On Friday, January 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., Deputy Minister of National Defence Stanisław Wziątek took part in the inauguration of an NCO course for helicopter pilot candidates, conducted at the Polish Air Force University in Dęblin.
Photos: Ministry of National Defence
The new course is part of the development of the training system for the personnel of the Polish Armed Forces and is intended for professional non-commissioned officers in the Air Force.
“Today, the Air Force needs not only modern equipment, but above all well-prepared people. The launch of an NCO course for pilot candidates is an investment in personnel who will be responsible for the security of Polish airspace in the future,” emphasized Deputy Minister of National Defence Stanisław Wziątek during the event.
The launch of the course is part of the Ministry of National Defence’s efforts aimed at developing modern capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces and systematically strengthening the personnel potential of the Air Force.
It is a completely new training program intended for professional non-commissioned officers of the Polish Armed Forces, with the goal of preparing soldiers for service in helicopter pilot positions. The first edition of the training, conducted from January 19 of this year, will include 10 soldiers.
The training program at the Polish Air Force Academy comprises a total of 500 hours (over two years) and is conducted in three stages:
- selection training on a simulator,
- theoretical training,
- flight training on Robinson R44 helicopters.
The next stage of training, conducted outside the Polish Air Force Academy, will be specialized instruction on the Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter. The first phase will be carried out in the United Kingdom, followed by a subsequent phase in the United States.
The launch of the training constitutes an important element in the development of the aviation personnel education system and in strengthening the personnel potential of military aviation.
Press release
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