TRAINING CENTRE
GET READY FOR THE SPRING SEASON 2025
About SmartLynx Training Centre
25 active and experienced pilots as instructors in our Training Centre
14 000 average flight hours of the instructors
80-90 new students each year from all over the world
1 400+ flight and cabin crew team in 2023
About SmartLynx Training Centre
SmartLynx Training Centre is one of the most recognized approved training organizations (ATO) in the Baltic States that offers airline pilot training by providing type rating courses for Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320 series. It is a well-known training center, acknowledged by aviation professionals worldwide.
SmartLynx Training Centre offers the most comprehensive, applied ground training available today.
SmartLynx Training Centre welcomes 80-90 students each year from all over the world. The majority of graduates get the opportunity to build a pilot career with SmartLynx Airlines. In the past 5 years, 96% of all graduates received the opportunity to build a pilot career with SmartLynx Airlines.
Aviation Training Services
B737 MAX Type Rating Course
SmartLynx B737 MAX Type Rating course covers Ground Course (9 days in the virtual classroom followed by 1 day of testing in the classroom), Cockpit System Simulator (FTD/OTD), Full Flight Simulator (FFS), Skill Test, and B737 MAX Base Training (6 Touch and Go + 1 Full stop) with an option to do ZFTT session for experienced pilots. Ground training is delivered as distance learning, followed by simulator training in one of
our facilities, and completed with the Base Training from SmartLynx base airports. Completion of the full course takes around 6 weeks.
APPLY FOR THE B737 MAX TYPE RATING
A320 Type Rating Course
The aim of the course is to train pilots with different backgrounds and previous experience to safely operate A320 family aircraft.
After successful completion of the A320 type rating course and skill test, pilots are A320 family type rated. The course is performed on a basic version of an A320 aircraft which covers the A320 family
(A318 / A319 / A320 / A321). This allows pilots to get a single Type Rating to fly all the versions of the same aircraft series, if they performed the relevant familiarization course.
Cabin Crew Training Instructor Courses
SmartLynx Cabin Crew Training Instructor Courses are a combination of theoretical and practical education delivered by our highly experienced Instructor Team.
Courses can be organized for an individual or a group, as single or multiple courses, and the location is customized to the client's needs.
A320 Licence Renewal and Revalidation
SmartLynx Training Centre offers the possibility of renewal and/or revalidation of the Airbus A320 type rating.
Our highly experienced examiners are available in several European locations and will carry out the program according to your needs, whether it is a revalidation or renewal. Course duration and price depend on the license expiration date.
Type Rating Instructor Course
The TRI(A) training course is designed to develop safety awareness throughout by teaching the knowledge, skills, and attitudes relevant to the role of the TRI and is designed to give adequate training to the
applicant in theoretical knowledge instruction, flight instruction, and FSTD instruction to instruct for the A320 type rating. The course gives particular emphasis to the role of the individual in relation to the importance of human factors in the man-machine environment and the role of CRM. Particular attention is given to the applicant's maturity and judgment, including an understanding of adults, their behavioral attitudes, and variable levels of learning ability.
A320 Type Rating Course Content
Ground Course
Includes:
- Computer Based Training (CBT) with instructor
- System review
- Procedures
- Performance
- Weight and Balance
- Tests
Duration:
9 days in virtual classroom followed by 2 days of in-person classes and 1 day of testing
Cockpit System Simulator with APT/FTD
Includes:
- ECAM trainer
- FMGS trainer
- Cockpit trainer
- Normal and abnormal operations
- Task sharing
Duration:
20 hours
Full Flight Simulator (FFS)
Briefing/Debriefing
Duration
9 sessions / 36 hours
Skill Test
FFS
Duration
1 session / 4 hours
A320 Base Training or ZFTT session
6 Touch and Go + 1 full stop
or
ZFTT session for experienced pilots
Training includes PBN operations and engines difference training (CFM and IAE engines)
B737 MAX Type Rating
Ground Course
Includes:
- Computer Based Training (CBT) with the instructor
- System review
- Procedures
- Performance
- Weight and Balance
- Tests
Duration:
9 days in virtual classroom followed by 1 day testing in classroom
Cockpit System Simulator with FTD or OTD
Includes:
- ECAM trainer
- FMGS trainer
- Cockpit trainer
- Normal and abnormal operations
- Task sharing
Duration:
12 hours
Full Flight Simulator (FFS)
Briefing/Debriefing
Duration
10 sessions / 40 hours
Skill Test
FFS
Duration
1 session / 4 hours
B737 MAX Base Training or ZFTT session
6 Touch and Go + 1 full stop
or
ZFTT session for experienced pilots
Pre-requirements
Older than 18 years
Valid multi-engine Instrumental Rating (A)
Advanced UPRT certificate
Class EASA 1 medical certificate
ICAO level 4 knowledge of English language*
EASA ATPL(A) or CPL(A) and theoretical knowledge equal to requirements for the issue of ATPL(A)
Hold a certificate of satisfactory completion of MCC course if applying for the issue of the first type rating for the multi-pilot airplane type
70 hours as pilot-in-command of airplanes
500 hours or 100 route sectors experience on Multi-pilot aircraft types if applying for Type Rating with ZFTT option
*The English language level has to be in pilot license or additional certificate of English proficiency level issued by authority where pilot passed the examination or by authority issued pilot license.
Upcoming Dates
| Monthly | A320 Type Rating |
| 08 Mar | B737 MAX Type Rating |
To find out more, fly through our Training Centre's booklet.
And if needed, feel free to contact our team to discuss your training period options.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to complete the course?
The average duration of our course is six weeks. Our Type Rating course is intense but leaves sufficient time for self-study and rest.
If I join the course with a friend, would I get a discount?
Yes, if you join our Type Rating Course together with a friend, each of you will get a 1500 EUR discount.
Will SmartLynx ATO arrange travel and accommodation during the course?
Travel and accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of the student. They are not included in the course price. Most of our students decide to share living costs by renting together.
Can non-EU citizens apply for the Type Rating course?
The current company policy only allows candidates with EASA-approved licenses and Class 1 Medical to enroll in the course. Please note that it is a student's responsibility to maintain a valid permit to study/work and live in the EU. Applicants from the UK can be considered.
What is the cost of the Type Rating course?
36 500 EUR + 600 EUR pre-assessment fee (pre-assessment fee is non-refundable). The pre-assessment consists of an online psychological assessment and interviews with a psychological specialist and the SmartLynx Airlines assessment team.
The course price includes the following:
- All training course materials
- 9 days in virtual classroom followed by 2 days of in-person classes and 1 day of testing
- A320/ B737 Cockpit systems simulator (20 hours or 12 hours)
- A320/ B737 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) (9 sessions / 36 hours or 10 sessions / 40 hours)
- A320/ B737 Skill Test (1 session / 4 hours)
- A320/ B737 Base Training (6 Touch and Go + 1 Full Stop or ZFTT (Zero Flight Time Training) session)
How does this course differ from Type Rating courses other flight schools offer?
SmartLynx Training Center has over ten years of experience in pilot training and a record of over 400 skilled graduates. Our training is conducted by current airline pilots, ensuring that students benefit from up-to-date knowledge, procedures, and insights gained from professionals with extensive flying experience. At SmartLynx Training Center, we are committed to equipping pilots with the skills and expertise required for a successful aviation career.
Is the insurance included in the price?
It is the student's responsibility to arrange insurance.
Can I work for SmartLynx after finishing the A320 or B737 MAX Type Rating course at SmartLynx Training Center?
Yes! Graduates who have completed the Type Rating course without any disqualifying criteria are considered for employment at SmartLynx Airlines, and successful Pre-Assessments help to ensure that students have all the necessary skills to succeed in the Type Rating.
Where are the Type Rating Courses held?
The first part of the training (Ground School) is done online in a virtual classroom. Afterward, trainees travel to Barcelona, Spain, to complete all necessary tests and continue with simulator training. Base Training location can vary, but usually, training circuits are done in RIX or TLL.
Should the course price be paid in one payment, or can it be done in installments?
The course fee is paid by the schedule and divided into four payments. Three of these are to be paid before the course starts, and the last one - during the actual course period.
Can I pay for the Type Rating after the course from my salary?
Currently, the option to pay for the Type Rating after the course from your salary is not available.
Training Centre News
Graduates About Us
Hello Everyone
My name is Matteo De Luca, and I am from Italy.
I always wanted to be a pilot since I was a kid. SmartLynx gave me the opportunity to do the type rating in October 2019 before COVID19. The course was done in Sofia with qualified instructors and with advanced training material. Also, the buildings are brand new and modern equipment and finishes to give to the trainee the best overall experience. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly all the time.
Right after the training I have passed the assessment with SmartLynx Airlines, and now I’m flying as a first officer and living my dream!
SmartLynx Airlines gave me the possibility to work in a dynamic environment and to see so many places around the world. I’m writing from Africa right now.
When I started Flight School, back in August 2018, there was a huge demand for
new pilots so, when I graduated in December 2019, I was ready to start doing what I
love the most: flying. I had flown with the PA28 Archer and PA44 Seminole in sunny
Arizona and then with the PA34 Seneca in rainy Oxford. I tremendously enjoyed
those days!
Sadly, shortly after my graduation, Covid-19 decided to step in, so my dreams
entered an holding pattern. But I did not give up, I kept my skills fresh and at the
end I achieved passing SmartLynx’s selection process.
I first got to know SmartLynx at the Berlin Pilot Expo 2020, and it positively
impressed me so, when the assessments resumed, I immediately applied.
I started my A320 Type Rating in March 2021 and passed the Skills test the 1st May.
Ground school was done online, at the beginning I thought it was going to make
things harder, but I admit I changed my mind looking back at it.
Then I did the Base Training on the 4th. It was the best day of my life and it really
was worth the waiting and every sacrifice I have made!
Special thanks go to Cpt. Vasilijs Kazaks, honestly could not have asked for a better
sim instructor, and to the whole #SmartTeam for always being available and
incredibly professional! Now I am ready to take on the next chapters!
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