On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced on social media that the first group of soldiers had completed the first stage of the trial helicopter pilot course for NCOs at the Polish Air Force University in Dęblin (LAW).
Photo: 56. Air Base
The first group of soldiers has completed the first stage of the trial helicopter pilot course for NCOs at the Polish Air Force University. The training included 500 hours of classes — theory, simulators, e-learning, and flights. The next stage will take place abroad.
This is a new quality in personnel training and a real strengthening of military aviation capabilities. The entire project is being carried out under the auspices of the NATO Flight Training Europe initiative. Congratulations!
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz
The course was inaugurated on January 16 this year with the participation of Deputy Minister of National Defence Stanisław Wziątek and began three days later and included 10 helicopter pilot candidates.
The program includes theoretical preparation, practical training using a Robinson R44 helicopter, as well as modern forms of instruction, including simulator training and e-learning. The teaching process designed in this way makes it possible to gradually acquire knowledge, develop piloting skills, and prepare for the operation of military aircraft.
This is an entirely new training program, aimed at professional NCOs of the Polish Armed Forces, whose goal is to prepare soldiers for service in helicopter pilot positions. On September 9, 2024, the head of the Ministry of National Defence announced that senior NCOs would join the ranks of military helicopter pilots.
The training program comprises a total of 500 hours over two years and is being conducted in three stages, including the first at the Polish Air Force University:
- selection training on a simulator,
- theoretical training,
- flights on Robinson R44 helicopters.
The training program is aimed at professional NCOs of the Polish Armed Forces who were selected in the screening process and met the medical, language, and qualification requirements. The launch of the new training program is an important element in the development of the aviation personnel education system and confirms the key role of the Polish Air Force University in building the personnel potential of military aviation.
The next stage of training, conducted outside the Polish Air Force University, will be specialist training on the H135/H145 helicopter. The first stage will take place in the United Kingdom, and the next in the United States.
The launch of the training is an important element in the development of the aviation personnel education system and in strengthening the personnel potential of military aviation. The entire project is being carried out under the auspices of the NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE) initiative.
The courses are connected with plans to introduce 96 AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters into service. Training is currently underway on eight interim AH-64D helicopters, which will be used by pilots and engineering and aviation service personnel until 2028.
Training abroad results from the lack of a suitable training helicopter. The Armament Agency is only now planning to acquire 24 training and combat helicopters, with the contract to be financed from a SAFE loan.
Pierwsza grupa żołnierzy ukończyła I etap pilotażowego kursu dla podoficerów na pilotów śmigłowców w Lotniczej Akademii Wojskowej. 500 godzin zajęć – teoria, symulatory, e-learning i loty. Kolejny etap zagranicą.
To nowa jakość w kształceniu kadr i realne wzmocnienie potencjału… pic.twitter.com/O17ablCPR7
— Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (@KosiniakKamysz) April 22, 2026
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