Széchenyi István University to Launch Pilot Training Program

The Széchenyi István University of Győr (northwestern Hungary) is launching a new training course to prepare students to fly large passenger aircraft. The training will start in February 2025, in partnership with Wizz Air airline, Világgazdaság reports.

“Air passenger transport is one of the sectors with a significant labor shortage across Europe. Recognizing this, Széchenyi István University will launch pilot training from February 2025, for which it has won a partner such renowned airline as Wizz Air, with a fleet of 200 aircraft flying on more than 500 routes,” the university announced.

Kata Némethné Farkas, head of the university’s Center for Adult Education and Competence Development, said that the training is open to applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree in any field. Those with a degree in engineering are qualified as aircraft operations engineers, while those with other degrees are qualified as aircraft operations specialists.

Recruitment is subject to a Class 1 medical certificate at the medical fitness examination. Candidates are not required to have any prior knowledge of flying.

The three-semester English language course is very intensive and, in addition to the theoretical part, includes a lot of practical elements, both simulator and live flight exercises.

The total tuition fee for this highly practical, equipment-intensive course is EUR 95,000 (or approximately HUF 37 million).

The university notes that this amount may seem exorbitant at first sight, but it could be covered entirely by student loans. The pilot’s license can pay for itself in a few years, as the pilots who graduate from the school have a better chance of finding a job with Wizz Air thanks to the university’s professional cooperation, they add.

The theoretical training will take place in the university’s renovated dormitory in Győr, where students will be offered accommodation on request. The building will also house a state-of-the-art aircraft simulator for continuous training. The flying lessons will be carried out at Győr-Pér Airport in brand new digitally instrumented aircraft.

The students will become pilots capable of flying large passenger aircraft if they successfully pass the theoretical and practical examinations in the accredited examination system of the aviation authority.

We will provide them with all the knowledge and conditions to do this to the maximum. The diploma and the CPL license issued by the aviation authority will enable the graduates to find a job in this highly sought-after and lucrative profession,” said Zsolt Kovács, Vice President for General and Educational Affairs at Széchenyi István University.

Via Világgazdaság, Featured image: Pexels