SMATSA Avaition Academy

SMATSA LLC primarily focuses on Air Navigation Service Provision. We also offer additional services, including air traffic control officer training, flight inspection of ground-based radio navigation aids, and aircraft maintenance services.
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For most commercial pilots, this is a dream career.

Aviation Academy Belgrade

Aviation Academy Belgrade (AAB)  is located in Vršac, Serbia – about 80km northeast of Belgrade.AAB has over 40 employees, composed of experienced lecturers and flight instructors, management and administrative staff.
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Taking Flight, One Dream at a Time.

Why train at the Aviation Academy Belgrade?

Reputation
  • We have trained more than 2500 pilots since 1954 that have flown with over 30 different airlines globally.
Capability
  • We have our own airport with an air traffic control tower, 1700 square kilometers of dedicated airspace and an updated fleet of 20 airplanes (Cessna 172S, Cessna 172N and Cessna 310)
  • We have a modern training center with a state of the art ALSIM flight procedures trainer FNPT II simulator
Value
  • Our licenses are approved by Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD) https://cad.gov.rs/en/home and we prepare you to become the best pilot you can be at a very competitive price.
  • No hidden fees or surprises
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Our core values

Why come to Serbia?

Serbia is an undiscovered gem. The Balkan nation is a land where East meets West, both in an ideological and geographical sense.A long and storied historyThis was where the Ottomans met the Habsburg Empire, where one empire ended and another began, while proud people stirred passionately underneath. This is the land of St. Sava, of Prince Lazar, of Vuk Karadžić, Nikola Tesla, Milunka Savić, Novak Djokovic and a whole lot more.

Education

Belgrade University is the oldest and largest in Serbia, it is one of the most important educational and research centers in Europe. Since 1808, Belgrade university is constantly developing. During the 70s, university become international educational institution – many students from other countries are studying in Serbia.

Affordable

Serbia can praise that it is one of the most convenient places to live, and that’s exactly what makes it ideal for the life of students. This is a privilege with which few other countries can boast. Compared to other countries, living costs in Serbia are much lower.If finances are an important factor in your choice where you will start your education, Serbia can definitely offer you with some of the best prices.

World-famous Nightlife and Festivals

Belgrade’s nightlife has become a thing of legend, and revelers flock to the White City from all over the world to party on the many splavs on the Sava and Danube rivers. Whether you are a trumpet enthusiast (Guča), EXIT Festival,  beer lover (Belgrade Beer Fest), jazz fan (Nišville Jazz Festival) or even a grilled meat obsessive (Leskovac Grill Festival), there is a celebratory itinerary waiting for you.

A passionate populace

The famous Balkan hospitality begins and ends in Serbia, where the focus is on making sure guests leave with a positive impression of this magnificent country.
There is a different festival practically every month in Belgrade, and plenty of events outside the capital waiting to be enjoyed in your free time.
For most commercial pilots, this is a dream career.

History of Serbian Aviation

The roots of Serbian Aviation history date to 1909 with the first glider flight in Serbia.Serbia is one of 15 countries in the world with a history in aviation dating back to the beginning of the 20th century.In the 1980s with the production of modern jet aircraft, some of which are, even today, used in flight schools all over the world.
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How it works
1

AirCraft Production

In the 1920s as many as seven companies were formed for the production of aircraft, engines and related equipment, further, it continued in the 1930s with the second wave of growth. The industry gained recognition very early and became a driving force in the overall development of technology and science in the country.
2

Little Brandenburg & IK-3

Some of the famous domestically produced aircraft were Little Brandenburg and IK-3 which were the true foundations for the aviation industry development in Serbia.
3

Nationalization

In the late 1940’s some of the companies in the industry had changed their production, a great majority continued to work in the aviation sector. Since all companies were nationalized, production was planned on a wider scale.
4

Domestic Jets

In mid 1960s aircraft like J-1 Jastreb took off and propelled the continuous growth of the other jets like J20 Kraguj, J22 Orao, G-2 Galeb and G-4 Super Galeb to set higher goals. These goals elevated the quality and technology of domestically produced aircraft to the highest standards available in the world.
5

21st Century Serbia

Serbia is one of the EASA’s Pan-European Partners (PANEP). This is a community of non-EASA European countries with which EASA cooperates on the implementation of the EU aviation safety rules – either in the framework of comprehensive aviation agreements already concluded with the EU or in anticipation of such agreements.

Explore our programmes

Discover our range of training programs to identify the one that aligns best with your preferred training path and meets the required eligibility criteria. For assistance in making your choice, feel free to reach out to a training advisor or attend a Pilot Career Day at one of our academies.
For most commercial pilots, this is a dream career.

History of Flying School

First flight in Vršac took place on on August 11th, 1912 with the pilot-engineer Aurel Vlaiku in command of the airplane.
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How it works
1

1912 – The Beginning

First flight in Vršac took place on on August 11th, 1912 with the pilot-engineer Aurel Vlaiku in command of the airplane.
2

1925

Favorable winds made the Vršac region optimal for gliders, and the first aeronautical club, “Naša Krila” (“Our Wings”), was formed in 1925.
3

1934

The first hangar for storing airplanes was built in 1934 after the capital investments came with a rise in the popularity of the gliding sport. After World War II, the intensive training of glider pilots in Vršac continued.The group “Deveti” (“Ninth”) opened a gliding school and they flew gliders that they designed and built themselves. During these post-war years, total flying hours per year performed in Vršac were greater than in all other Yugoslav flying centers combined.
As a result, the Headquarters of the Yugoslav Air Force declared Vršac to be the Center for Glider Pilot Training.
4

1947

Vršac Gliding Center was handed over to the Civil Aviation Authorities of Yugoslavia in 1947.
5

1954

Civil Aviation Authorities appointed Vršac to be the official State Aeronautical Center.Glider pilots were now joined by parachute jumpers, airplane pilots and model aircraft designers. Pilots from the Vršac Aeronautical Center took place in many competitions and brought home many medals and records.
5

1972

Control of the Vršac Aeronautical Center was handed over to JAT – Yugoslav Airlines in 1972. With a new title, JAT Flight Academy, the Center took on a new role – training professional airline pilots. Over the next 38 years, almost 2000 pilots from Yugoslavia, India, Turkey, Libya, Angola, Malta and many other countries got their wings at the JAT Academy.
7

2010

Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services Agency (SMATSA) acquired the academy in 2010, giving it a new name – SMATSA Aviation Academy (SAA). SMATSA made significant investments into the academy, updating its fleet and infrastructure to bring them in line with the needs and expectations of modern aviation.
8

2021

In 2021 the academy was handed over to the government and now is under the Ministry of Education. It is known as Aviation Academy Belgrade. Now there is a major revamp at the academy in terms of Infrastructure as well as equipment. In the year 2022-2023 there will be an inhouse campus ready with hotel, restaurant, caffe, gym, swimming pool, basketball courts, tennis courts. New DA-42 multi engine airplanes, A320 Level D simulator, ATR 72 Simulator, RNAV Approach, Cabin Crew Door Trainer and Simulator to name a few enhancements.

LOCATION

Vršac Airport
For most commercial pilots, this is a dream career.

Vršac Campus

Vršac, one of the oldest towns in the province of Banat, is located at the southeastern rim of the Pannonian Basin, some 80km northeast of Belgrade. With its long history of pilot training, Vršac community has welcomed foreign students for over 40 years. Academy works in close coordination with the local authorities to ensure safety and security of all of its students.SAA is located at the Vršac Airport, 4km from the city center. Its features are very unique, making them very difficult to match by competitors.
Taking Flight, One Dream at a Time.

Personnel and Facilities

SAA owns the Vršac Airport which features three runways – 1000m concrete runway and two grass runways, 800m and 600m respectively. Grass runways are used for early training to aid students in their first takeoffs and landings. With time, as their skills improve, students move up to the concrete runway. The mentioned concrete runway is equipped with PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) lights in both directions, as well as runway lights. There is a perimeter fence around the airport to prevent animal intrusion and possible incidents on taxiways and runways. Vršac Airport and its vicinity offer the following navigation aids: NDB, VDF, D-VOR/DME.
For most commercial pilots, this is a dream career.

Airport

SAA owns the Vršac Airport which features three runways – 1000m concrete runway and two grass runways, 800m and 600m respectively. Grass runways are used for early training to aid students in their first takeoffs and landings. With time, as their skills improve, students move up to the concrete runway. The mentioned concrete runway is equipped with PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) lights in both directions, as well as runway lights. There is a perimeter fence around the airport to prevent animal intrusion and possible incidents on taxiways and runways. Vršac Airport and its vicinity offer the following navigation aids: NDB, VDF, D-VOR/DME.
Taking Flight, One Dream at a Time.

Airspace

Vršac Airport has 1700 square kilometers of airspace dedicated for pilot training. This allows SAA to perform uninterrupted flight training in the safest possible setting, without a worry that outside traffic may interfere. The airport is close enough to the Belgrade International Airport, where some of the advanced training may take place.

Control Tower

Vršac Airport is located in a controlled airspace managed by an ATC tower that is located at the airport. This allows students to learn how to communicate with the ATC from day one of their flight training and prepares them for the real world.

Other Features

Reporting office is located in the ATC tower which provides a meteorology service 24/7.Academy has a brand-new ambulance and fire brigade along with a new “Follow me” car.
For most commercial pilots, this is a dream career.

Hotel Accommodation and other facilities

Hotel accommodation is provided within the campus comprising of 59 rooms. Flight club for leisure, running track, gym, basketball court, volley ball court, badminton, library, coffee shop and a college like environment.
Food and Transport
Good quality meals are available as per the schedule and transport from the hotel to the airport and back is provided as per the flying schedule.
Taking Flight, One Dream at a Time.

Airspace

Vršac Airport has 1700 square kilometers of airspace dedicated for pilot training. This allows SAA to perform uninterrupted flight training in the safest possible setting, without a worry that outside traffic may interfere. The airport is close enough to the Belgrade International Airport, where some of the advanced training may take place.
Taking Flight, One Dream at a Time.

Off Campus Accommodation – Vrsac Apartments 135

Cessna 172

No. of Airplanes : 18
No. of seats : 4
Cruise speed : 122 knots

Cessna 310T

No. of Airplanes : 2
No. of seats : 4
Cruise speed : 191 knots

Alsim ALX FNPT II simulator

No. of Airplanes : 1
No. of seats : 2
Cruise speed : NA
Taking Flight, One Dream at a Time.

Off Campus Accommodation – Vrsac Apartments 135

01

Establishment and Legacy:

"Apartments 135" is a family-owned business founded in 2003.Initially, it was created to house talented sports students of Basketball club Hemofarm, including NBA stars like Boban Marjanovic, Mile Ilic, and Darko Milicic, for 11 years.
02

Diverse Clientele:

Over 18 years, the facility has hosted various guests, including sports athletes, national teams, corporate representatives, and tourists from around the world. Proudly maintaining an average review score of 9.7 on booking.com with 108 positive comments.
03

Capacity and Amenities:

Currently offers 14 fully equipped rooms, each averaging 25 m2, with private bathrooms.Key features include spacious yards, room terraces with garden access, a communal dining hall, laundry facilities, and individual room heating and air conditioning.
04

Modern Amenities:

Provides essential modern amenities such as WiFi, minibars, and LCD TVs in every room.
You can find the most recent photos of our facility’s interior and exterior on this link.
05

Security and Surveillance:

Ensures safety with controlled access, CCTV camera coverage, and 24/7 monitoring by a licensed private security company, guaranteeing a swift response in case of emergencies.
06

Online Presence:

For more details, you can visit their website, view recent photos of the facility, and explore their partnership with booking.com for convenient reservations.
Also our website is available on this link
Taking Flight, One Dream at a Time.

Study Visa

A study visa can be granted from the consular office after obtaining the invitation letter from us. Obtaining the study visa is a very simple process and can be completed in 7- 10 working days.
Funding for the Program
  • Serbian nationals can take a study loan from Banca Intensa in Serbia for the course at SAA.
Personal consultancy during the course
  • There is a dedicated personal counselor available to provide full support during the course to be a bridge between the students and the flight school. It includes difficulty during the course professionally as well as on personal grounds. We believe in a concept to be always available and be supportive for all our members.
For most commercial pilots, this is a dream career.

Life in the Campus

Life in the campus is great and have been cherished by all the students who have successfully completed the flight training in last few decades. Student life at AAB is one of our greatest attractions. You’ll find that being among supportive, like-minded people and disciplined lifestyle creates an environment highly conducive to airline pilot training. Sense of community is very much alive at SAA. Being a traditional school over 65 years now it has a very strong alumni network and pilots who finished school many years ago still feel a part of the school.Our Campus consists of a hotel accommodation, flight club for leisure, running track, gym, basketball court, volley ball court, badminton, library, coffee shop and a college like environment.

Why Become a Pilot

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Why Become a Pilot

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Morbi sollicitudin eget velit.

Why Become a Pilot

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Morbi sollicitudin eget velit.

Why Become a Pilot

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Morbi sollicitudin eget velit.

Our Student Testimonial

Where Dreams of Flying Become Reality! 🌟✈️
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1200+ Student reviews
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From the time I dreamt of flying, the first leap towards my dream started from Orient. The flying school prepared me both mentally and physically to survive in the aviation field. To point out, the best amenities and flight instructors who trained me from holding my hands in my first flight to the point where they let it go and I flew solo.

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Johnny Andro
Emirates

From the time I dreamt of flying, the first leap towards my dream started from Orient. The flying school prepared me both mentally and physically to survive in the aviation field. To point out, the best amenities and flight instructors who trained me from holding my hands in my first flight to the point where they let it go and I flew solo.

Man profile picture
Johnny Andro
Emirates

From the time I dreamt of flying, the first leap towards my dream started from Orient. The flying school prepared me both mentally and physically to survive in the aviation field. To point out, the best amenities and flight instructors who trained me from holding my hands in my first flight to the point where they let it go and I flew solo.

Man profile picture
Johnny Andro
Emirates

About us

With 60+ years of aviation industry expertise, we've closely studied low-cost and full-fare airlines. Our training goes beyond pilot basics, including crew and company resource management.