Students from Quest College observe a flight simulation session at the Civil Aviation Flight Training Center in Vientiane.

Free workshop set to inspire potential pilots

A free pilot training workshop to be held in Vientiane will offer young Lao people a hands-on introduction to aviation and a clear pathway to a professional flying career.
The one-day event will take place on April 25 at Wattay International Airport, hosted by the Civil Aviation Flight Training Center (CAFTC). The workshop targets young people aged 17 to 25 who are interested in training to become pilots.
Participants will gain first-hand experience of aviation through flight simulator sessions, guided tours of the aircraft hangar, and live demonstrations of pre-flight inspections. They will also attend information sessions to learn about career paths in the aviation industry and decide if flying is the right choice for them.

Participants visit an aircraft hangar at Wattay International Airport, where instructors introduce a training aircraft and explain basic pre-flight procedures during an aviation career workshop.

The training centre was established under the Civil Aviation Flight Training Project through cooperation between the Lao government and PACTEC International. For more than 20 years, the organisation has supported civil aviation in Laos through education and training, including aviation English and pilot training programmes.
Since 2013, six generations of pilot cadets have trained at the centre for Lao Skyway. The programme is now open to the public, allowing Lao students to train as professional pilots and apply to airlines in Laos after graduation.
Head of Training at CAFTC, Mr Martin Tubbesing, told the Vientiane Times the workshop aims to give young people a clear understanding of what it takes to become a pilot and inspire them to take the first step.
Participants will gain insight into the CAFTC training programme, tour facilities including the office and aircraft hangar, and engage in hands-on learning, including aircraft familiarisation and introductory flight simulator sessions, he said.
The global demand for aviation professionals continues to grow. According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the Asia-Pacific region will need more than 230,000 new pilots by 2042, along with 250,000 aircraft maintenance technicians.
Mr Tubbesing said the centre’s professional pilot training programme runs for about two years and focuses on safety, quality and international standards. Students receive extensive flight hours and classroom instruction compared to faster training programmes in other countries.
Mr Tubbesing said passion is key to succeed in aviation. In addition to it candidates must also demonstrate strong discipline, academic aptitude, and personal responsibility.
“All applicants must pass entry assessments to ensure they are ready for the demands of training,” he said. “Those who do not yet meet the requirements should take time to improve their English and academic skills before applying.”
He added that future airline-sponsored cadet programmes may help reduce the financial burden for students.
The workshop is free of charge but limited to 40 participants. Registration must be completed by April 20. The event is not required for entry into the pilot training programme, but it offers valuable insight for those considering a career in aviation.
Interested applicants can find more information and register through the training centre’s official website.
www.laocaftc.com

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest UpdateApril 10, 2026)