbus 320 simulator. Some schools also offer an Airbus 320 type rating option. Your choice between these options depends on your future plans. After graduation, you will have the chance to find employment anywhere in the world.

In conclusion, studying pilot training in Hungary offers several advantages, including cost-effective and high-quality education, the opportunity to earn an ATPL license alongside an engineering degree, and a curriculum that combines theoretical and practical learning. By pursuing aviation education in Hungary, you can take significant steps toward becoming a successful pilot.