Panamanian Pilot Program

Are you from Panama and interested in becoming an airline pilot?

We have designed Epic Flight Academy’s Panamanian Pilot Program to train pilots under the Autoridad Aeronáutica Civil of Panama with structured flight training. We take you from zero experience to a successful career as an airline pilot. The program supports students who speak English as a second language. The aviation industry requires the ability to read, write, and speak English proficiently for most employees and all pilots. Therefore, our flight school students have access to English tutoring to develop Aviation English skills during Ground School training.

How many students from Panama has Epic trained?

Epic has trained thousands of international students from 80+ countries for jobs in aviation. This includes many from Panama. We provide a complete pilot program for Panamanian students to reach their dream airline job. Most importantly, the demand for airline pilots is at an all-time high. Therefore, aspiring aviators are seeking the most cost-effective and time-efficient program to receive flight training and begin their airline pilot careers.

What are the requirements to begin the Panamanian Pilot Program?

• First, you must be at least 18 years old.
• Also, you must have a high school diploma or equivalency.
• Next, students must be able to obtain an FAA medical certificate.
• Most importantly, you must be proficient in English.
• Additionally, you must hold a valid passport with at least 6 months before expiration.
• Furthermore, will need to apply for and receive an M1 visa.
• Finally, you must be available to be a full-time student 5 days per week.

Check Flight School Eligibility!

What is the cost of the program?

Can I transfer to your flight school?

If you have already logged flight training hours, we can accept you as a transfer student regardless of how much training you have had.

What are the pilot hiring requirements for airlines in Panama?

Depending on the airline, they may require additional hours of time building. Generally, Panama airlines require a total minimum of 250 hours. Therefore, our students typically need an additional *110 hours time building if they finish their commercial training within the estimated 140 hours.

*Pilot-In-Command Time Building: 110 Hours

View Pilot Hiring Requirements for these Panamanian Airlines:

Below are links for hiring requirements for top airlines in Panama. Note: These requirements are subject to change at the discretion of the airline. Therefore, refer to the airline directly for the latest information. 

• Air Panama
• Copa Airlines
• DHL Aero Expreso
• Uniworld Air Cargo

What is the AAC Panamanian Pilot Conversion process?

Once Panamanian students complete their FAA pilot training at Epic, they will need to follow the steps below to officially convert their licenses to Autoridad Aeronáutica Civil of Panama.

• Students must notify the AAC (Autoridad Aeronáutica Civil) of Panama in person that they want to convert your licenses. The AAC will give the student documents outlining the process
• Obtain Panamanian medical by following the directions provided by the AAC
• Students must then write a letter to Cpt Antonio Valderrama requesting acess to complete the Private, Instrument, and Commercial written exams, as well as the flight exams.
• Once you are approved, students will schedule the exams. The first test is RACP, which is open book and involves Panamanian aviation rules, validates the Private Pilot license. Then students will complete the exams for their Instrument and Commercial, which can be studied for using PREPWARE, or SHEPPARD AIR.
• If students wish to work for COPA, they are required to complete an English exam, which can be taken at this time in the process. The exam does not require studying, as it simply involves conversation and listening to communications.
• Once students pass the RACP exam, they have their Panamanian Private Pilot license and may print their license in preparation for the flight exam.
• Students will need a plane to rent and instructor for the flight exam, which can be taken care of at flight school. Each month without flying equals an hour of flight that students will need to do for the conversion in Panama.
• Once the student is ready, they will take the checkride with an examiner from the AAC. Once the student passes, they will return to the AAC to fill our paperwork and receive a printed copy of their Panamanian Instrument and Commercial pilot license.

How much do pilots earn in Panama?

Annual salaries for commercial airline pilots vary among countries. They are also affected by a pilot’s credentials and hours of flying experience. In Panama, pilots can expect to earn between $100,000 and $130,000 on average at COPA. However, pilot wages vary from airline to airline, so we encourage you to research the airlines you would like to work with. There are many factors that determine how much pilots make, which is why you should look into all variable regarding pay. You can also read our article about airline pilot salaries to help you better understand salaries, benefits, and signing bonuses.

Relocation & Transportation Assistance

We understand that selecting and applying to a flight school, and arranging travel and housing, if necessary, can be very stressful, but our pilot training facility assists students in arranging each detail so that the transition is simple and easy. Visit our Student Life section for more information on our student amenities, transportation, events, and activities.

What else should I know about Epic’s Panamanian Pilot Program?

Transferable FAA Pilot Programs

Epic’s flight training courses are the leading United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Professional Pilot courses. All Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA), including the Autoridad Aeronáutica Civil de Panama. The agency recognizes FAA-issued certificates. FAA approved flight courses are the key to pilot career opportunities. This is because they require English proficiency and successful completion of an ICAO Level 4 English language endorsement. Most importantly, airlines that fly routes between countries with different native languages require you to speak English.

Virtual Online Flight Academy

Epic Flight Academy provides important resources for its international flight students. For instance, our Online Virtual Flight Academy lets you connect with your FAA Flight Instructor and classmates before you arrive here in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Likewise, the online, interactive pilot training course helps you develop aviation skills and build a knowledge base of aviation terms and resources. Above all, you have an advantage when you begin attending Epic’s Ground School. For example, we share training videos on Cessna 172s, aircraft systems, aircraft performance, FAA regulations, and the New Smyrna Beach Airport. Panamanian Pilot Program students can start their training from home. Also, you can try our free Demo Online Course.

Aviation Skill Development (ASD) and Private Pilot Ground School

Epic is the only flight school to offer this unique ASD course. For example, during this phase of flight training, ground school students will build on the information they gained from the Virtual Flight Academy. Additionally, they start flight simulator training. In other words, the purpose of ASD is to familiarize students with the Cessna 172 and the New Smyrna Beach Airport. Most importantly, ASD increases students’ safety and awareness.

What if I have other questions?

You can view the most Frequently Asked Questions for international students. Also, you can also post questions and comments in our Pilot Forum. Most importantly, we are here to help and look forward to answering your questions. You are welcome to contact us anytime!