Come join us at PFA!
At Pilot Flight Academy you will be part of an international environment with both students and instructors from various parts of the world. You will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to become an aviator, and you will get to train in different types of aircraft and simulators.
Your training will begin at our base right on the tarmac at Sandefjord airport Torp, where you will go through theoretical training for the first approximate 10 months. During this part of your training, you will get instruction in 13 subjects, and you will complete 13 exams for the Civil Aviation Authority - Norway (CAA-N).
Once you have completed all your exams, your adventure continues on one of our secondary bases. During this time you will learn basic maneuvering skills, how to handle various situations in a single-engine aircraft, cross-country navigation, and basic instrument training.
Upon your return to Norway and our base in Sandefjord, you will complete the final part of your flight training which includes training in multi-engine simulators and aircraft, Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), and finally a course in Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC).
Our facilities
At Pilot Flight Academy, we offer state-of-the-art facilities designed to provide the best environment for pilot training. What we have to offer:
Modern Fleet: Train with confidence using our fleet of advanced aircraft equipped with the latest avionics and safety features.
Simulator Center: Train and fine tune your skills in our cutting-edge simulator center, where you'll experience realistic flight scenarios and emergency procedures.
Classroom and Briefing Rooms: Study and collaborate in our classrooms and briefing rooms, equipped with technology to enhance learning.
Break room / Starbucks: Relax and socialize in our lounge, a welcoming space for networking and unwinding.
Feel free to come experience firsthand what we have to offer, we have planned open days, but do not hesitate to contact us for a visit.
Meet Emil
From as long as Emil can remember his dream has been becoming a pilot. He is now reaching the final phase of the course and in between flights, we managed to ask him some questions about is journey.
“Living with friends on campus, we constantly test each other’s knowledge and study together. We often go to school in groups, use classrooms for discussions, and teach each other. This teamwork makes understanding and retaining knowledge much easier.”
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How has the transition to pilot training impacted your daily routine and overall lifestyle?
Well, first off, I am much more structured than I used to be. You have to be during these studies. Before starting at PFA, I had a lot more free time, so I would do things whenever I felt like it. Now, I set daily goals and prioritize what I need to do before what I want to do.
What support systems have you found most helpful during your pilot education, both within the academy and outside of it?
Aviation Exam and reading before each lesson were crucial for me. Every night, I would read the chapters we were going to cover the next day, making it easier to understand and remember the material. Additionally, I used the Aviation Exam question bank provided by PFA to drill questions relevant to what I learned that day. This helped me apply the theory in a practical sense. Another invaluable resource is "Student Support," where experienced students help those in the theory phase. Being part of this group not only allows me to assist others but also deepens my understanding of the material.
Can you share a moment outside of flying where you applied skills or lessons learned from your pilot training?
There are many examples, but one that stands out is the “Assess, Plan, Do, Review” model. I used this during a job interview to tackle a difficult question, and it helped me provide a satisfactory answer.
How do you balance the demands of pilot training with other commitments or interests in your life?
I try to complete what needs to be done before indulging in what I want to do. It's crucial to listen to your body and mind, so I take breaks and engage in activities like sports, video games, or hanging out with friends. I also make a daily schedule to ensure I stay focused and avoid exhaustion.
Describe a time when you had to manage unexpected challenges or changes in your training schedule. How did you adapt?
Once, I was supposed to backseat a friend during a cross-country flight, but it got canceled due to bad weather. Instead, I was given the opportunity to fly the lesson myself. Without much preparation time, I had to focus and follow the planning checklist meticulously. It turned out to be one of my best lessons.
What strategies do you use to maintain a healthy work-life balance while pursuing your pilot license?
I go to the gym six times a week and play sports with friends on campus. This keeps me physically healthy and helps build strong friendships, as we all understand the demands of our studies and enjoy our time off together.
Have you encountered any misconceptions or surprises about the pilot training process that you didn't anticipate before starting?
I thought the training would be harder. It's certainly a lot of work, but it's not as difficult as I expected. The key is to work consistently and efficiently.
How do you stay motivated and focused during periods of intense studying or training?
I backseat my fellow students as much as possible, work in groups, and watch airlines take off and land at Torp. Knowing that it won't be long before I'm flying a 737, A320, or Dash 8 keeps me motivated.
Can you share a personal anecdote that highlights the camaraderie and teamwork within your pilot training cohort?
Living with friends on campus, we constantly test each other’s knowledge and study together. We often go to school in groups, use classrooms for discussions, and teach each other. This teamwork makes understanding and retaining knowledge much easier.
Reflecting on your overall experience, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey at the Pilot Flight Academy so far?
The friendships I've made have been the most rewarding aspect. These relationships help me immensely with my studies, as we support each other academically and socially. Seeing my friends achieve milestones, like their first solo flights, is an unforgettable experience. These friendships have made every aspect of studying more enjoyable and manageable.
Aviatrices!
The demand for female pilots is steadily increasing as the aviation industry recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in the cockpit.
Pilot Flight Academy is committed to addressing this need by actively encouraging and supporting women to pursue careers as pilots.
Our mission is to create an inclusive environment that empowers female students through mentorship, scholarships, and targeted recruitment efforts. By doing so, we aim to balance the gender representation in aviation and inspire the next generation of female aviators.
Already a pilot, but but do you need a refresher or addition?
We offer a variety of modular courses for pilots who are already certified.