Aviation Training Options for English Speakers in Belgium

Belgium offers a dense network of airports, aeroclubs, and flight schools, many of which operate in English because aviation communication worldwide is standardized in English. For English speakers living in Belgium or planning to move there, this creates accessible options to begin or advance an aviation pathway, whether for leisure or a professional career.

The Belgian system follows European Union Aviation Safety Agency, or EASA, standards. Licences and ratings obtained in Belgium are typically valid across other EASA member states, which is useful if you later plan to work or fly in another European country. Understanding how training is structured and where English is used helps you make realistic choices about time, cost, and career outcomes.

Understanding Aviation Training for English Speakers in Belgium

Aviation schools and aeroclubs in Belgium generally use English for flight operations, radio communication practice, and much of the technical theory. This is especially true for commercial level training such as Airline Transport Pilot Licence, known as ATPL, and Instrument Rating courses. Ground school for recreational licences may mix English with Dutch or French depending on location, but many instructors are used to working with international students.

For English speakers, common training routes include a recreational Private Pilot Licence, or PPL, which allows you to fly light aircraft non commercially, and structured professional paths such as integrated or modular ATPL programs. Integrated courses are full time and intensive, often taking 18 to 24 months. Modular paths can be spread over several years, combining PPL, hour building, ATPL theory, and advanced ratings step by step.

Training costs vary widely. A typical PPL for a single engine piston aircraft might range from about 10 000 to 15 000 euros in Belgium, depending on the club, aircraft type, and number of hours you actually need. Professional pilot training to a frozen ATPL level, including multi engine and instrument ratings, can reach totals between roughly 70 000 and 120 000 euros when aircraft rental, instruction, exams, and extra practice hours are included.

Several Belgian providers publish guide prices for their programs. The figures below are broad estimates to illustrate the scale of costs for English friendly courses and may change with fuel prices, regulatory requirements, and school policies.

Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

Potential Earnings in Aviation for Part Time Work in Belgium

Not everyone pursuing aviation in Belgium aims immediately for a full time airline position. Some look for part time roles that complement study or another career. Typical part time aviation related work includes ground handling at regional airports, dispatch or operations support, flight instruction at aeroclubs once qualified, and occasional sightseeing or banner towing flights where regulations permit.

Gross hourly earnings can differ significantly by role and employer. Ground handling and check in agents at Belgian airports often fall into a range similar to other service sector jobs, with approximate hourly rates of 12 to 16 euros, sometimes higher when night or weekend supplements apply. Part time flight instructors with the appropriate qualifications may receive in the region of 25 to 45 euros per flight hour, depending on the club, aircraft type, and whether they are paid only for airborne time or also for briefings and paperwork.

Part time aviation income is influenced by several factors. Experience, licence level, language skills, union agreements, and the size of the airport or company all play a role. Seasonal variation is also important: tourism peaks can mean more flying or ground handling hours, while winter can be quieter for visual flight operations. Because of this variability, part time aviation work is often treated as supplementary income rather than a sole financial foundation.

How to Get Started with Aviation Training in Belgium

Beginning aviation training in Belgium as an English speaker usually starts with clarifying your goal. If you mainly want leisure flights at weekends, a PPL or the slightly lighter Light Aircraft Pilot Licence, or LAPL, through a local aeroclub may be sufficient. For a professional pathway, you will need to consider a Class 1 medical, a longer training timeline, and more substantial financing. In both cases, a good command of spoken and written English is essential.

A practical first step is to visit one or two aeroclubs or schools at airports such as Brussels, Antwerp, Ostend, Charleroi, or Liège. Introductory flights can help you confirm that you enjoy flying and give you a feel for the local training culture. While visiting, ask specifically about the language of instruction, availability of English course materials, instructor experience with international students, and typical total costs including extras beyond headline prices.

Administrative planning is just as important as flight enthusiasm. Prospective students should budget realistically for training, exams, medicals, and travel to and from the airfield. Non EU citizens may need to consider visa requirements and how many hours of work are permitted alongside study. Many learners in Belgium combine modular training with university studies or other jobs, spreading costs and flying hours over several years. A clear timeline and savings plan help ensure that training remains sustainable and enjoyable.

In summary, Belgium offers a range of aviation training routes that are accessible to English speakers, from club based leisure flying to structured commercial pilot programs. Understanding the structure, likely costs, and realistic part time earning possibilities allows you to choose the training path that aligns with your interests, budget, and long term plans in aviation.