Everything you want to know about amateur pilot retraining in Belarus

2024-10-17 11:57

Retraining for a new type of aircraft is not just a practical step towards professional growth, but also an opportunity to discover new horizons in aviation. But even an experienced pilot may find it difficult and uncomfortable to switch to a new type of aircraft without additional training.

So, how do you do this? And why do you need it as a pilot?

Private pilot retraining is becoming increasingly popular. Many pilots want to retrain to a new type of aircraft to expand their options and have more choice in where, how and what they can fly. It also allows them to improve their professional level, which is especially important for those who want to advance their skills and knowledge. In addition, the retraining process itself is an exciting and fascinating process, giving pilots the opportunity to master the control of yet another aircraft.

There are several flight schools in Belarus that train pilots for their own types of aircraft. In the SkyFly flight club, we train for Aeroprakt A-32 (A-22), the only one of its kind in the country's flight schools.

Reasons for choosing this type of aircraft

Aeroprakt A-32 is a light-engine high-wing aircraft with a panoramic view from the cockpit, allowing you to admire the beauty of nature while flying over it. Safety is always a top priority for a pilot, and this aircraft has an advantage in this regard as well, thanks to its aerodynamic characteristics. Even if the engine fails, It will still be able to glide over a fairly long distance and land successfully on suitable terrain in the absence of a runway.

This airplane is controlled by a special steering wheel called a yoke, like in a civil aviation aircraft, which distinguishes it from other training airplanes, where a joystick is used. But all the maneuvers are performed in the same manner, so the pilot only needs to get used to it and train his muscle memory. The aircraft controls are very responsive, which makes it easy and intuitive to operate.

The advantages of this aircraft are its good flight characteristics, as well as low landing and takeoff speeds. This is great because the aircraft is less dependent on airfield conditions and can land in places other than a runway.

– Artyom, SkyFly cadet.

That is why, in order to feel this difference in aircraft control, learn to work the yoke and enjoy a different view from the cockpit, already practicing pilots go for retraining for other types of aircraft.

Some time ago I decided to learn to fly a high-wing plane. I always wanted to learn to fly both a low-wing and a high-wing aircraft. Simply because they are different airplanes, and I always want to learn something new.

- Artyom, SkyFly cadet.

About the course

For private pilots, retraining for a new type of aircraft is much easier than going through the initial PPL training, because of the experience they already have. This allows them to adapt to new requirements and acquire additional knowledge and skills much faster. As part of the course, cadets study the aerodynamics of the new aircraft, its design and operational systems, as well as flight characteristics. This knowledge helps pilots to better understand the behavior of the aircraft in various conditions and control it effectively. This means that during retraining, pilots can begin to fly new types of aircraft faster and with more confidence.

The retraining course consists of 52 hours of theoretical training and 16 hours of flight training. Depending on how much time you can spare, the entire course can be completed in less than a month.

But usually cadets have a busy schedule, and it also depends on the weather and overall flight conditions. Therefore, in our flying club you can coordinate your schedule individually and practice at a pace convenient for you.

It’s also convenient that when you are retraining, you don’t have to go through the entire volume of training materials again. After all, time is very important when you work or have a family.

- Artyom, SkyFly cadet.

Upon successful completion of the retraining course, you receive additional qualification entry in your PPL for the newly mastered type of aircraft. Now you are fully authorized to fly this type of aircraft. And you don't need to have your own airplane, as you can rent a plane right where you trained.

Considering that there aren’t that many opportunities for amateur pilots in Belarus, this is a great chance to diversify your flights and further explore the world of light aviation.

I heard one of the cadets say: "I have three types of aircraft qualifications in my PPL. Today I fly the Aeroprakt, tomorrow - the Diamond, and the day after - the Viper." This is their life, they have their own like-minded crowd, they constantly brag to each other where they've been, and for what purposes. They are just such passionate people.

- Viktor Slobodskoy, SkyFly pilot instructor.

Reasons for retraining for a new type of aircraft

New exciting opportunities: Mastering different types of aircraft allows you to expand your geographical outreach and fly more complex and interesting routes.
New up-to-date knowledge: Training for a new type of aircraft includes the study of modern technologies and control systems, which improves the overall qualifications of the pilot.
Enhancing your flying skills: Each type of aircraft requires learning new piloting techniques, which contributes to professional growth.
New acquaintances: While training at flight school, you meet like-minded people and establish useful professional connections.
Career opportunities: Learning to fly a new type of aircraft can be the first step to changing your career, including working for different airlines.
In addition, a retraining course will cost you less than the initial training, while providing all the benefits mentioned above.