Cheapest Country for Pilot Training [Out of 15 Good Ones]

While being an airline pilot is such an interesting career, it can also be expensive, especially in the top-tier countries. You need this pilot’s license; otherwise, you can’t become an operator. So, what if you don’t have the money or funding support or just want to study on a budget? Well, it can really help to invest in pilot education in a cheaper country. So, in the post, we will look at the cheapest country for pilot training where you can save a ton of money.

Now, you are not just going to consider any country on the map, you know. You will need that secret gem with fantastic training facilities and reasonable pricing for pilot courses. Get ready to learn about the cheapest country for pilot training, we mean, the cheapest in the world, where you can spread your wings, feel the thrill of flight, and make your aviation goals come true without going bankrupt.

Cheapest Country for Pilot Training

1. India

India easily tops the list. And if you ask why, it’s because it has sufficient facilities to help you gain the skills you need anywhere in the world. India is also home to some of the best flight schools out there, not just by the number but also by the quality. With the airline business booming in India, the government has earmarked around $11 billion (€10.22 billion) for new airports and refurbishing existing ones, according to the Hindu. A lot of flight schools here are also reducing prices on an economic scale, which will accommodate foreigners.

It’s very natural to worry about the quality of the flight schools and training centers. But in India, you will confidently learn to fly alongside others from all over the world. You’ll also be doing so at a fraction of the cost of flight schools in other countries.

As of 2022, there are 34 Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) operating at 52 bases, as approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Some of the reliable flight schools in India are Ambition Aviation Academy (Mumbai), Sha-Shib Group Of Institute (Pune), AJ Aviation Academy (Bangalore), Ahmedabad Aviation and Aeronautics Limited (Ahmedabad), and Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy.

So, if you need that pilot’s license without spending a lot of money, India is your go-to for cheap flight training programs taught in modern facilities and by experienced teachers.

India is a good place to learn as a pilot because:

• The country has a lot of different landscapes, from mountains to beaches. So,  as a pilot, you will experience different flight experiences that will prepare you for the real world.
• Many places in India have good weather, and you will train all year long.

This cuts down on any possible delays and speeds up the training process so you can quickly accumulate your required flying hours. The cost of courses for a pilot license in India is typically between INR 10,00,000 and INR 20,00,000. Convert that to your currency, and you know what to budget for.

2. Philippines

At 2 million PHP (Philippine pesos), the Philippines is affordable, and a good place to fly, but it’s not perfect in terms of two very prominent reasons, and we’ll be very honest about it.

First, you’ll have to deal with a lot of government bureaucracy with the immigration department, civil aviation authorities, national telecommunication agencies, and other agencies. Unfortunately, the Philippine document processing here can take a lot of time, which will affect the timeline of your flight training. Things could get easier for you if you have a residency visa, but expect the fees to be on a sliding scale. But this is not to say that airline pilot training in the Philippines is as terrible as the internet makes it out to be.

The second reason is the quality of training here. There is a lot left to desire about the quality of instruction and maintenance, and you might feel incomplete with the quality of the planes.

Otherwise, the Philippines is where you want to train and save a ton of money. You can obtain a pilot license here in the Philippines and transfer your credentials to the FAA equivalent in the US. But note that even Filipinos train in the US to experience different weather conditions and, of course, a better quality of training.

3. South Africa

Get to practice flying in different weather conditions in South Africa. As for the cost, PPL (private pilots licence) for 8 weeks is R115,000, while CPL (commercial pilot licence) for 8 weeks is R260,000. Here in SA, the training here is good and these flight schools will teach you more stall and spin procedures in your PPL, compared to some other countries.

You pay less in SA, specifically about half the cost in the US, due to the purchasing power parity. Even with the affordable prices, the training is still more in-depth since South Africa’s training requirements in some areas are a lot more stringent. But compared to destinations like the US, South Africa isn’t reliable due to the supporting systems, ATC, weather reporting, infrastructure, etc.

There are lots of flight schools in South Africa waiting to train you, and they each offer full training programs that include theory, real-world flight practice, and advanced simulator training. Some of the popular flight schools here are Lanseria Flight Centre, Johannesburg School of Flying, and Blue Chip Flight School.

4. Poland

There is a bit of a bias in learning to fly in Poland if you are a non-EU student. That’s because you’ll typically need different administrative paperwork, and it can take some time to continue with your training. But depending on your flight school, they can look after the requirements to quickly get you ready for the training. Some of the affordable flight schools here in Poland are Goldwings Flight Academy in Warszawa, LOT Flight Academy, and Bartolini Air.

Other than a flight school, you can alternatively study an aviation-related college degree program (college degree accompanied by flight training) or an airline cadet pilot program (if you want to become an airline pilot). Polish flight schools issue both the PPL and the CPL. You can also obtain an Airline Transport Pilot License if you want to work for an airline.

Apart from the traditional air training, you can experience a flight simulator. If you invest in theoretical learning, then this can work online if you choose.

Now, about the weather here in Poland, it gets poor around mid-October in some years. Good weather can last up to November and sometimes continue until around mid-March. Poland usually experiences the lowest numbers between December and February. You’ll also experience a fortnight of good weather around mid-January associated with the Siberian high when temperatures drop to -10 C during the day and -20 C during the night. It improves from April up to May before the summer heat and thunderstorm season arrive. So, not only is Poland cheap, you’ll have an undisturbed airline experience.

5. Greece

Greece is the cheapest country for pilot training. Here, the cost of a 0-ATPL programme is usually €62,000, which is cheap in Europe. At most flight schools, this fee includes all the things you need for your training. So, you can call it a total package. But remember that it can be different in some schools.

The advantage that flight training in Greece has is its sunny weather conditions. Pilots here experience the best year-round flying environment. The disadvantage is that it’s going to be tougher for non-EU students. Greek airlines don’t usually sponsor foreign pilots. If you intend to return to fly in your home country, make sure to look up the license conversion process for your Greek/EASA ATP to that of your own country’s ATP. You don’t want to search for jobs with a useless piece of paper, you know.

Some of the affordable flight schools in Greece are Global Aviation S. A. Pilot Training School, Egnatia Aviation, TAE Aviation Academy, and FAS Pilot Academy.

6. Czech Republic

The main advantage of learning to fly at a pilot school in the Czech Republic is its low price. And this has attracted lots of international students in recent times. The Czech Republic’s aviation business is also known for its strong infrastructure, standard airports, and friendly regulatory environment.

It does not matter whether you are coming here for a PPL, CPL, ATPL, IR, MER, NR, etc. The Czech Republic has it all at an affordable rate. Depending on the pilot school, you can obtain a private pilot license with just 14,700 euros. Flight schools here are also EASA-approved.

The problem is that if you are not an EU resident, the process can be a bit complex. However, your school should help you with the visa process. Also, as a non-EU resident, make sure you know if it’s worth it to pursue flight training here, and if you can get a job with this license in your home country. But, of course, it’s possible to convert an EASA license to work in your home country.

The Czech Republic is also a country where you’ll learn to fly in different types of weather and terrain. Yes, the weather is fairly consistently flyable. Some of the flight schools here include Flying Academy, F AIR Flight School Limited, and Fly for Fun.

7. Thailand

Thailand is another decent, affordable investment. Here, the weather is warm, tropical, and pleasant for pilot training. You can also obtain any kind of license in this country. If you go for ultralight flying, which covers everything in PPL, you’ll only pay a fraction. Generally, you can only fly in a limited zone in Thailand, but you can talk to the ATC to guide you to fly cross-country. Yes, some zones are restricted, but you can fly in the whole country in principle.

Your safety is up to the pilot, so go with a good instructor who can mold you into a great pilot. While the planes here are well-maintained, some are not in their best condition. Examples of schools and clubs here are Thai Flying Club (not a school but can provide you with an instructor), Bangkokair Aviation Training Center, and Thai Aviation Academy.

8. Malaysia

Malaysia’s flying schools are regulated by CAAM (Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia), which follows the standards of EASA, not the FAA. You can cheaply obtain any type of license training here, including PPL, CPL/IR, ATPL, etc.

The cost depends on the type of training. For example, PPL will be between RM75,000 and RM90,000 and typically includes the aircraft rental, fuel, oil, insurance, and the instructors’ fee. For CPL, you could be looking at RM398,000.

Some of the top flight schools in Malaysia are the Malaysia Aviation Academy (MAvA), the GIAAN Flying Academy, and the Malaysian Flying Academy. These schools will expose you to quality air lessons, including bad weather, in-flight emergencies, and operational exigencies. Indeed, you can become a competent pilot who pays less to learn in Malaysia.

9. Spain

If we had to compare Spain to the UK, given the weather, it would mean flying more frequently to obtain a license like PPL in weeks instead of months. Even Spanish weather isn’t perfect, though. Leon, Huesca, and Lleida (Northern) are typically fogged with regularity during the winter months. You’ll find better weather in mid- and southern Spain.

The cost is also relatively cheaper in Spain. For example, you can complete the ATPL training program here in 14 months for only €74,900. This fee will include your accommodation, meals, instructor’s fees, etc.

If you plan to train in Europe as a non-EU, try completing your private pilot certification in your home country because it’s easier to convert PPL. Anything outside of this may require you to train and test further, depending on the license you want to convert to. Some of the good flight schools in Spain are FLYSCHOOL Pilot School, Aero Link Flight Academy, Fly-in Spain, and FlyBy Aviation Academy.

10. Romania

With just 45,000 euros, you can become a licensed pilot in Romania, which is very cheap in Europe. It’s a fact that the best pilots are born here in Romania. Many students are not aware of how affordable it is to train here. In Romania, you will also be trained and issued EU licenses, which are more globally recognizable than the FAA.

Romanian pilot schools train to Easa/ICAO standards, and you can fly anywhere in Europe with your license without any need to convert. Yes, they offer many airplane courses, such as private pilot, airline transport pilot, instrument rating, and flight instructor. Some of the best aviation schools in Romania are Tuzla Regional Air School, Școala de Aviație JETAV Flight Academy, Alb Aviation Training, and Romanian Aviation Academy.

11. Argentina

It will generally cost you $40,000 in cash to pay for a cheap flight school in Argentina. Now, that’s a cheap one there, compared to some American countries. Pilot training schools here have many students, planes, facilities, and professionals. Argentina also welcomes international students.

You can go from 0 to CPL quickly and obtain an FAA or EASA license. Flight schools here also support fast-tracking for the CPL program, and it often comes with an instrument rating and an optional multi engine rating. The flying study plans comply with EASA or FAA flight time and training requirements.

Before you choose Argentina, make sure you will be able to convert the certification to your own country’s license equivalent to get a job. Some of the training schools include Flight Center in Castelar, Fly Moron in Castelar, and ATC Flight School.

12. Kenya

You can begin your flying career in Kenya and spend less money. Kenyan schools follow ICAO standards, but the training complies with international standards. Courses include PPL, CPL, MEL, IR, NR, etc.

Now, this is why it’s cheaper here. A 4-6 month PPL is KSHS 1,575,000 (10,500.00 USD) for 45 flying hours and revision, while CPL is  5,060,600 KSHS (33,500.00 USD) for 150 flying hours up to 8 to 12 months. Some top pilot training schools here are the Kenya School of Flying, Mt. Kenya Flight School, and Alpha Aviation.

13. New Zealand

New Zealand (NZ) is another country for cheap pilot training and one of the best in the world. It is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAANZ). NZ tends to focus on ground theory and not just quality flight training. You’ll also experience flying in mountainous areas where the people are generally friendly to foreigners.

You can obtain different licenses, including private pilot training, commercial pilot training, instructor rating, instrument rating, and even frozen ATPL. Flight schools to consider are Nelson Aviation College, New Zealand Airline Academy, U-Fly Wanaka, Epic Flight Academy, and Southern Wings.

14. Nigeria

The absolute cheapest country for pilot training is Nigeria. Yes, Nigeria supports various pilot training licenses such as PPL, CPL, IR, Standard Pilot Course, MER, NR, etc. The reason it’s cheap is because a PPL for 2 years is about £1,999 while the CPL is about 6.5 million naira. We have some quality flight schools like NCAT (Nigerian College of Aviation Technology), International Aviation College, and Gibair Aviation Academy. You can convert these licenses to your country’s license.

15. Slovenia

Slovenia trains pilots at international European standards, and all the training programs are supervised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Republic of Slovenia. So, yes, the license you receive after your training is recognized in any other European country because Slovenia follows EASA standards. This country is also home to amazing scenic flying, which also means that it will take significantly shorter to obtain a license. In Slovenia, you can also obtain any pilot licenses, including ATPL, PPL, CPL, NR, etc. Pilot training schools to consider include Egmont Aviation, the Aviation Career Center, and Akademija 4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pilot training cheap in USA?

To become a pilot with no experience, you need to spend a total of $96,995, which covers the costs of flight school and certification. If you already have a private pilot’s license, though, the price goes down to $75,995. These numbers cover all of the training and certifications that are needed to become a commercial pilot, including certificates for flight instructors.

Which pilot license is the cheapest?

The pilot certificate cost for student pilot is $75 – $200 (for medical license), sport pilot is $7,200, while recreational pilot is $10,300. At professional levels, the cheapest is Flight Instructor (about $5,000), Airline Transport Pilot (about $5,000), and Private Pilot (about $15,000 to $20,000).

Which country is best for pilot training?

The United States of America (USA) is one of the top countries when it comes to pilot training. It’s not just the price but the scenery and exposure to different weather conditions that will help your resume. People from different countries come to the US to learn how to fly planes. It is home to some of the oldest and most respected colleges, universities, and pilot training schools in the world.

All in all, ‘cheapest’ is relative because you’ll also look at the validity of the license since you have to consider the international standard it follows, and whether you can convert it to your home country’s license. A lot of the time, cheap isn’t the only factor; we also consider the facilities, the condition of the airplanes, and the weather conditions and scenery. If a country is known for terrible conditions, that will naturally delay your training duration.

If you reside in the US, you don’t even have to look elsewhere because it is the cheapest when you consider the high standards, facilities, and environment. If you are considering Africa, look into South Africa, Kenya, or Nigeria. In Asia, the Philippines and India are often the most affordable pilot training countries. But if you asked a typical pilot for the cheapest, they’d say, just get on the plane and start flying, as long as it’s in good condition and the license is valid in your own country. In the end, we all just want to be able to get a job with our license.