Join SmartLynx Cadet Program and become a First Officer of Airbus A320 in 2 years
SmartLynx Cadet Program is a great opportunity for those with no previous flying experience. Having chosen this option, you are entitled to receive a letter of undertaking from the airline. It serves as a provisional job guarantee you can take advantage of upon successfully passing your examinations.
After the initial assessment, you will undertake an Integrated Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) training course at BAA Training and proceed with the Type Rating part delivered by SmartLynx.
Would you like to take a First Officer’s seat in the cockpit of the Airbus A320 aircraft? Book your online assessment now and get ready for the airline’s final interview!
About SmartLynx Airlines
SmartLynx Airlines is a charter and ACMI operator headquartered in Riga, Latvia. The company holds Latvian, Estonian and Maltese Air Operator Certificates. SmartLynx Airlines has been operating on the market for over 25 years.
The fleet consists of 18 Airbus A320 aircraft and 6 Airbus 321 aircraft flying across Europe, Asia and Africa
SmartLynx flight crew members represent more than 18 nationalities and speak multiple languages.
The average experience of captains is above 5300 block hours and first officers more than 1900 block hours.
Students share their thoughts
Patrizio, “SmartLynx Cadet”
I was looking for a Cadet program which could offer both job security and at the same time a challenging working environment, and where I could put my previous professional and life experience to use. My natural choice was BAA Training. BAA Training indeed could offer everything I was looking for: a competitive price, beautiful aircraft to fly, job security as a First Officer with SmartLynx at the end of my training, and young, competent, open and always helpful staff and the Management. Training was very intense and required to work and study hard, but I must admit that the support I received from the Flight Instructors and the academy staff throughout my learning adventure was very helpful and reassuring. I was so lucky to be chosen as a SmartLynx Cadet. Honestly, I think that due to the very nature of SmartLynx as the ACMI leader in Europe, in addition to my previous professional experience, this was the best choice in my professional life. Kudos to BAA Training for choosing the best Cadet program for me!!! I couldn’t be happier and more satisfied.
Nelson,”SmartLynx Cadet”
I’m Nelson, a BAA Training student of SmartLynx Airlines Cadet Program. I am now done with the theoretical part and VFR part of the training and I can say I have spent the most interesting and exciting part of my life at BAA Training. My dream is becoming true not only thanks to my hard work but also thanks to BAA Training family. I call it family because they try to do their best for their students even if sometimes some issues occur. I have been assisted by the BAA Training team many times which allowed me to concentrate all my energy on the training. I also had a great experience with all my classmates. Learning together was not a race or a competition but rather a pursuit of a common goal. We were sharing our knowledge and helping each other in order to succeed. That was one of the best experiences in my life. However, the greatest opportunity that could be offered to a cadet is meeting the airline. I had a chance to meet my company SmartLynx Airlines and have an observation flight exploring a real pilot’s work day. Now I am sure – the sky office is the best office!
Mowafi, “SmartLynx Cadet”
“My dream was to become an airline pilot, after careful research I chose BAA Training as a well-trusted pilot school with a great history in training professional pilots, with professional and friendly instructors, a well-structured training program equipped with all the necessary material for a professional pilot training. With many partner airlines of BAA Training, I have chosen SmartLynx airlines to launch my professional airline career, as SmartLynx is one of Europe’s leading ACMI. Having an amazing opportunity to work with SmartLynx means that I will have a chance to experience many bases on behalf of different airlines. In SmartLynx we work in harmony, flight crew together with cabin crew in a cheerful and friendly atmosphere. I’m grateful to be part of this great airline, and the opportunity to make my dream come true.“
Minimum Entry Requirements
Age
Over 18 years old
Residency
Unrestricted right to live and work in the European Union
Theoretical preparation
Knowledge of Mathematics, Physics, and English is of key importance.
Education
Secondary or higher
Physical status
Valid EASA 1st Class Medical Certificate
Personal competence and aptitude
All candidates must go through special tests and interviews developed by the selection commission of the BAA Training and SmartLynx Airlines for social competence and aptitude assessment
Criminal Record
Candidate's criminal record has to be clear for five years at least.
Steps of the preselection process:
1. Contact us
Please fill out the form below in order to get your personal manager at BAA Training who will guide you through the whole preselection process.
2. Initial discussion on terms, conditions and answers to possible Qs
You will be reached by email or phone to discuss your needs and terms of application. At this stage, the personal manager will answer all of your questions.
3. Document screening and schedule of the assessment date
After you provide your CV, scanned copy of your passport valid to travel abroad and educational documents you are ready to set the date of the assessment.
4. Candidate assessment
Go through the candidate assessment process allowing to assess whether you possess certain personal traits, competencies, cognitive abilities and skills, English language knowledge and motivation necessary for a successful pilot.
The assessment is conducted through the reliable and valid test system Cut-e as well as a semi-structural interview.
5. Suitable candidate is presented to the airline
If a student‘s profile match with airline‘s requirements, he is presented to the airline for the final decision.
6. Candidate‘s final interview with the airline
The airline invites suitable candidates for the final interview. It involves group tasks and a personal interview.
Course content
THEORETICAL TRAINING
Theoretical part consists of 15 subjects (813:15 hours with exams) to be completed in 10 months.
- Air law
- Communication
- Operating procedures
- Mass and balance
- Instrumentation
- Meteorology
- Aircraft general knowledge
- Flight planning
- Performance
- General navigation
- Radio navigation
- Human performance & limitations
- Principles of flight
- VFR/IFR communications
- Advanced UPRT
NTS TRAINING
BAA Training introduces a new non-technical module in theoretical training – Pilot career development through NTS (Non-Technical Skills). This module is designed for students to develop skills and competences important for a successful pilot career: leadership, co-operation, teamwork, communication and other.
NTS training is prepared according to a new requirement from EASA to implement a new training course Area 100 KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes). This course will be mandatory for every training provider from 2022. BAA Training becomes one of the first training providers to add NTS training into its training syllabus – an extended training program is available from spring 2019.
BAA Training introduces a new non-technical module in theoretical training – Pilot career development through NTS (Non-Technical Skills). This module is designed for students to develop skills and competences important for a successful pilot career: leadership, co-operation, teamwork, communication and other.
NTS training is prepared according to a new requirement from EASA to implement a new training course Area 100 KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes). This course will be mandatory for every training provider from 2022. BAA Training becomes one of the first training providers to add NTS training into its training syllabus – an extended training program is available from spring 2019.
| Course duration: 37 hours |
Course Duration: 37 hours
| I PART. GROUP | II PART. PROFESSION | III PART. CAREER |
|---|---|---|
| 1st meeting review | Aviation Business Trends & Pilot Profession | ATPL Theory revision before job interview |
| COMPETENCES to develop: | Search and Selection process in the Airline & Introducing Airline Companies | ADVANCED Compass test |
| 1. Co-operation | 2nd group meeting | Job Interview Training (group training) 1 |
| 2. Leadership & Managerial Skills and teamwork | Job Interview Training (group training) 2 | |
| 3. Problem Solving & Decision Making | Session in the FFS | |
| 4. Workload Management & Situational Awareness | 3rd final meeting | |
| Individual consultations |
I PART. GROUP
- 1st meeting review
Competences to develop:
- Co-operation
- Leadership & Managerial Skills and teamwork
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Workload Management & Situational Awareness
II PART. PROFESSION
- Aviation Business Trends & Pilot Profession
- Search and Selection process in the Airline & Introducing Airline Companies
- 2nd group meeting
III PART. CAREER
- ATPL Theory revision before job interview
- ADVANCED Compass test
- Job Interview Training (group training) 1
- Job Interview Training (group training) 2
- Session in the FFS
- 3rd final meeting
- Individual consultations
FLIGHT TRAINING
Flight training consists of 213 hours including Flight Navigation Procedure Trainer, single-engine and multi-engine aircraft.
- 147 hours – single-engine aircraft
- 11 hours – multi-engine aircraft
- 40 hours – FNPT II (Flight Navigation Procedure Trainer)
- 15 hours – FBS (Fixed-Base Simulator)
*Flight training sessions take place all year round.
BAA Training fleet consists of of six Cesna 172S, eleven Tecnam P2002JF, two Tecnam P2006T, one Cabri G-2. Find out more about our fleet here.
KSA100/CBTA
Area 100 KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes) is a new subject in theoretical pilot training. It follows a competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) philosophy and is often referred to as a “paradigm shift” that modernizes flight crew training.
The aim of Area 100 KSA is to develop and access student pilots’ certain behavioral competencies besides the technical ones. The competencies based on ICAO core principles are the following: communication, leadership and teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making, situation awareness, workload management, and application of knowledge.
Students will have to complete one formative assessment, two summative ones, and one mental math test during the learning process. The assessments will verify whether the students are fully equipped with the relevant competencies and have developed a “thinking pilot’s” mindset.
MCC TRAINING
MCC Training consists of 25 hours theoretical training and 15 hours of flight training at Full Flight Simulator (without motion system).
CAA EXAMINATION
- Air law
- Communication
- Operating procedures
- Mass and balance
- Instrumentation
- Meteorology
- Aircraft general knowledge
- Flight planning
- Performance
- General navigation
- Radio navigation
- Human performance
- Principles of flight
- VFR/IFR communications
INCLUDED
You will be provided with all the material needed for your successful training at BAA Training.
Training materials:
- Vol.5 Radio Navigation e-book
- NM-2 ruler
- PP-1 protractor
- CB-3 knee board
- CRP-5
- Vol. 1 Flying training e-book
- Logbook
- Tablet computer
Uniform:
- Tailor-made uniform
- Polo shirts for the flight season
- ATP(A) CBT (Bristol ATP theory software)
- Instructor fees
- Theory exams at the academy
Flying:
- Aircraft fees
- Fuel
- Airport landing/parking fees
- Permit costs for airports
- VFR, NVFR, IR, MEP fees
- UPRT, PBN and Non-technical skill training
- Instructor fees
NOT INCLUDED
- Assessment procedure – 380 EUR
- Medical examination for the EASA Class 1 Medical certificate. Please note that it can be less expensive to have medical examination in Lithuania as a fee for there is from 296,60 EUR for men and from 308,78 EUR for women
- Living expenses and accommodation
- CAA exams (a fee for one exam at Lithuanian CAA is 30 EUR)
- Issue of a professional license at Lithuanian CAA – 166 EUR
* the specified prices may change depending on service provider price changes
FUNDING
There are several options for students to get a partial or full funding for flight training. It is either a bank loan or different funding institutions in various countries. Find out more.
Please note that BAA Training does not provide financial support.
AFTER-CARE PROGRAM
Student aftercare program
As part of the student aftercare program, all our ATPL Integrated and CPL Modular training programs’ students get a guaranteed 20% discount for their SEP(land), MEP(land), SEP / IR(A) and MEP / IR(A) rating renewal or revalidation for maintaining licence currency within three years after graduating.
The student aftercare program also ensures that our trainees receive proper mentorship not only while studying but also after they are done with their training. BAA Training academy works with many airlines worldwide, providing their flight crews with professional training. Often airlines ask us to refer our independent students who are about to finish or have just finished studies to them to be offered employment. Our independent candidates work in airlines such as Wizz Air, CityJet, Ryanair, GetJet, SmartLynx, Avion Express, Condor, Royal Air Morocco, Nordica, AirBaltic, Norra, etc.
One more benefit under the scope of the program is a free Pilot Skills Profile Test via AON’s assessment solutions (https://assessment.aon.com/en-us). This test will be helpful for graduates to understand what valuable skills they have and which ones need improvement. This tool is used by prominent airlines such as SAS, Aer Lingus, Ryanair, etc., to select the best pilots. Therefore, it could be beneficial for pilots to self-access their knowledge and abilities before going to the airlines’ interviews.
WHERE WILL YOU TRAIN AND LIVE
A theoretical part of your training is conducted at the academy headquarters in Vilnius, Lithuania. Take a 360 tour.
„QS Best Student Cities 2018″ placed Vilnius among TOP 100 best cities in the world for international students. According to the ranking indicators, the capital of Lithuania has a fairly low cost of living compared to other European capitals.
The city of Vilnius perfectly combines high-quality studies with unforgettable entertainment and comfortable living for a reasonable cost. Living in Vilnius can pose a unique experience for every student interested in discovering a new culture and travelling around. You can find plenty of hangout spots there such as wonderful historical places, cosy cafes, local markets, a variety of restaurants and nightclubs. Being in the heart of Europe, it is pretty easy to travel around, as you can easily reach even the furthermost cities in a few hours. Also, Vilnius has an easy access to nature within walking distance.
For the long term accommodation we offer LOOP hotel. The newly-built hotel of contemporary design, located next to the BAA Training premises, will provide you with a comfortable stay. LOOP hotel is located 1 kilometre away from the International Vilnius Airport and 3 kilometres away from the city centre.
The practical training will be held at one of our aerodromes. You could find more information about the aerodromes here.
If you have your practical training at Kaunas flight base, you can choose between staying in Vilnius and commuting to the aerodrome every day or temporarily moving to Kaunas. BAA Training could offer several partner hotels in Kaunas at affordable prices.
If you have your practical training at Lleida-Alguaire International Airport in Spain, BAA Training will also provide you with all the necessary information needed for staying there.
Lleida-Alguaire Airport is 150 km away from Barcelona’s city centre and you could easily reach the city by using public transport or by renting a car. BAA Training will inform you about transportation prices and accommodation possibilities. The academy has a number of partner hotels and apartments to stay in the area or you can choose one by yourself.
In Lleida, the famous Spanish sunshine is what you get here free of charge. Besides, food and culture are the main things you also need to enjoy in Spain. Lleida offers a wide variety of landscapes from the high Pyrenees mountains to national parks. In addition, Lleida is rich in its monumental heritage – historical churches and museums. You could also visit plenty of local pubs, cafes and restaurants to taste local dishes and drinks or to hang out with friends.
With Spain’s warm climate and outdoor lifestyle, you may find yourself spending much of your free time sitting at cafés, enjoying the sun, or exploring the cultural monuments.
Let's talk!
Let us know how we can help you. Please fill out the form below and we will do our best to get in touch within one working day to discuss your personal needs and requirements.
