International Flight Academy
IFA is an international flight academy certified by EASA
(ATO – Approved Training Organisation), with three operational bases in Portugal: Cascais Aerodrome, Viseu Aerodrome, and Braga Aerodrome. These three bases provide nationwide coverage from north to south Portugal and reduce the academy’s dependence on a single infrastructure.
At IFA, we are committed to turning your dreams into reality. As aviation specialists, we have trained thousands of pilots and cabin crew members over the past 25 years, many of whom are now flying with airlines across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
IFA has its own in-house maintenance organisation, carried out by IFA Industries (Part 145), a member of the IFA Group. Having in-house maintenance allows for full control over the quality of mechanical work and ensures greater aircraft fleet availability for flight training.
Aeronautics Adacemy
Aviation Training Centre in Portugal
At IFA International Flight Academy, pilot training is built around a network of three strategic flight bases in Portugal: Braga, Viseu, and Cascais. Each offers modern facilities, diverse flying environments, and ideal conditions for both practical and instrument flight training.
Together, these bases form an integrated training system, where students can progress steadily, develop their skills in different operational environments, and gain access to advanced simulators and state-of-the-art aircraft.
This complementary approach ensures that each stage of training is conducted in the most suitable location, combining:
- Varied flight experiences, ranging from training in controlled environments to operations in airspace close to commercial flight routes.
- Availability of state-of-the-art simulators for instrument and advanced flight training.
- Flexibility and efficiency throughout the training process, maximising practical and theoretical learning.
Escolher a IFA significa beneficiar de uma rede de bases integrada, concebida para garantir a melhor preparação profissional, independentemente do módulo ou fase do curso.
About FA - International Flight Academy | Airline Pilots Academy
IFA operates from three airfields, covering both the northern and southern regions of the country to support everyone aspiring to pursue a professional career in aviation.
The Cascais base offers students the opportunity to experience flying in environments close to real aerodromes and commercial air routes.
- Exposure to complex air traffic, preparing students for airline operations.
- Coastal proximity with varied landscapes, providing diverse visual and IFR training opportunities.
- Modern infrastructure and comprehensive support for advanced simulators and aircraft.
The Viseu base stands out for its focus on instrument flying and technical training, making it the ideal environment for developing navigation skills and mastering IFR procedures.
- Modern facilities and advanced simulators for complementary training.
- Lower air traffic density, allowing for more intensive and efficient flight training sessions.
- Strategic central location, providing convenient access for students from different regions of the country.
Located in the north of the country, the Braga base combines excellent facilities with easy accessibility and close proximity to major transport links.
- Training in a controlled environment with a wide variety of flight scenarios.
- Access to a well-established aviation community, offering local expertise and a strong support network.
- Excellent weather conditions for flying throughout much of the year, helping students maximise their practical flight training hours.
4 Simulators in Portugal
Our advanced flight simulators
Practice with advanced and immersive simulators that feature cutting-edge technology, preparing you from the fundamentals of flying through to the real cockpit, enhancing both your training and your aviation career.
Distinct simulator fleet in Portugal
Modern training with advanced flight simulators
Flight simulators that replicate the reality of commercial aviation
At IFA International Flight Academy, we believe that true excellence in pilot training comes from the balance between practical experience and training in a controlled environment. Our certified FNPT II flight simulators and advanced training devices accurately replicate real flight conditions and procedures, enabling students to develop technical skills, operational discipline, and decision-making abilities in a safe and realistic setting. With modern, technologically advanced facilities, IFA operates four state-of-the-art simulators designed to support every stage of training, from initial flight instruction through to multi-crew operations in commercial aircraft.
At IFA International Flight Academy, we believe that true excellence in pilot training is achieved through the perfect balance of practical flying experience and training in a controlled environment.
Our certified FNPT II flight simulators and advanced training devices accurately replicate real-world flight conditions and procedures, enabling students to develop technical proficiency, operational discipline, and sound decision-making skills in a safe and realistic setting.
With modern, technologically advanced facilities, IFA operates four state-of-the-art simulators designed to support every stage of pilot training, from initial flight instruction to advanced multi-crew operations in commercial aircraft.
The FNPT II Boeing 737 MAX is one of the latest additions to IFA’s simulator fleet – an investment that reflects our ongoing commitment to technological innovation and alignment with the real-world demands of commercial aviation.
This simulator faithfully replicates the cockpit and systems of the Boeing 737 MAX, allowing students to experience the operational environment of a modern airline aircraft.
Ideal for MCC (Multi-Crew Cooperation) and Jet Orientation Course (JOC) training, it provides an immersive and realistic experience that develops communication, coordination, and crew-based flight management skills.
With the FNPT II B737 MAX, students gain direct exposure to the operational standards and procedures used by some of the world’s most advanced airlines.
The ALSIM AL250 provides an exceptionally realistic flight experience for both VFR and IFR training.
Equipped with modern visual systems and instrumentation that accurately replicate the cockpit of a real aircraft, it is used during the intermediate and advanced stages of pilot training.
Its ability to simulate weather conditions, technical failures, and complex procedures allows students to practise flight management with precision and safety.
It is an ideal training tool for developing coordination, teamwork, and the operational discipline required in a professional aviation environment.
The ALSIM ALX is a versatile and highly configurable simulator, capable of replicating different aircraft types and flight profiles, from single-engine aircraft to commercial jets.
This flexibility allows students to train across a wide range of scenarios, from basic navigation to complex IFR operations, developing technical skills and decision-making abilities in a safe and immersive environment.
The ALX is widely used in Integrated ATPL training and is an essential tool for consolidating procedures and building the confidence of future pilots.
Technology, Realism and Safety in the Service of Training
IFA’s simulators are operated and maintained by certified technical teams, ensuring the highest levels of reliability, safety, and technological currency.
Each training session is carefully planned to reproduce real operational and emergency situations, preparing students to respond with precision, composure, and professionalism.
At IFA, simulators are not just a training tool; they are the meeting point between theory, practice, and real-world experience.
The aircraft that will make you a pilot
Our fleet of 27 aircraft
IFA is proud to operate one of the largest and most modern training aircraft fleets in Portugal, with more than 25 aircraft across different categories, from single-engine and multi-engine aircraft to IFR-equipped aircraft with glass cockpits. This diversity allows our students to experience every stage of flight training, from their first solo flight to advanced multi-engine training - in real-world conditions and with state-of-the-art technology.
Innovation in every flight. Aircraft for every stage of pilot training.
Pipistrel Velis Electro
100% electric, the first of its kind in Portugal
The next generation of pilots will be trained using the latest innovations and specialised knowledge with this ultra-modern and innovative aircraft. The first of its kind in Portugal, the Velis Electro is easy and quick to recharge, as well as being environmentally friendly and cost-effective. With a high level of safety, this simple-to-operate aircraft offers greater aerodynamic efficiency. It requires no warm-up time before take-off.
Grumman GA-7
Engine Lycoming O-320-D1D
Power 160 hp
Cruise Speed160 kn
Maximum Speed168 kn
Maximum Altitude17,400 ft
Maximum Range 1,170 nm
Pipistrel Explorer
Engine Variable pitch
ROTAX 912 ULS
Power 100 hp
Cruise Speed 133 ktas
Maximum Altitude18,000 ft
Maximum Range 625 nm
Payload 505 lb (229 kg)
Pipistrel Velis Electro
Engine Pipistrel E-811 EASA Certified
Power 57.6 kW MTOP
Cruise Speed 98 kcas
Maximum Altitude 12,000 ft
Maximum Duration 50 mins
Payload 376 lb (170 kg)
Pipistrel Virus
Engine Variable pitch ROTAX 912 ULS
Power 100 hp
Cruise Speed 124 kts
Maximum Altitude18,000 ft
Maximum Range783 nm
Cessna 172 G1000
Engine 180 HP Lycoming IO-360
GFC700 Dual Axis Autopilot
Maximum Cruise Speed 124 ktas
Maximum Range 640 nm
Cessna 152
Engine Lycoming Model O-235-L2C
Power: 110hp
Maximum Range 414 nm
Maximum Altitude 14700 ft
Maximum Speed 110 kts
Cessna 172
Engine Lycoming O-320-E2D 175 HP Carbureted
Maximum Range. 550 nm
Maximum Cruise Speed 115 kts
Models available at IFA Cessna172S;
Cessna172R; Cessna172H; Cessna172K; Cessna172N
Maintenance, Safety and Reliability
Our partnerships
Training Partners and Partnerships
We believe that excellent training begins with the right connections. We work closely with airlines and other strategic partners to ensure that our students have access to the best opportunities, resources, and career preparation.
