Frequently Asked Questions

Language & Training Standards

In which language will I be studying at Intercontinental Aviation Academy?
All training at Intercontinental Aviation Academy is delivered entirely in English.

The international language of aviation instruction is English, and this is also the language used at Intercontinental Aviation Academy. Therefore, you will only need English to complete your ground school courses and flight training.

What is EASA approval, and why is it important for Intercontinental Aviation Academy?
EASA approval ensures your training meets top European safety and quality standards recognized worldwide.

EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) approval ensures that Intercontinental Aviation Academy meets the highest standards of safety and quality set by European regulations. As the only EASA-approved academy in the Middle East, our certifications are globally recognized, giving our graduates a competitive advantage in the aviation industry.

What is the difference between ICAO and EASA certificates?
EASA licenses follow strict European standards, while ICAO provides globally recognized baseline aviation regulations.

EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency): EASA approval ensures that training programs meet the highest standards of safety and quality set by European regulations. FlyIAA is the only EASA-approved academy in the Middle East, and EASA certifications are recognized internationally, giving graduates a competitive edge in the global aviation industry. According to European regulations, ATPL exams and the CPL phase (final 6 months of training) must be completed in a European territory.
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization): ICAO provides international aviation standards that are recognized globally.
Both EASA and ICAO certifications from FlyIAA's Airline Pathway Programs lead to licenses respected by airlines worldwide. FlyIAA offers training programs under both EASA and ICAO standards, ensuring graduates receive certifications recognized by International Aviation Authorities globally for a successful career in aviation.

Entry Requirements & Eligibility

What are the minimum age and educational requirements for enrollment?
You must be at least 17, have a high school diploma, speak English, and pass a Class 1 Medical and entrance exams.

Minimum Age: At least 17 years old

Educational Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Proficiency in English (the international language of aviation instruction)

Additional Requirements:

  • Pass a Class 1 Medical examination
  • Pass FlyIAA's entrance exams
Do I need any prior flight experience to enroll in the Ab Initio program?
No, the program is designed for students with zero flight experience.

No. FlyIAA's Ab Initio program is specifically designed to take students from zero flight experience to full commercial pilot certification. No prior flying experience is necessary to enroll in the courses.

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What are the medical requirements for pilot training? Can I become a pilot if I wear glasses?
You must pass a Class 1 Medical; Corrective lenses are allowed if they meet aviation standards.

You must pass a Class 1 Medical examination. This is one of the basic entry requirements for most courses. You can wear glasses or contact lenses if your vision can be corrected to meet the required standards set by aviation authorities like EASA. The only difference is that it will be noted on your medical license in the limitation section that you must wear glasses during flights.

Program Duration & Pathways

How long does the complete pilot training program take from start to finish?
Training typically takes 24–30 months depending on your course and pace.

The duration of pilot training varies depending on the course. On average, it takes 24-30 months to complete a modular route, depending on the student's pace and availability.

What is the difference between the Integrated and Modular pathways for the Ab Initio Pilot Training Program?
Integrated is full-time structured training; Modular is flexible and completed in stages.

Both the Integrated and Modular pathways at FlyIAA take you from zero experience to full commercial pilot certification, starting with the Fundamentals of Aviation (FA) ground school.

Integrated Pathway: This is an intensive, full-time track where students progress through a continuous structured program. Students begin with Fundamentals of Aviation (FA), followed by ATPL theory and Core Flying, continuing through the full set of licensing requirements mandated by the relevant civil aviation authority in one continuous flow.

Modular Pathway: This pathway allows you to move at your own pace with more flexibility. You complete training in distinct modules: starting with the Private Pilot License (PPL), followed by Structured Hours Building (SHB), then ATPL Theory, Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (ME-IR), and Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT). The modular pathway enables students to complete the maximum possible portion of their training at their home base (starting with Fundamentals of Aviation, and potentially up to the SHB phase) before transitioning to specialized EASA training facilities in Europe where they complete their final training and graduate.

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Aircraft, Facilities & Training Resources

What facilities does Intercontinental Aviation Academy offer for student pilots?
The academy provides modern classrooms, advanced simulators, a maintenance hangar, and a diverse training fleet.

Intercontinental Aviation Academy offers state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, advanced flight simulators, a dedicated maintenance hangar, and a diverse fleet of training aircraft.

What type of aircraft will I be training on?
You’ll train on a modern fleet including Tecnam, Cessna, Aquila, and Diamond aircraft across multiple locations.

FlyIAA operates a diverse, modern fleet across its locations:

Lebanon:

  • Tecnam P2008
  • Cessna aircraft
  • AI Sim ALX simulator

Cyprus:

  • Diamond DA40
  • Aquila A210
  • Tecnam P2008
  • AI Sim ALX simulator

Greece:

  • Diamond DA40 (single-engine)
  • Diamond DA42 (twin-engine)

UAE:

  • Diamond DA40
  • Diamond DA42

FlyIAA is committed to fleet renewal with next-generation aircraft including the Diamond DA40, DA42 NG, and innovative Elixir aircraft. The varied fleet provides comprehensive training experiences with different flying characteristics and systems, allowing you to develop versatile piloting skills.

Do you have partnerships with airlines?
Yes, FlyIAA partners with airlines such as Cyprus Airways and Airarabia to support cadet-to-airline pathways.

Yes. FlyIAA has an extensive network of industry, academic, and regulatory partnerships that are essential to meeting global demand for skilled aviation professionals. Specific partnerships include:

Cyprus Airways and Airarabia: Provides a strong cadet-to-airline pathway

These collaborations with leading airlines enhance training programs with technology, ensure industry standards compliance, and provide global career opportunities for graduates.

Locations & Training Logistics

Which training locations can I choose from, and how do I decide?
FlyIAA offers training in Lebanon, Cyprus, Greece, and the UAE, and helps you choose the best fit.

FlyIAA offers training at multiple premier locations across Europe and the Middle East:

Training Locations:

Lebanon: Facilities at Beirut International Airport and management headquarters in Dbayeh, Mount Lebanon. Lebanon offers over 300 sunny days a year and is the only EASA-approved pilot pathway program in the Middle East.

Cyprus: Operated in partnership with Cyprus Airways Flying Academy at Larnaca International Airport. This location provides a strong cadet-to-airline pathway supported by Cyprus Airways.

Greece: Joint venture with Cretan Eagle Aviation at Greece's 2nd busiest airport, offering training over the beautiful island of Crete and Aegean islands with a modern Diamond fleet.

UAE: Offers a complete pilot pathway from ab initio to Type Rating under both EASA and ICAO GCAA frameworks. With facilities at RAK (Ras Al Khaimah), extended administration office in Dubai at DAFZA, and a type rating base in Sharjah.

How to Decide: FlyIAA provides a personalized approach and selects the best training locations based on your needs, offering a balanced lifestyle and supportive community. They handle all details including visas, accommodation, transportation, medical, and residential permits. The choice depends on your personal preferences, training pathway (EASA requires final CPL phase and ATPL exams to be completed in European territory), and which environment helps you stay focused and relaxed.

What is the climate like in Lebanon for flight training?
Lebanon offers clear skies and mild weather ideal for consistent flight training.

Lebanon’s clear weather and mild climate offer excellent conditions for flight training, allowing for consistent schedules with minimal disruptions due to weather.

Can I complete all my EASA training in Lebanon?
No—EASA requires ATPL exams and the CPL phase to be completed in a European territory.

Due to European regulations, the ATPL exams and CPL phase (final 6 months) must be completed in a European territory. Training begins in Lebanon and concludes at our base in Cyprus.

Admissions & Application Process

How do I apply for a course at Intercontinental Aviation Academy?
Simply submit the online application form and the admissions team will contact you.

You can apply through our website by completing the online application form. Our admissions team will review your application and contact you with further details.

How long does the application process take, and when can I start training?
Applications are reviewed, then you can join one of several intakes throughout the year.

You can apply through the website by completing the online application form. Once reviewed, a career counselor will contact you with further instructions and information to move forward.

FlyIAA offers multiple intakes throughout the year, including intakes in January, May and September. Due to high demand, it's recommended to apply early to reserve your spot for your preferred intake.

Can international students apply to Intercontinental Aviation Academy?
Yes, we welcome international students and provide visa support and guidance.

Yes, we welcome students from around the world. Our academy provides visa support and guidance to help international students transition smoothly.

How do I get more information about programs at Intercontinental Aviation Academy?
You can contact us via our website, email, or phone for more information.

For more details, visit our website, email us at info@flyiaa.aero, or call +961 76 030 333 | +357 96 83 89 99 | +971 55 747 2466 | +964 788 645 0911. Our admissions team is ready to answer any questions.

Advanced Training & Career Progression

Am I ready to apply for airlines once I receive my EASA f-ATPL?
Yes, once you meet type rating, flight hours, medical, and language requirements you can apply to airlines.

Yes, with your EASA Frozen ATPL, you’ll need a specific aircraft type rating, fulfill flight hour requirements, maintain an EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate, and meet language proficiency standards. Additional skills, such as communication and teamwork, will support your readiness for airline roles.

Do you offer advanced training programs or type ratings after initial certification?
Yes—FlyIAA offers comprehensive advanced programs including Type Ratings, MCC, JOC, and MPL.

Yes. FlyIAA offers comprehensive advanced training programs:

Type Rating (TR): A certification that pilots must obtain to operate specific aircraft types, especially complex or larger aircraft like commercial jets. FlyIAA has a dedicated Type Rating Center in Sharjah (UAE) through their partnership with Pier Seven Aviation, offering training for various aircraft including:

  • A320-CEO
  • A320-NEO
  • B737 Classic
  • B737 NG
  • B747-400

Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC): Training that prepares cadets for airline operations by teaching effective work with another pilot and developing communication, coordination, and procedural habits required in a multi-crew cockpit environment. This is a prerequisite for any Type Rating.

Jet Orientation Course (JOC/JOT): Typically offered alongside MCC training.

Multi-Pilot License (MPL) Programs: Available through the partnership with Pier Seven Aviation, providing a complete pathway from ab initio to airline-ready status.

What is Type Rating?
A Type Rating qualifies you to operate a specific aircraft model, such as commercial jets.

A Type Rating is a certification that pilots must obtain to operate specific aircraft types. Unlike a general pilot license, which certifies a pilot to fly various categories of aircraft, a Type Rating is necessary for complex or larger aircraft, such as commercial jets. The certification ensures that the pilot has undergone specialized training and testing to safely operate a particular model or series of aircraft.

What is MCC (Multi-Crew Cooperation) training?
MCC prepares pilots to work effectively in a multi-pilot cockpit and is required before any Type Rating.

MCC (Multi-Crew Cooperation) training is a crucial step in a pilot’s career and is a prerequisite for any Type Rating (TR). Typically offered alongside Jet Orientation Training (JOC or JOT), MCC prepares cadets for airline operations by teaching them how to effectively work with another pilot and adopt the communication, coordination, and procedural habits required in a multi-crew cockpit environment.

Are you ready to fly?

We're excited for you to take the first step! Please fill out and submit the application form. Once reviewed, our team will contact you to move forward. Let's get started!

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