When flying gets (un)usual

This month, the airBaltic Pilot Academy is taking part in two major aviation events in Latvia: the Liepāja Airshow 2026 and the Baltic International Airshow 2026.

The airshows will be a great opportunity to meet Academy representatives and students in person, as these events will include the Pilot Academy’s open days, giving the public an opportunity to learn more about pilot training and explore the path to becoming a pilot.

While airshows showcase impressive aerobatic performances, elements of aircraft control and handling unexpected situations are also part of professional pilot training. One of the most unique experiences for airBaltic Pilot Academy students is the Upset Prevention and Recovery Training course, in which they learn how to safely recover an aircraft from unexpected situations.

airBaltic pilot and Academy graduate Ivans Žuravļovs remembers the course vividly. ‘It’s unforgettable!’ he says. ‘At times it was a bit frightening, because hanging upside down in an airplane is not something you do every day. But mostly it was exciting rather than scary – a year’s dose of adrenaline in just two days.’ One of his most memorable moments was performing aerobatic manoeuvres. ‘Doing a loop was probably the highlight,’ he recalls. ‘As we reached the upside-down position, I looked at the instructor with my eyes wide open – and he looked completely calm, like it was just any other regular day.’

Beyond the excitement, the course has a serious purpose. ‘You learn that almost any situation is recoverable,’ Žuravļovs explains. ‘The key is to stay calm and keep a clear, level head.’ He then smiles and adds that having a big breakfast before the course is not the best idea – one more lesson he learned from experience.

Žuravļovs notes that aerobatic manoeuvres require significant training and precision. ‘Everything comes with experience. For instructors, it becomes second nature, but it takes a lot of practice and concentration to do manoeuvres like that.’ Now he watches airshows from a different perspective. ‘You don’t just watch – you try to understand what the pilot is doing,’ he says.

From structured training to breathtaking performances, aviation connects skill with passion. This month, visitors have the opportunity to experience both – in the skies above and at the airBaltic Pilot Academy stand.