Tréner Flight Academy (Tréner Kft.) is Hungary's oldest and most prestigious flight training organization, established in 1968 in Nyíregyháza, Eastern Hungary. With over 55 years of pilot training experience, Tréner has trained more than 1,200 commercial pilots who now serve airlines worldwide. Since 2016, Tréner has been the exclusive official training provider for the Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA)—one of Europe's most accessible airline-sponsored cadet programs with over 95% completion rate and guaranteed employment at Europe's fastest-growing low-cost carrier.
Tréner Flight Academy at a Glance
WAPA Program
€61,460
€13,950 upfront
Duration
17-21 mo
Integrated ATPL
Success Rate
95%+
Complete training
Experience
55+ yrs
Since 1968
School Overview
Tréner Flight Academy has been the home of Hungarian professional pilot training since the 1960s. Originally established as MÉM-Agricultural Aviation Service, the company transitioned to Tréner Kft. in 1992. Today, the academy operates in unique cooperation with the University of Nyíregyháza, offering both standalone pilot licenses and combined aviation degree programs.
What truly distinguishes Tréner is its exclusive partnership with Wizz Air since 2016. The academy conducts all training for the Wizz Air Pilot Academy program, following airline-audited standards and involving active Wizz Air pilots in curriculum development and progress checks. All Tréner instructors are academy graduates themselves, ensuring institutional knowledge and high standards are passed on to each new generation of pilots.
Key Achievements
- • 55+ years pilot training (since 1968)
- • 1,200+ commercial pilots trained
- • Official Wizz Air partner since 2016
- • 150+ She Can Fly graduates
- • 95%+ program completion rate
- • University degree partnership
Certifications & Standards
- • EASA Approved Training Organisation
- • Hungarian CAA approved
- • Wizz Air audited curriculum
- • University of Nyíregyháza partner
- • Stipendium Hungaricum eligible
- • Part-FCL compliant training
Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA)
The Wizz Air Pilot Academy is Europe's most accessible airline-sponsored ab initio pilot training program. Launched in 2016 exclusively at Tréner Flight Academy, WAPA transforms candidates with little or no flying experience into qualified First Officers at Europe's fastest-growing ultra-low-cost carrier in 17-21 months.
Guaranteed Airline Employment
Wizz Air Pilot Academy graduates who complete training do not need to apply or interview for First Officer positions—they proceed directly to Wizz Air's advanced training and A320 type rating, then join the airline as qualified First Officers. Over 95% of enrolled cadets successfully complete the program.
WAPA Program Structure
The Wizz Air Pilot Academy consists of three distinct phases designed to transform ab initio candidates into airline-ready First Officers:
| Phase | Duration | Content | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Ab Initio | 17-21 months | ATPL theory, flight training, CPL/ME/IR, UPRT, APS-MCC | Tréner, Nyíregyháza |
| Phase 2: Advanced | 6-7 weeks | Airline Transition Program (ATP), A320 Type Rating | Wizz Air Training Base |
| Phase 3: Line Training | 12 weeks | Supervised flights with Training Captains on Wizz Air operations | Wizz Air Base |
Qualifications Obtained
Upon successful completion of Phase 1 at Tréner, cadets receive:
- ATPL(A) Theoretical Certificate (frozen ATPL)
- Commercial Pilot License CPL(A)
- Multi-Engine Piston Class Rating ME(L)
- Instrument Rating IR(A)
- Night VFR Rating (NVFR)
- Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation (APS-MCC)
- Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT)
"She Can Fly" Programme
Launched in 2023, the "She Can Fly" programme addresses the aviation industry's gender imbalance—currently only 5% of commercial pilots worldwide are women. Wizz Air has committed to employing at least 1,000 female pilots by 2027, providing 20+ programme places annually.
She Can Fly: Lowest Entry Cost
The "She Can Fly" programme requires only €800 upfront payment (vs. €13,950 for standard WAPA), with the €61,468 total fee repaid over 6 years (vs. 5 years) as a First Officer. Same training, same guaranteed employment—significantly more accessible financing for female candidates.
Training Programs
Integrated Training (Recommended)
Tréner recommends integrated training as the most time and cost-effective format. The structured curriculum with predefined progression ensures completion in approximately 19-21 months. The Wizz Air Pilot Academy is an integrated program requiring full-time dedication—participation alongside a full-time job is not possible.
Modular Training
For students who prefer flexibility to accommodate work or family obligations, Tréner offers modular training. Students progress through separate modules at their own pace, though training duration typically extends to 30-36 months. Modular courses available include:
- Private Pilot License PPL(A)
- Commercial Pilot License CPL(A)
- Instrument Rating IR(A) – Single/Multi-Engine
- Multi-Engine Piston Class Rating ME(L)
- Night VFR Rating (NVFR)
- Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC)
- Flight Instructor FI(A)
Modular Availability Limited
Tréner's capacity is primarily dedicated to the Wizz Air Pilot Academy cadet program. Independent modular students should contact the academy directly to confirm availability and scheduling. If you're not interested in a Wizz Air career, consider other Hungarian or European schools for modular training.
University Degree Program
In partnership with the University of Nyíregyháza, Tréner offers a BSc Professional Pilot degree—a 7-semester program combining academic education with full pilot certification:
- ATPL(A) Theoretical Certificate
- CPL(A) with ME/IR extensions
- Night VFR Rating (NVFR)
- 140 flight hours on aircraft
- 40 hours FNPT II simulator training
- 20 hours Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC)
- Engineering and aviation science subjects
Graduates with the cooperation agreement between University of Nyíregyháza and Wizz Air are eligible to participate in Wizz Air's First Officer selection without further screening. The Stipendium Hungaricum and Diaspora Higher Education Scholarship programs cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for eligible international students.
Costs & Financing
| Program | Total Cost | Upfront | Repayment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wizz Air Pilot Academy | €61,460 | €13,950 | 5 years via salary |
| "She Can Fly" (Women) | €61,468 | €800 | 6 years via salary |
| University BSc Pilot | Contact school | Variable | Scholarship available |
| Modular (PPL-CPL) | Contact school | Per module | Self-financed |
WAPA Financing Structure
The Wizz Air Pilot Academy offers one of Europe's most accessible sponsored financing structures:
- Initial Payment: €13,950 paid before enrollment (covers first ~5 months of training)
- Pre-Financing: Wizz Air pre-finances remaining €47,510
- Repayment: Monthly salary deductions over 5 years as First Officer
- Suretyship: Family member guarantor required (signed before notary)
- Prior Experience: Up to 20 hours may be credited, reducing total fee
Employment Commitment
The sponsored financing requires a 5-year employment commitment with Wizz Air. Early departure means immediate repayment of the remaining pre-financed balance. Ensure you genuinely want to fly for Wizz Air before applying—this is a long-term commitment.
Living Costs
Nyíregyháza offers extremely affordable living—50-60% cheaper than Western Europe:
- Accommodation: €200-350/month (Hotel Sandra partnership available)
- Food: €150-250/month
- Transport: €30-60/month
- Total Living: €530-860/month
During Phase 1, Tréner assists students in finding accommodation. During Phases 2 and 3 (Advanced/Line Training), Wizz Air provides accommodation and supports living expenses with a trainee salary until training completion.
Financing Comparison
WAPA Upfront
€13,950
Standard
She Can Fly
€800
Women only
Living/Month
€530-860
Nyíregyháza
Commitment
5 years
Wizz Air
Fleet & Facilities
Tréner operates a fleet of 20+ training aircraft providing diverse platforms for comprehensive pilot development. Primary training uses Piper Warriors (including glass cockpit variants), while multi-engine training is conducted on two Piper Seminoles.
| Aircraft | Quantity | Training Use |
|---|---|---|
| Piper Warrior II/III (PA-28) | Multiple | Primary training, glass cockpit available |
| Piper Seminole PA44-180 | 2 | Multi-engine, ME/IR training |
| Cessna 152 | 3 | Basic training, hour building |
| Zlin 142 | 5 | Two-seat trainers |
| Zlin 326M | 1 | Aerobatic training |
| Piper 23 Aztec | 1 | Multi-engine piston |
| Antonov An-2 | Several | Specialty/heritage operations |
Simulation Equipment
Tréner operates an FNPT II simulator based on the Beechcraft King Air 200 turboprop, located at the University of Nyíregyháza. This device is used for Multi-Crew Coordination (MCC) training and instrument procedures, providing realistic turboprop experience before cadets transition to Airbus operations.
Training Location
Nyíregyháza Airport (LHNY)
Tréner Flight Academy operates from Nyíregyháza Airport—a public airport in Eastern Hungary featuring:
- Runway: 1,000m paved, illuminated for NVFR training
- Approaches: NDB and VOR on-site; ILS at Debrecen Airport (LHDC, 15 minutes)
- Weather: 280+ flyable days; seasonal variation provides diverse conditions
- Operations: Year-round training capability
Nyíregyháza City
Nyíregyháza (population ~120,000) is an ideal student city in Eastern Hungary:
City Features
- • University town atmosphere
- • College campus environment
- • Famous zoo and spa facilities
- • Green spaces and parks
- • Restaurants and entertainment
- • Lower costs than other Hungary
Location & Access
- • 230km east of Budapest
- • Near Romanian/Ukrainian borders
- • 2.5 hours by train to Budapest
- • Debrecen Airport 15 min away
- • Central Europe travel easy
- • Hotel Sandra accommodation partner
How to Apply
Wizz Air Pilot Academy Requirements
- Age 18+ at application
- Citizenship or unrestricted right to live/work in: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Georgia, Hungary, North Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, or Serbia
- Height 160-190cm (outside this range requires cockpit fit check)
- EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate (required before enrollment)
- High school diploma minimum
- English proficiency
- No or limited flying experience (PPL maximum for She Can Fly)
Selection Process
Wizz Air conducts a comprehensive two-day selection in Budapest:
- Online Application: Submit via Wizz Air careers website with passport, diploma, criminal record
- Pre-Screening: Wizz Air reviews application and notifies results
- Recruitment Fee: €110 covers aptitude tests and psychological assessment
- Day 1: Pilot Aptitude Test (TestAir360 computer-based tests)
- Day 2: Psychological examination and interview in Budapest
- Medical: Obtain EASA Class 1 Medical before enrollment
- Contract: Sign training agreement before notary in Budapest
Course Start Dates
Wizz Air Pilot Academy starts new courses every three months. Successful candidates can choose their start date within one year of successful recruitment. Check the Wizz Air careers website for current available dates.
Contact Information
Tréner Flight Academy (Tréner Kft.)
Nyíregyháza Airport (LHNY)
Repülőtér u. 1
4400 Nyíregyháza, Hungary
Phone: +36 42 430 138
Email: kata.choma@trenerkft.hu
Academy Website: trenerkft.hu
Wizz Air Pilot Academy: careers.wizzair.com
Information accurate as of January 2026. Verify current pricing and availability directly with Tréner or Wizz Air.