Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU) invests in the studies infrastructure. This week, the flight training unit in Kyviskes acquired two new helicopters Cabri G2, the value of which is almost 3 million Litas. The air crafts will be used to prepare qualified helicopter pilots. The integrated master’s degree study programme, which will prepare such specialists, will be the first and only in Lithuania, and will be implemented by VGTU Antanas Gustaitis’ Aviation Institute (AGAI).

There already is the demand from the Lithuanian Air Force and the State Border Guard Service under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania for the future pilots. These institutions, without having helicopters for training, had been forced to use expensive professional equipment.

“There is an increasing demand for qualified helicopter pilots in the aviation market and this fact has been constantly mentioned by our social partners from state institutions. The new helicopters will allow to start the new stage of the activity in the aviation history and will strengthen the pilot training leadership in the Eastern Europe”, said Jonas Stankunas, VGTU AGAI Director.

The training helicopters Cabri G2, produced this year in France, are certified in Europe and meet all the relevant aviation requirements. The price of one helicopter is 1.43 million Litas. Additionally, special equipment for helicopters as well as training courses for pilots and aircraft mechanics were purchased. The purchase was financed from both the European Union structural funds and VGTU funds.

With the procurement of helicopters, the development stage of VGTU A. Gustaitis’ Aviation Institute was finished. During the last five years, 10.2 million Litas was invested in the modern aerodrome equipment, 4 new air crafts, helicopters and 2 flight simulators. Also, the renovation of the Institute’s aerodrome in Kyviskes as well as the construction of the fuel storage, training and laboratories blocks are planned for the near future.

This year, VGTU AGAI celebrates its 20^th anniversary. During two decades of its activities, the Institute prepared more than 1 300 graduates – pilots, air traffic management specialists, and engineers. The Institute organizes joint study programs with the General Jonas Zemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, as well as prepares studies in the English language. Both theoretical and practical training at the Institute meet the requirements of the international civil organizations such as ICAO, EASA and Eurocontrol. Thus, the qualifications of the graduates are recognized throughout the world. This is also confirmed by the certificates issued by Civil Aviation Administration.