The Private Aviation School “VIPilots” has been engaged in training pilots since 2004. The experience of our instructors and our technical capabilities allow students to confidently pass the exam for the international PPL licence (Private Pilot Licence).

We teach piloting in the Yak-18T aircraft. This is a specialised training aircraft for professional pilots.
The construction of the Yak-18T has special advantages, allowing a student to master even such piloting skills which are characteristic of large and heavy aircraft, such as:

• tripod system for gear extension and retraction
• full instrument panel
• adjustable pitch for the propeller
• when piloting the aircraft, the efforts applied to the steering wheel are similar to those used when piloting a large airliner
• the aircraft is certified for performing stunts (barrel-roll, rolling, loops, etc.)

Training is given by experienced, qualified instructors, in accordance with the rules and requirements adopted by the EU.


Training stages and their cost:

• Flight theory and aircraft construction (course duration is 150 hours; cost is 300,- Ls )
• The practice of aircraft piloting (course duration is 45 hours; cost is 140,- Ls/hr)
• Exam at the Latvian Civil Aviation Administration, in order to acquire the PPL licence (Private Pilot Licence)

Prior to the start of training, one needs to pass the physical evaluation board at the “Aviamed” Medical Center, located at the Riga Airport (the cost of this procedure is 85,- Ls), or at the polyclinic in the “Gaiïezers” Medical Center (the cost of this procedure is 50,- Ls).

To successfully master primary piloting skills, one needs to have a basic knowledge of English, as all radio communication, in the air, is in English. Training is performed in Russian and Latvian, and the exams are passed in Latvian and English.

Training takes place at the former “Spilve” airport.
Several graduates of our school are now working as pilots for “Air Baltic Airlines”, piloting Boeing-737-500s.
According to statistics, one out of every two graduates continues his education in the Commerce Pilot Licence (CPL) programme.
We offer a presentation flight to anyone who wants to find out more about the interesting and prestigious profession of being a pilot.