FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Clarify your doubts through the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to IFA.
General
Check the calendar on our main page for courses start dates. You can also contact us and we will gladly provide that information.
In Cascais all the courses are available. At the Viseu base the main courses are Integrated ATPL and PPL. The other courses are subject to confirmation. Contact us to know more!
You learn more about us at About Us page. You can also follow IFA’s news, or follow us on social media. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact us!
How To Become a Pilot
Integrated ATPL(A)
- At least 18 years old at the end date of the course,
- High-School diploma or higher,
- Cambridge English B2 First Certificate (minimum) or equivalent for non-European citizens,
- Valid Class I Medical Certificate,
- Assessment,
- Completion and delivery of documentation at IFA,
- May be required a visa for non-European citizens,
- Criminal Record.
Modular ATPL(A)
- At least 18 years old at the end of the course,
- Valid Private Pilot License – PPL(A),
- High-School diploma or equivalent,
- Cambridge English B2 First Certificate (minimum) or equivalent for non-European citizens,
- Valid Class I Medical Certificate,
- Completion and delivery of documentation at IFA,
- May be required a visa for non-European citizens,
- Criminal Record.
PPL(A)
- Minimum of 15 years old at the start date and minimum 17 at the end of the course,
9th grade certificate, - Valid Class II Medical Certificate,
- Completion and delivery of documentation at IFA,
- Criminal Record.
- Medical Exam
- Assessment (Enrollment exam)
If eventually the candidate fails to pass the assessment, one can repeat it. In case the candidate fails the only paid amounts are refunded if the student fails to obtain the Medical Certificate.
The proposed period by IFA is 24 months total for the Integrated ATPL (A) and 18 months for the Modular ATPL (A) and also PPL(A). The Integrated ATPL (A) courses can be taken in a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 36 months, being that after the end of this period one will have to start the course again.
If the student does not pass the exam in the first three attempts allowed by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC), one loses the entire development of his course.
IFA has a partnership with BPI and Caixa Geral de Depósitos for the possibility of credit financing.
Usually, the courses include:
Integrated ATPL(A)
- Courseware
- Student ID card
- Aerodrome access card
- Mathematics and Physics Exams at IFA
- Student uniform
- Flight practical exam
- Skill test
- Reflective vest
- Medical Exam (Initial)
- iPad
- Headsets
- Tablet
- Backpack
- Others
ATPL(A) Modular
E-learning module
- Courseware
- Student ID card
- Reflective vest
- Aerodrome access card
- Others
PPL(A)
- Student ID card
- Courseware
- Reflective vest
- Aerodrome access card
- Others
Generally, the following are not included in the course fees:
- Travels to and from airports,
- Accommodation,
- Meals,
- ANAC Exams (other attempts, no show or repetitions).
Our pilot courses are aimed for all those who want to start a career as an airline pilot, being able to apply for airlines in Europe (EASA). However, they do not necessarily need to be European citizens. All interested parties can take the courses. One only has to provide differentiated and specific documentation for non-European citizens. For non-european students, VISA is required.
There are two options:
- Night course – the Integrated ATPL(A) course runs after work hours.
- For those who already hold a PPL License, it is possible to take the Modular ATPL course, where the theory is carried out in e-learning through CBT (autonomous study), with a low number of required presences.
To become an Airline Pilot, you must hold a valid license accompanied by an equally valid Medical Certificate.
Yes. IFA offers its interested parties the possibility of conducting an experimental flight before entering any pilot course, without any commitment. The flight has a cost of 100 € and approximate 20 minutes of flight time, where the person is accompanied by a flight instructor who can clarify all doubts.
In order to pursue a career as a Pilot, it is necessary to be aged between a minimum of 18 years old to a maximum of 65 years old. After that, one can work as instructor or commercial pilot.
It depends on the requirements of each airline. It can be a minimum of 200 hours or vary to a higher number.
The Airline Pilot License or Commercial Pilot License makes the candidates eligible to apply only to airlines in Europe (EASA). If one wants to practice the profession elsewhere, one must carry out a license conversion.
The after-hours ATPL courses are already available! Contact us to know more.
At IFA, the ATPL course has hours of flight simulator for its advantages and benefits for students. Simulators can be used to prepare students to handle unpredictable or safety-critical tasks. The simulation contributes to the improvement of aviation safety, reduces the impact on the environment and increases the efficiency of instrument flight training and emergencies. The use of FSTD’s also facilitates the measurement of performance in an accurate and efficient manner and there are opportunities to stop, correct and repeat some situations.
Yes. After receiving the license, the student is able to apply for airlines of interest, thus starting his career of choice. You can also choose alternative departures, such as becoming a Flight Instructor or conducting a Type Rating.
The Multiple Crew Cooperation program is mandatory and is the last module to complete the ATPL (A) course. It is also a requirement for admission to a Type Rating course. It has a duration of 2 weeks and the objectives to be developed are: the technical and non-technical components of the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to operate a multiple crew aircraft.
Yes. In order to gain experience and flight hours, IFA offers its students the possibility of performing “time building”, with a monetary value outside the stipulated in the course fee.
Packages costs upon request.
Whether class I or II, the necessary medical certificates can be requested through medical examinations carried out at Hospital dos Lusíadas in Porto or at UCS in Lisbon. They can be renewed up to 45 days before the expiration date.
Renewals available also at Instituto CUF Porto.
You can revalidate the medical exam until 45 days before expiry.
Yes. Anyone who wishes to carry out a Type Rating can do it independently, that is, without being through the means of an airline. For those who want to obtain this specialization right after completing the ATPL course, IFA has available the Zero to Type pack: ATPL + Type Rating.
Pilots
A person who holds a valid Private Pilot License (PPL) and wants to have a professional career as a commercial pilot, has the Modular ATPL course at his disposal. This course is carried out in modules and allows for a phased investment, with completion at the desired pace. Theoretical classes are e-learning, in autonomous study (CBT), with a minimum percentage of mandatory presences.
Yes. If you need a conversion from ICAO / FAA to EASA, IFA can help. After a preliminary study of your case, our team will define a training program based on EASA minimum requirements. Check our dedicated page for conversions.
The PBN course is an essential requirement since 2020. A PBN certification supports the Instrument Rating (IR). With this competence, the pilot will be able to execute, approach and takeoff with RNAV precision.
IFA offers 6 Type Rating training courses: Airbus 320 | Boeing 737 | Boeing 757/767 | Boeing 777 | ATR 42/72 and Embraer 190.
This courses complement the initial pilot training and can add value to your application for an airline.
Instructors
At IFA you can take a course to become a Flight Instructor or TRI/SFI Instructor.
You can find more information about at IRI page.
- The Flight Instructor Course (FI) takes approximately 2 months.
- The Type Rating Flight Instructor (TRI/SFI) takes approximately 2 weeks.
If you are interested in becoming a flight instructor or theoretical instructor at IFA send you Curriculum Vitae (CV) to info@ifa-training.com.
You can also check the available jobs or internships ate our Human Resources page.
Cabin Crew
The course is an intensive theoretical-practical program of 3 weeks, from 09:30h to 18:00h.
Yes, the Cabin Crew Initial Training can be carried out after working hours, with an approximate duration of 5 weeks.
No. Swiming skills are an essencial requirement to complete the course. Even if the student passes all tests and exams, if he/she doesn’t know how to swim, it will not be possible to complete the course.
The medical check are conducted in approved medical centers: UCS in Lisbon or Hospital dos Lusíadas in Oporto.
The medical check is mandatory for job application in an airline, but not mandatory to enrol in the course. If you don’t have any medical issue you will be granted an Cabin Crew Medical Report that certifies that you are fit for cabin crew.
In regards to documentation you will need a Cabin Crew Attestation, issued after successful conclusion of the course and a Medical Report.
You also have to evaluate if you comply with specific airline requirements, such as weight, height or fluency in foreign languages.
Usually, must be renewed every 60 months.
Aircraft Maintenance
Yes, IFA Industries, a company from the same group as IFA, has courses in different categories for aircraft maintenance licenses. Learn more here.
- Line and Base maintenance services for General Aviation aircraft – Category A2. It is qualified to carry out all types of structural, electrical / avionic repairs and any other aircraft systems that are within its scope;
- Physical and documentary inspections of aircraft pre-purchase or delivery, ensuring an additional value to its acquisition or sale;
- It is a representative / installer of equipment for Electronics International;
- Management of continued airworthiness, control and planning of aircraft maintenance, document management and contact with the aeronautical authorities of several countries;
- Repair and maintenance of various components such as instruments, engines or propellers.
IFA Industries has the following certifications:
- Part 145 / Part M – Subpart G
- Cessna / Reims
- Cessna 100 Series (Lycoming or Continental Engines)
- Cessna / Reims
- Cessna 337 Series (Continental Motors)
- Liberty XL2 (Continental Engine)
- Mooney M20 (Continental Engine)
- Piper PA-28 Series (Lycoming or Continental Engine)
- Piper PA-32 (Lycoming Engine)
- Socata / Grumman GA-7 (Lycoming Engines)
The IFA Industries is certified by ANAC (National Civil Aviation Authority), following standards of the European Agency for Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as a Part 145 for repair and inspection of aircraft, Part M Subpart G for airworthiness control (CAMO) and Part 147 for the training of aircraft maintenance technicians.
For more information: https://ifa-industries.com/contacts/