Best aviation schools in Dubai

Ever wanted to take to the skies and fly around the world piloting aircrafts? Or are you more keen to dabble in some aeronautical engineering? Whatever your goals are, you will need the proper certification from recognised aviation schools in Dubai to pursue such careers. Fortunately, there are several flight academies in the emirate that will help you pursue such aspirations. From flying lessons in Airbus A320 simulators to air cargo and flight crew training courses, here is what some of the best aviation schools in Dubai have to offer.

JETSTREAM Aviation Academy

First on our best aviation schools in Dubai list is the JETSTREAM Aviation Academy in Dubai. An established Approved Training Organization (ATO), this institute is also a certified flight and Type Rating Training Organization (FTO/TRTO). Operating under EASA, GCAA (General Civil Aviation Authority) and UAE regulations, JETSTREAM’s training portfolio features an Airline First course and Type Ratings for aircraft like A320, A340, A310 and more. Additional courses include the following:

• Helicopter pilot training: Available for professional helicopter pilots and those without prior flying experience, training devices used here include aircrafts like the Robinson R22 or R44 Bell helicopters. Successful candidates are granted EASA licenses. 
• Aircraft maintenance: A 24-month programme, this course includes theoretical and practical training, perfect for applicants pursuing careers as Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAME).
• Cabin Crew: A Hellenic CAA approved course, Cabin Crew training by JETSTREAM helps you to explore job opportunities at partner airlines and English language training

For more information, refer to the following details:

• Contact: +971-4-392-2200
• Location: Office No. 5, Highbay Building, Dubai Silicon Oasis

Emirates Aviation Services LLC

Next up on our picks for best aviation schools in Dubai, UAE is Emirates Aviation Services. Established in 1989 with the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, this is the first Dubai flight school that was certified by the GCAA. One of the best Dubai pilot training schools, flight training courses here cover these areas:  

• Private Pilot License (PPL): With a minimum requirement of 200 flight hours, this course features a complete CPL, IR, MER and PPL training which is followed by flight and ground training.
• Conversion of License: This course is meant for applicants who have received licenses from other ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) contracted states. Members are required to pass the UAE medical, UAE Air Law and PPC flight check exams to successfully convert their foreign licenses to UAE Private Pilot License. 

For information on pilot training in Dubai costs and other services, refer to the following:

• Contact: +971-4-299-5155/62
• Location: LMU No. 3, Next to National Aviation Cargo, Al Maktoum International Airport 

Emirates Aviation University

Taking off with the third place for best aviation schools in Dubai is the Emirates Aviation University. Also a good place for aviation security courses in Dubai, this institute specializes in aviation management, aeronautical engineering and aviation safety. Divided into Post Graduate, Undergraduate, Foundation and Professional Training, the Emirates Aviation University offers an incredibly extensive array of aviation courses. Notable ones in this Emirates aviation school in Dubai include the following:

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineering: This course is delivered in collaboration with Coventry University in the UK. Relevant to maintenance engineers, the two-year (part-time) curriculum is designed specifically to extend knowledge in aspects like aircraft safety and quality management 
• Aviation Security: Comprised of five modules, the MASAS (Masters in Aviation Safety and Aviation Security) course prepares students to deal with issues concerning human factors, operations and risk management in aviation.
• Aviation Management: An 18-month MBA course (part-time), Aviation Management programme attracts professionals seeking to broaden their skills in this field.

For information on Emirates Aviation college admission, refer to the following:

• Contact: +971-4-605-0100
• Location: Dubai International Academic City – Dubai

Ecole Hoteliere Helvetique (EHH)

Focusing more on hospitality and tourism, EHH also features comprehensive aviation programmes which focus on certifying the consolidated expertise of professional applicants. Courses offered in this flight training academy in Dubai include:

• Airports: Complete either a 3-month Professional Diploma or 6-month diploma Advanced Professional course and receive certification in different areas of airport operations. This includes Aerodrome Operation, strategic planning and decision making.
• Ground Handling: This course prepares potential ground crew staffers for busy airports. This includes training in different tasks performed by handling crews and practical training.
• Airlines: This course features theoretical as well as practical training in airline security, operations, management and more. For example, consider the 12-week professional diploma in Flight Operations.

Refer to the following details for information on payment packages and additional courses:

• Contact: +971-4-564-6772
• Location: Dubai International Academic City – Dubai

Aviation Training Center LLC

An institute accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Aviation Training Center offers a platform for regulatory and training courses on personal development. It gives applicants a head start in the technical and managerial aspects of aviation, especially concerning cargo delivery. Courses offered here cover these areas:

• Safety and Security Training: This curriculum includes certificate courses in areas like Air Transport of Infectious Substances, Ramp Safety Management, and Basic Cargo Handling to name a few.
• Air Cargo Training: This course features certificate courses in areas like Perishable and Temperature Sensitive Cargo, Special Cargo Handling, Fundamentals of Human Factors in Aviation and more. For example, Live Animals Regulation is designed to give participants briefings of transporting live cargo by air — a 14-hour course that enables applicants to check and verify whether live shipments are handled as per regulations.
• Soft Skills Training: Focusing on personal development, courses offered in soft skills include Cultural Awareness, Facilitation Skills, Art of Delegation, Organizing Skills as well as Health and Safety Awareness amongst others. 

For a full list of available courses, refer to the following details: 

• Contact: +971-4-259-5556
• Location:701 Ithra Plaza, Next to Aviation Club/ Jumeirah Creekside Hotel – Dubai

Airborne Aviation

A South African flight school with a base in Dubai, Airborne Aviation is an ideal place for anyone wishing to acquire a PPL (Private Pilot License) or CPL (Commercial Pilot License). Training aircrafts used by this flying school are considered the best for ab-initio flight training in Dubai. Additional training devices include modern flight simulators that prepare students before they get in an actual cockpit. Courses offered in this regard are as follows:

• Private Pilot License (PPL): This course includes a minimum of 40 hours of flight training on a Cessna 172 or 152 aircraft as well as 45 hours of ground training. 
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Aimed to make trainees capable of piloting aircraft — for compensation or hire — this course features 200 hours of flight time which also includes 20 hours in a  flight simulator, 5 hours in an advanced plane as well as other requirements. 
• Ground School: The service offers two ground schools. Students who wish to obtain PPL licenses are required to study Air Law. Those wishing to obtain CPL licenses can opt for the course of Radio Aids.
• Instrument Rating (IR): Generally done in conjunction with CPL training, this course aims to enable pilots to proficiently control aircrafts using flight and navigation equipment without reference to the ground or horizon. 
• Air Transport Pilot License (ATPL): An integrated course, Frozen ATPL (A) aims to make student pilots proficient enough to operate as co-pilots on multi-engine and multi-pilot aircraft in commercial air transport. 

Additionally, aspiring applicants are expected to be medically fit according to the standards laid out by the GCAA and South African Civil Aviation Authority. All in all, Airborne Aviation deserves props for being one of the best flying schools in Dubai. For more details on courses and medical requirements, refer to the following:

• Contact: +971-4-361-9442
• Location: Ibn Battuta Gate Office Building, 3rd Floor 

Vision Concept Aviation Training Institute (VCATI)

Last on our list of best aviation schools in Dubai is the VCATI. A GCAA and CAR 147-approved organization, courses here cover aspects from technical engineering all the way to cabin crew training and ground handling. From commercial pilot training in Dubai to engineering, here are some courses offered here include:

• Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering: This 9-month course provides students the chance to acquire a nationally recognized Level 3 vocational qualification or enter employment in aeronautics engineering sectors. 
• Pilot Training: This course aims to transform a zero-hour aspiring pilot into a full-fledged commercial airline pilot in 8 months, thereby giving them opportunities to work with major airlines
• Airport Management: The 5-month airport ground handling course covers three aspects — Cargo Handling, Passenger Handling and Ramp Management. Additionally, students are also trained in soft skills. 

For more information on the additional course, refer to the following details:

• Contact: +971-4-288-4474
• Location: Al Garhoud, Dubai

That’s a wrap of our list of best aviation schools in Dubai. Want someone else to man the cockpit while you enjoy the ride? Check out our picks for the best seaplane tours in Dubai. For more leisurely flight options, take a look at our recommendations for helicopter tours in Dubai. Of course, if you prefer lessons closer to the ground, our reviews of top driving schools in Dubai will help you find the best instructors.