Pannon Air Service Approved Training Organization (EASA ATO) Certificate

Our ATO certificate issued by the Hungarian Civil Aviation Authority
(click for larger view)

Pannon Air Service
Diamond Aircraft Hungary

EASA pilot training

PPL - self study, 12 hrs classroom consultation, 45 flight hours: 5990€ (includes LHTL landing fees)
LAPL - Light Aeroplane Pilot Licence: 3990€ (includes LHTL landing fees)
Flight hour building packages: 11 hours for 1000€

For professional packages contact us! We have (almost) unbeatable prices!

Pannon Air Service
Diamond Aircraft Hungary

The sleek beast

Diamond's new DA62 powered by the 180 HP Austro Engines diesels. With a seven hours plus endurance (60% load at FL120) on Jet-A and a spacious interior the little twin is a real cruiser.

Pannon Air Service
Diamond Aircraft Hungary

Hour builder having fun with the DV20 Katana

Pannon Air Service
Diamond Aircraft Hungary

Lisunov Li-2 disguised as Douglas C-47

The Lisunov Li-2 was a license-built version of the Douglas DC-3.

Only one Li-2 restored to airworthy condition exists in Europe. The Hungarian restored and registered HA-LIX was built in 1949 in Tashkent, still flies sightseeing tours and regularly participates at air shows.

The initial Malev (called MASZOVLET - Hungarian-Soviet Civilian Air Service - those days) fleet consisted of 21-seat Li-2 passenger aircraft.

The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota (RAF designation) is a military transport aircraft developed from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner.

More than 10000 C-47 and a approximately 5000 Li-2 aircraft were produced.

The C-47 was used extensively by the Allies during World War II but remains in front line service with various military operators to the present day.

This is her with the regular Malev livery (this photo from iho.hu)

Pannon Air Service
Diamond Aircraft Hungary

METAR LHTL (Tököl Airport)

METAR LHTL 291030Z 25007KT 180V280 9999 BKN046 24/12 Q1020 NOSIG= (for information purposes only) #weather #aviation

Pannon Air Service
Diamond Aircraft Hungary

Pilot training

From zero to ATPL modular courses! Check us out: Pilot Training

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Diamond Aircraft Hungary

Our daily quote

"Both optimists and pessimists contribute to society.

The optimist invents the aeroplane, the pessimist the parachute."

George Bernard Shaw

Learn to fly! 

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Diamond Aircraft Hungary

Happy Top Gun Day!

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Diamond Aircraft Hungary

Neusiedler See area flying

Pannon Air Service
Diamond Aircraft Hungary

Tököl Airport (LHTL) unofficial METAR

To help you guys with the go-nogo decisions for Tököl Airport we've started to unofficially publish METARs. We will update mostly if the weather changes. The reports can be followed on twitter, look for Pannon Air (@pannonair001). Hope you find this helpful!

This is how the first one looks: METAR LHTL 050800Z 10008KT 070V130 CAVOK 22/18 Q1013 NOSIG=

Pannon Air Service
Diamond Aircraft Hungary

Fast track with Light Aircraft Pilot Licence

The Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) is the weekend flyers fast track to becoming a pilot. EASA finally realised that the PPL (the Private Pilot Licence) has become more of a stepping stone towards a professional carreer and that there is a need of a simplified and less expensive way to obtain and maintain the licence for those who just want to have fun.

This way the LAPL was born, as a pilot license allowing the holder to fly small aeroplanes in Europe under VFR (visual flight rules) day or night (where the holder has obtained a night rating). Small means everything that is single engine up to 2500 kg maximum take-off weight.

Requirements:
- 30 hours flight training, which include 6 hours solo flight time,
- medical Class 2,
- successfuly pass nine theoretical exams,
- complete a solo cross country flight at least 80nm and landing at one airport different from the one of departure,
- successfuly pass skills test.
Minimum age for license issue is 17 years.

Pannon Air is offering the LAPL course on DV20 Katana for 3990€. For further details please contact us:
Pannon Air Service
Diamond Aircraft Hungary

Red Bull's fleet at Tököl Airport (LHTL)

This morning we started with unusual engine noises. Red Bull's perfectly restored World War II. fleet was arriving for refueling to Tököl. Click on the images for larger view.

B25 Mitchell

B25 spinner

The Corsair

Corsair reflecting on the Lightning

The Corsair

P38 Lightning

P38 Lightning

And we also paid a short visit to Budaörs airport, where the show was on, and did two low passes with a DA42 Twin Star.

Pannon Air Service
Diamond Aircraft Hungary

Getting those flight hours

Every aspiring pilot gets to the point where she/he has obtained their Private Pilot Licence and the time has come to set the next goals. The first step on the way is time building. Except Night VFR rating all other training, like multi engine, instrument rating, commercial flight training, requires a certain amount of flight hours (as well as theory, as we discussed in our earlier article: click here).

This hour building also requires some planning. And there are basically two ways to do it. The first is time consuming: flying on weekends a couple of hours and pay as you go. This way even if you do not possess the required financial background with time you can reach the required hours.

The second option, the fast track, is that you have already allocated a certain sum and you can buy flight time building packages. Appealing time building packages are offered in the United States. I will not elaborate this option as Google will give you more options than one can handle. In Europe well known time building countries are Spain and Portugal, mainly favored for their all year round fair weather.

But what is not that well known that Hungary can also offer awesome flying opportunities, with fair weather, especially from mid April to end of October. And that the flight time building package prices are very competitive. The other thing that might also be taken into consideration that generally cost of living, hotels, restaurants are cheaper than in Western Europe.

We're based at an ex-military airport, LHTL, in the heart of Hungary. Half an hour from Budapest.
If you became interested just contact us: panair@pannonair.hu

Weather (METAR's, TAF's): Hungarian Aviation Meteorological Service

Webpage of Pannon Air Service
Pannon Air Approved Training Organization (ATO) Certificate
Diamond Aircraft Hungary

The path of the righteous (planning your career pilot training)

Last time we discussed the importance of choosing the right flight school (see here). For those who have the time and money to enroll into integrated flight training the path is, almost, given.

But for those who choose to undergo a modular flight training from zero to airline pilot readiness things get a bit more complicated. It's easy to get lost in the maze built in part by EASA and sometimes by the flight training organizations themselves.
Where should this road take you? To somewhere slightly above 200 flight hours and all 14 ATPL subjects passed and a Commercial Pilot Licence in hand. Here we'll try to outline the optimal path in order to proceed smoothly and even save some money.

To begin with you'll have to do a PPL. Nowadays in Europe it seems that the PPL (Private Pilot Licence) has become the doorstep towards a professional pilot carreer. For the enthusiast weekend flyer there's an easier and cheaper to obtain LAPL (Light Aeroplane Pilot Licence), that allows the bearer to fly single engine pistons up to 2000 kg and four persons, day and night.
Let us stick with the PPL. Once you passed the PPL theoretical and practical exams you can start studying the ATPL theory. Why not wait? You have a fresh knowledge that has a large overlap with the materials presented in the 14 ATPL subjects. And anyway you don't have anything else to do. It's hour building time. The only rating you can add to your licence at this stage is NVFR (Night Visual Rating). And this is only a small and not too demanding addition. Or you might want to try out new types.

But remember, start - or rather continue - studying! The 14 ATPL subjects are massive, information loaded. Once you feel you've acquired sufficient knowledge start practicing the tests. EASA has made the testing funny. There is a large amount of obsolete, never to be used again things you'll have to learn. And tests will mostly not focus on your knowledge of aviation issues but more on understanding and interpreting questions. Practicing ATPL questions will help your mind and focus adjust on EASA's obscure questioning.

Ideally at this stage you're a good way into hour building you already finished the hardest part of your training, and you are past the ATPL theory. It's time to get on with some serious business,
the multiengine (ME) rating.
Once you have the multiengine done you can step on towards instrument flying. This requires a new mindset and a lot of training. But keep the spirit, you're almost there.
One of the additions to the training is the EASA requirement of commercial flight training. This requires you to fly 15 to 25 hours, which include 5 hours of high performance aeroplanes as well.
The number of hours depends on having an instrument rating or not, holders of an instrument rating can do this part in 15 hours. Those who possess no instrument rating will have to do 25 hours of flight training.

The only thing left is your commercial exam flight. And a successful job hunt.

Happy landings!

A sample price list of Pannon Air Service 0 to Commercial License training with EASA ATPL theory is available here!

Our complete 2015 training price list is available here.
Pannon Air Service
Pannon Air ATO Certificate
Diamond Aircraft Hungary

Choosing a flight school

You've probably heard it a million times that learning to fly can be one of your most awesome adventures. The pleasure of moving freely in air is not just fun but can change the ways you think about the world.

But all this starts with finding the place where you can acquire solid aviation knowledge and training that will turn you into a safe and confident pilot in the air. First step is to decide what do you plan with your newly acquired skills (fun flying, professional carreer). The second, and most important step in this process is finding the right flight school.

Being a newcomer in aviation with no experience on which to base your decision, selecting a good flight school can be a gamble. Aviation - as you will, unfortunately, only learn later - is procedes based and not going well with randomness. From tis very first moment you have to adapt the attitude of a pilot, of an aviator. It is always true that hurried decisions can have negative consequences. On the other hand there you have the checklists. These are an aviation standard that ensure all procedures are properly performed and analyzed, so the risks are taken down to minimums.
This same procedure can be applied to selecting a good flight school. Let's see how we can help you in this!

What plans do you have in aviation
Remember, that the first step is deciding whether you want to enjoy flying your family and friends around (with an LAPL or PPL*) or want to end up on the flightdeck of an airliner. The new EASA approved training organization (ATO) structure distinguishes between non-complex and complex flight schools. The difference between the two lays in the scope of training. To put it simple: a non-complex organization will be able to teach you how to fly for fun. A complex organization will have all the certificates and means to turn you into a professional pilot. In case you decide you will build a carreer in aviation it is important to consider whether you’ll train full time or part time; this also makes a big difference in your flight school selection. Part time training can be done at schools offering modular schemes (basicly this is pay and proceed as your time allows). For full time candidates integrated courses are quicker, but more expensive ways of achieving their goals.

Start with a list and check on site
Once you’re past the initial phase and know what you want, start researching for possible flight schools. You should request all available information from each. Ask them to send you their course outlines, course start dates, airplane list, ATO certificates and whatever comes to your mind.
But do not base your decision on these things alone. Let this be a preselection process. Take your time and visit the schools you feel that would suit your needs. Once there ask them questions about anything. Request to see the airplane fleet, simulator, classrooms. Try to have a chat with instructors (probably one of the most important aspects here is to have a positive impression) and preferably students as well. Ask them to rate the training’s quality and explain what problems they’ve had, if any, and how they were dealt with.
But keep in mind: fairytales stink! 
Promises that should ring a bell: very low price compared to the competitors in the area, very short deadlines, weather not an issue...

Don’t save on aviation ground school
Most non-pilots would think that learning to fly only requires you to obtain certain skills that will help you in moving the controls of the airplane in order to perform certain maneuvers. While this is the final goal there is another and major aspect in learning to fly, and that is the theoretical knowledge required to understand why, what, when. Thus the theory will preceed practice. And it all starts with the aviation ground school.

It may be actual ground course where an instructor is teaching a scheduled class or an individual. Or a self-paced, home-study program using provided teaching materials (books, computer based materials, videos, and so on), but these also include mandatory classroom consultation. Which is better depends on you and your availability. Ask the flight schools you visit on schedules, theory instructors, study material.

The training airplane

This will be the tool that you'll use for practicing what you’ve learned on the ground. Type, age, high wing or low, it doesn’t make much difference. It's more important how well the airplane is maintained, how many of them are available. Do they have more than one from the type you will start to train with. Certain schools will start to train you on one type, then sell it or ground it for whatever reason and continue to train you on a second type, and putting you on a third type. And will try to sell you this as an advantege. It definitely isn't. Your basic flight training should focus on teaching you how to safely fly an airplane and not on having you accomodate every 10-15 hours to a new aiplane.
Another consideration - on long term - is the training fleet’s mix of primary, advanced, and multiengine airplanes. For those of you considering a career in airlines it might be a smart move to do the advanced trainig in EFIS** equiped airplane.

Training aircraft are flown often and mostly quite hard the way a flight school maintains its training airplanes is important due both safety and scheduling. Don't forget to ask questions about maintenance.

The flight instructor

The good flight instructor is your safeguard, because your life will depend on what he or she is able to teach you. Ask questions about the training and experience of the flight instructors. You might ask what the average flight time is and what the pass/fail rate is among the instructors. As mentioned earlier talk to some of the other students at the school to ask about their experience with the flight instructors.
A good way to see how your flight instructor is to take an introductory flying lesson and not just a demonstration flight. During your lesson,this flight assess your instructor’s attitude. You'll have to work with him and you are the one that can determine what instructor personality best fits yours. Although, even if you are tempted to chose a forgiving, permissive instructor remember that you should go for one who expects perfection, who will work with you until it’s achieved.

And it all comes down to money matters
One thing is for sure: learning to fly and earning your pilot licence may be expensive. But keep in mind that as with most super deals, if it seems too good to be true, it usually isn't.

When comparing costs, make sure you’re comparing similar things. Most flight schools publish their prices on EASA minimum requirements, as the 120 hours gorund and 45 flight hours for a private licence. Some include books or other training materials, aviation ground school, airport taxes, authority written examination fees, flight testing. Some don’t. Ask to see how a contract looks like, read it, and ask questions. Most schools will require partial or full payment before training begins. If partial payments are accepted ask if this modifies the price.
Inquire about refunds! What happens with your money if you have to interrupt or stop training, there should be a clear policy on how much of your money will be refunded.

Final checklist
As we mentioned searching for a flight school should start with adopting an aviators attitude and developing a procedure that will lead to chosing the one best suiting your goals. Here is a brief checklist to recap the above advices and assist you in this:

• What are your aviation goals? Learning to fly for fun or planing a career?
• Make yourself a list of schools, request introductory materials from each one of them. 
• Visit the ones that are convincing. Ask questions and talk with instructors, students of these schools. Ask specific questions and insist on specific answers. Talk to the flight instructors and preferably with students as well.
• If you’ve decided on a school, make sure that a written contract outlines not just training details but the payment procedures as well.

* LAPL: Light Aeropane Pilot Licence, requires less flight hours (30), thus is cheaper to obtain. Limits pilot rights to day and night VFR, airplane max takeoff weight of 2000 kg and 4 persons, single engine piston.
PPL: the good old Private Pilot Licence, 45 hours to obtain, can be upgraded with Multi Engine, Instrument Rating and so on.
**EFIS: an electronic flight instrument system is a flight deck instrument display system in which the display technology used is electronic rather than electromechanical. EFIS normally consists of a primary flight display (PFD), multi-function display (MFD) and in larger airplanes the engine indicating and crew alerting system (EICAS) display. 

For more information contact us!
Pannon Air Service
Diamond Aircraft Hungary