PPL Pilot training in Latvia
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PPL Pilot training in Latvia
Dear All,
I read PPRuNE forum so long time. But, this is my first time to ask question in here. Please do help!
I am a student in Germany.
To complete PPL is my dream. Recently, I discover that there is two Latvian Pilot school. The school fee (if there is no hidden fee) and living cost is affordable.
I wonder, does anyone have experience to learn PPL in Latvia ??
avioservice.eu
aviobaltica.com
Thanks
Wilson
I read PPRuNE forum so long time. But, this is my first time to ask question in here. Please do help!
I am a student in Germany.
To complete PPL is my dream. Recently, I discover that there is two Latvian Pilot school. The school fee (if there is no hidden fee) and living cost is affordable.
I wonder, does anyone have experience to learn PPL in Latvia ??
avioservice.eu
aviobaltica.com
Thanks
Wilson
Join Date: Nov 2014
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Hi Wilson,
I'm a Latvian myself, and although I've got my licence in Ireland and I have never been involved with any of the schools, I hope I will be able to help you a bit.
Aviobaltica is a small school in Liepaja - it's a small sea-side town in west of the country. It's a rather grim looking town with not much to offer, it is also known as the windy city. It's the perfect spot for if you want to learn sailing or kite-surfing.. not sure about flying, but they just renovated Liepaja airport, so I expect the facilities to be somewhat ok.
I've never heard of avioservice before, their website doesn't look entirely helpful either. If they're a one aircraft operation, be careful, as that one aircraft might go tech and your training can get interrupted.
Generally the top school in the country would be considered ERIVA
too bad their page doesn't seem to be in English but I'm sure if you send them an email or give them a call they will answer all your questions. For what I know their facilities are very good and they've been around for a long time.
What you need to consider is the climate. Generally October till December is somewhat mild but with very low almost everlasting cloud base with occasional fog/mist showers that turn into sleet/snow late in the year. You'll not do much flying around this time of year. January sees high pressure settle in and you see a lot of CAVOK days but the air temperatures go bitterly cold. While it makes for smooth flying it also can become uncomfortable for yourself if you do not like -20°C or lower.
Daylight during winter is sparse - albeit technically you get around 6.5 hours of daylight, because of the latitude and cloud it really gets dark sooner and you're realistically looking at just some 4-5 hours of usable daylight during the peak of the winter.
Seasons change rapidly and beginning from April/May you can experience very pleasant weather, with lots of daylight, generally dry and CAVOK most days. June can be rainy, July and August have their hot spells of +30°C and above. Thunderstorms, microbursts and even tiny tornadoes can develop very rapidly out of nowhere so expect the course to focus on the weather a LOT! Days are LOONG in summer and one can expect just over 18 hours of usable daylight during peak of the summer..
I have no doubt that the training offered is top notch, however would I recommend a foreigner going through all the hassle, uncertainty with the weather simply to save 1 or 2k for the PPL? I don't know.. hour building is a different story - go in summer, you'll have lot's of fun, you can get cheap solo rates if you ask around. Some private owners are well happy to rent their mogas certified SEPs for as little as 70-80 eur ph/dry
Generally what I would strongly advise you (for a PPL anyway) is do your training where you plan to do most of your flying! You will get to know people and knowing people helps you rent aircraft cheap or participate in fly-ins / fly-outs and other flying activities that otherwise you wouldn't be invited to simply because nobody knows you.
I'm a Latvian myself, and although I've got my licence in Ireland and I have never been involved with any of the schools, I hope I will be able to help you a bit.
Aviobaltica is a small school in Liepaja - it's a small sea-side town in west of the country. It's a rather grim looking town with not much to offer, it is also known as the windy city. It's the perfect spot for if you want to learn sailing or kite-surfing.. not sure about flying, but they just renovated Liepaja airport, so I expect the facilities to be somewhat ok.
I've never heard of avioservice before, their website doesn't look entirely helpful either. If they're a one aircraft operation, be careful, as that one aircraft might go tech and your training can get interrupted.
Generally the top school in the country would be considered ERIVA
too bad their page doesn't seem to be in English but I'm sure if you send them an email or give them a call they will answer all your questions. For what I know their facilities are very good and they've been around for a long time.
What you need to consider is the climate. Generally October till December is somewhat mild but with very low almost everlasting cloud base with occasional fog/mist showers that turn into sleet/snow late in the year. You'll not do much flying around this time of year. January sees high pressure settle in and you see a lot of CAVOK days but the air temperatures go bitterly cold. While it makes for smooth flying it also can become uncomfortable for yourself if you do not like -20°C or lower.
Daylight during winter is sparse - albeit technically you get around 6.5 hours of daylight, because of the latitude and cloud it really gets dark sooner and you're realistically looking at just some 4-5 hours of usable daylight during the peak of the winter.
Seasons change rapidly and beginning from April/May you can experience very pleasant weather, with lots of daylight, generally dry and CAVOK most days. June can be rainy, July and August have their hot spells of +30°C and above. Thunderstorms, microbursts and even tiny tornadoes can develop very rapidly out of nowhere so expect the course to focus on the weather a LOT! Days are LOONG in summer and one can expect just over 18 hours of usable daylight during peak of the summer..
I have no doubt that the training offered is top notch, however would I recommend a foreigner going through all the hassle, uncertainty with the weather simply to save 1 or 2k for the PPL? I don't know.. hour building is a different story - go in summer, you'll have lot's of fun, you can get cheap solo rates if you ask around. Some private owners are well happy to rent their mogas certified SEPs for as little as 70-80 eur ph/dry
Generally what I would strongly advise you (for a PPL anyway) is do your training where you plan to do most of your flying! You will get to know people and knowing people helps you rent aircraft cheap or participate in fly-ins / fly-outs and other flying activities that otherwise you wouldn't be invited to simply because nobody knows you.
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Dear Martin,
Thanks for your recommendation indeed.
I wonder, do you have recommendation in ireland ?
This is because I try to find some school in USA...however, the visa and paperwork is so hassle.... And, I am UK passport holder.. Therefore, it is easy for me to learn in europe I think... However, I have limited budget to make my dream. Therefore, I try my best to do so in budget way
Thanks for your recommendation indeed.
I wonder, do you have recommendation in ireland ?
This is because I try to find some school in USA...however, the visa and paperwork is so hassle.... And, I am UK passport holder.. Therefore, it is easy for me to learn in europe I think... However, I have limited budget to make my dream. Therefore, I try my best to do so in budget way
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I finished my PPL in Wicklow Wings - Newcastle Airdrome (EINC), I would certainly recommend them, I completed my training in just under 50 hours and paid somewhere around 10k eur for everything. There are other good schools as well, like the one based in Waterford is reportedly very good, Trim flying club etc. But weather in Ireland is unpredictable so again it wouldn't be the top destination for foreigners to come and get their PPL - accommodation and your general cost of living in Ireland is VERY high. Virtually everything is more expensive than Germany or anywhere else in the continent except Scandinavia
Why wouldn't you do your training in Germany if this is where you currently are? The climate should be better and since you already live there, you don't have to worry about accommodation or anything.. like I said, focus on what you will be doing after the PPL. There's no point chasing a cheap license if after that you will need to spend another 1-2k in familiarizing in the environment where you actually want to fly post PPL.
Why wouldn't you do your training in Germany if this is where you currently are? The climate should be better and since you already live there, you don't have to worry about accommodation or anything.. like I said, focus on what you will be doing after the PPL. There's no point chasing a cheap license if after that you will need to spend another 1-2k in familiarizing in the environment where you actually want to fly post PPL.
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There are many flight schools/clubs in Germany. This was a bit of surprise to me. However, to take the advantage of PPL training, you need to know German. Many I spoke to had no problem doing the practical part in English, but the theory part must be--it seems--in German. Perhaps OP reached a similar conclusion.
@goodwilson ... if you've pondered over US and Lativia, you could also consider Spain ..... just a thought.
@goodwilson ... if you've pondered over US and Lativia, you could also consider Spain ..... just a thought.
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And don't dismiss the US altogether.. Yes, there is paperwork and hassle involved (but don't you think the Latvian way would also involve some hassle, particularly because it's a less "proven" path?). There's tons of resources especially here in PPRune (look at the top linked threads in this forum) on how to go about the US way. If you follow those guidelines, you won't experience any major problems. Just give yourself some time for the paperwork and while you do that, you can start studying for ground school already.
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Paper-fighting will almost 100% certain accompany your path. In the end it is flying and that is prone to stupid bureaucracy on the ground allover the world.
I don't know Latvia, but weather ... hm. UK is a fine place to learn and UK flying is more relaxed then in most other countries ;-). About Spain I have mixed feelings and heard all kind of stories, from very good to very bad. Did you look into Hungary or Czech, also places reputable for training and not too expensive? Forget Germany, their LBA (the CAA) is a pain in the butt, it is expensive and one of the worse parts of the world. I would rather look deeper into the US - FAA PPL has a good reputation and you save a lot of time due weather when train in i.e. Arizona or Florida.
I don't know Latvia, but weather ... hm. UK is a fine place to learn and UK flying is more relaxed then in most other countries ;-). About Spain I have mixed feelings and heard all kind of stories, from very good to very bad. Did you look into Hungary or Czech, also places reputable for training and not too expensive? Forget Germany, their LBA (the CAA) is a pain in the butt, it is expensive and one of the worse parts of the world. I would rather look deeper into the US - FAA PPL has a good reputation and you save a lot of time due weather when train in i.e. Arizona or Florida.
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" ....About Spain I have mixed feelings and heard all kind of stories, from very good to very bad. ....." 
Well .... I am hoping for a happy ending [fingers crossed ]
Well .... I am hoping for a happy ending [fingers crossed ]
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Hello Wilson,
I hope your research is going well.
I am not sure you're looking at the right bits here! Ireland is a wonderful country, but flying there will be as hap hazard as England where I learnt to fly (if not worse as they get the first battering of the Atlantic winds). It could take months for you to get your full PPL out there, especially in winter!
If relocation to do your PPL is what you would like to do, I would recommend trying to do your PPL somewhere slightly warmer with slightly better climate. Have you considered Spain, Portugal, Italy, Southern France, somewhere along the Med? I hear Czech Republic have good schools, which are somewhat cheaper than most of Europe. I hear of highly trained ex-military pilots instructing at a couple of schools (i have no personal experience there) - BUT - will that actually be cheaper after you take into account the cost of transportation, accommodation, food, bus pass (or other form of transport whilst there)...?
I would seriously take the time to consider the cost of relocation, transport to and fro, cost of living, cost of accommodation, cost of licensing, cost of fuel, the kind of likely weather during your training period etc... Something in the back of my mind tells me that the difference in cost when all items are considered will be equivalent if not more than remaining in your home country.
I would also consider what your aim is - is it to fly yourself privately for fun? If so, would that be in Germany renting an aeroplane from your local airport? In which case you will need to obtain an EASA license (where FAA conversion could cost you the initial difference in price).
There are many many factors - no right or wrong answer, but I think careful consideration is required!
Hope this helps!
Alex
I hope your research is going well.
I am not sure you're looking at the right bits here! Ireland is a wonderful country, but flying there will be as hap hazard as England where I learnt to fly (if not worse as they get the first battering of the Atlantic winds). It could take months for you to get your full PPL out there, especially in winter!
If relocation to do your PPL is what you would like to do, I would recommend trying to do your PPL somewhere slightly warmer with slightly better climate. Have you considered Spain, Portugal, Italy, Southern France, somewhere along the Med? I hear Czech Republic have good schools, which are somewhat cheaper than most of Europe. I hear of highly trained ex-military pilots instructing at a couple of schools (i have no personal experience there) - BUT - will that actually be cheaper after you take into account the cost of transportation, accommodation, food, bus pass (or other form of transport whilst there)...?
I would seriously take the time to consider the cost of relocation, transport to and fro, cost of living, cost of accommodation, cost of licensing, cost of fuel, the kind of likely weather during your training period etc... Something in the back of my mind tells me that the difference in cost when all items are considered will be equivalent if not more than remaining in your home country.
I would also consider what your aim is - is it to fly yourself privately for fun? If so, would that be in Germany renting an aeroplane from your local airport? In which case you will need to obtain an EASA license (where FAA conversion could cost you the initial difference in price).
There are many many factors - no right or wrong answer, but I think careful consideration is required!
Hope this helps!
Alex
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Dear All bro,
Thanks for all of your valuable information indeed!!!
My background is a bit complicated therefore make my PPL learning become a bit complicated too!!
I was from Hong Kong. But, I live in Europe for 5 years. And, I live in Germany but I do not speak good german!
Why I want to learn PPL because of my job. I worked in Antarctica and the arctic region !! And, Antarctica do need pilot to work (there is no highway in Antarctica!!)... and, I think it is a basic skill to be astronaut!! (this is my real dream!!)
I only have duty off from MAR to JUN and SEP to OCT in each year!! My original plan is learn my PPL in USA....But, my complicated background make my visa application very headache !! Therefore, I change my mind to Europe!!
I try to find some school in Germany but, they all require to speak in german...which their hassle official paperwork!!
It seems Spain Czech and Hungary is my choice!!! My UK passport is helpful too !!
Thanks indeed
Thanks for all of your valuable information indeed!!!
My background is a bit complicated therefore make my PPL learning become a bit complicated too!!
I was from Hong Kong. But, I live in Europe for 5 years. And, I live in Germany but I do not speak good german!
Why I want to learn PPL because of my job. I worked in Antarctica and the arctic region !! And, Antarctica do need pilot to work (there is no highway in Antarctica!!)... and, I think it is a basic skill to be astronaut!! (this is my real dream!!)
I only have duty off from MAR to JUN and SEP to OCT in each year!! My original plan is learn my PPL in USA....But, my complicated background make my visa application very headache !! Therefore, I change my mind to Europe!!
I try to find some school in Germany but, they all require to speak in german...which their hassle official paperwork!!
It seems Spain Czech and Hungary is my choice!!! My UK passport is helpful too !!
Thanks indeed
