Aviation academy
Airline Commercial Private Certified Pilot
Become an airplane pilot in 4 steps
How to become aircraft pilot in Europe?
- 1.Select the intended license: If you have a passion for flying aircraft, you should decide whether you want to do it for personal purposes or to pursue a career in aviation as a commercial pilot or airline pilot.
- 2.Choose the adequate training program: Study the differences between each programme and decide which one best suits your goals. Contact us if you have any questions, and we will send you the most relevant information.
- 3.Complete the admission assessments: You will be required to complete the following evaluations: a personal and behavioural characteristics assessment, a cognitive aptitude admission test, an English language proficiency assessment, and an individual interview.
- 4.Medical Exam: Before starting your training, you will need to undergo a comprehensive medical examination. You must obtain an initial Class 1 or Class 2 Medical Certificate issued by a certified aeromedical examiner and approved by the national civil aviation authority (ANAC). This examination is available at UCS and Hospital Lusíadas.
About IFA – International Flight Academy
We are a flight school certified by ANAC, Portugal’s National Civil Aviation Authority, in compliance with EASA regulations.
As aviation specialists, we have trained hundreds of pilots over the past 28+ years, many of whom are now flying for airlines across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
At IFA Aviation Academy, we offer modular, integrated, and continuous pilot training programmes, allowing each student to progress at a pace that suits their individual needs and circumstances.
Not sure how to become a pilot? Contact us!
- Reliable and modern aircraft - IFA operates aircraft such as the Cessna 172 G1000, Grumman, and Pipistrel Explorer, all of which are globally recognised benchmarks in pilot training.
- EASA certified maintenance – All aircraft are maintained by EASA-approved technicians, ensuring maximum safety and performance on every flight.
- Glass Cockpit equipped airplanes – Modern technology that prepares students for the digital flight decks of commercial airlines.
- High Operational Availability – An extensive and well-managed fleet that enables schedules to be maintained and waiting times to be minimised.
- Realistic Training Experience – Aircraft used in a professional training environment, with performance and instrumentation similar to those found in commercial operations.
- European Safety Standards – IFA strictly follows EASA Part-ML and ANAC regulations, ensuring safe, controlled, and certified flight operations.
IFA's flight bases operations in Portugal
IFA offers three centres of excellence for pilot training in Portugal, strategically located to ensure maximum accessibility, educational quality, and operational efficiency. Each of our bases has been carefully selected and developed to support different stages of pilot training, adapting to the specific requirements of each phase of the learning journey.
From ideal environments for initial flight training to advanced facilities for more complex exercises, our locations provide a comprehensive, safe, and high-quality training experience.
This geographical and operational diversity enables us to deliver integrated training with extensive exposure to different flight scenarios and real-world conditions – key factors in preparing highly qualified pilots for the global aviation industry.
– Operations and Advanced Training Centre
– Prime location just 20 minutes from Lisbon
– Modern airport with high slot availability
– Integrated FNPT-II simulators and VR technology
– Comprehensive facilities for Type Rating and MCC training
– Favourable weather and year-round VFR/IFR operations
– Quick access to airlines and commercial aviation decision-making centres
– Cosmopolitan environment and high-quality hotel infrastructure
– Calm training environment, ideal for maintaining full focus
– Lower air traffic volume, making it ideal for intensive flight training
– Optimised operating costs
– Spacious facilities dedicated to Ground School and briefings
– Excellent environment for students at the beginning of their training
– Responsive and personalised local support
– Welcoming community with a low cost of living
– Practical training focused on efficiency and accessibility
– Strategic location in northern Portugal, with easy access to Porto and Galicia
– VFR operations in uncomplicated airspace
– High availability for training flights
– Strong coordination with local authorities and functional infrastructure
– Lower cost of living and excellent value for money
– Experienced local team dedicated to practical flight training
Pilot courses
Everything you need at every stage of your training
By strategically distributing its training centres, IFA is able to offer:
- Continuous training without operational interruptions
- Logistical flexibility for both national and international students
- Cost optimisation without compromising quality
- Close proximity to airlines and career opportunities
Step by step to the Cockpit:
4 main steps to reach the commercial or airline pilot licenses
Select the course
Theoretical training
Flights and simulators
Type Rating (optional)
Would you like to visit one of our training centres?
You can schedule a personalised visit to any of our bases in Portugal!
Start your journey as a private or commercial pilot
Take a look at some of the pilot training courses you should consider.
Being a pilot is more than a profession – it is a way of life. With global demand for new Captains continuing to grow, now is the ideal time to invest in your career in the skies. IFA prepares you for a demanding market with comprehensive, (EASA) certified, and airline-oriented training.
Integrated ATPL(A)
The Advanced Integrated ATPL program is the fastest route to obtaining a commercial pilot licence, allowing you to apply for positions with airlines.
Modular ATPL(A)
The Modular ATPL program allows you to obtain your professional pilot licence at a measured pace and with a phased investment.
ATPL(A) + Type Rating
The pathway that will provide you with all the licences required to join an airline as a fully certified pilot.