Estonian Aviation Academy Tartu: Airplane & Helicopter Flight Simulators near Tartu Airport

Flight Simulator Estonia — Airplane & Helicopter at Estonian Aviation Academy, Tartu

The Estonian Aviation Academy is Estonia’s national state aviation university, located near Tartu Airport in Reola, Kambja Parish — and one of the few aviation academies in the Baltic region to open its professional flight simulators to the general public for recreational experience flights. Both an airplane simulator and a helicopter simulator are available, with sessions starting from just €30 for 30 minutes — making this one of the most affordable and accessible flight simulator experiences in northern Europe.

The academy has been training Estonia’s aviation professionals since 1993, evolving from the Tartu Aviation College into a fully accredited state higher education institution offering programmes in commercial air transport piloting, aircraft engineering, air traffic services, and aviation management. When you fly the academy’s simulator, you are using the same professional training devices that Estonia’s real pilots learn on — guided by qualified aviation instructors who work with students and professionals daily.

The Airplane Simulator

The airplane simulator at the Estonian Aviation Academy puts you in the cockpit of a fixed-base aircraft simulator, with all primary instruments and controls available for hands-on flying. An instructor provides a short pre-flight briefing in the cockpit before the session begins, then guides you throughout the flight — explaining the controls, the instruments, and what to do at each phase. Sessions are suitable for complete beginners from age 6 upwards, provided the participant can reach the pedals and see the screen from the cockpit seat. Several people can be present in the simulator room to observe, though the cockpit itself accommodates a maximum of two people who can take turns flying.

The Helicopter Simulator

The helicopter simulator is available at the same pricing as the airplane simulator — €30 for 30 minutes or €60 for 60 minutes — and provides a completely different experience from fixed-wing flight. Flying a helicopter requires constant coordination of the cyclic, collective, and tail rotor pedals to maintain stable flight, and the simulator provides a safe, controlled environment to discover what that coordination feels like without any consequence for errors. The helicopter experience is ideal for participants who have already flown the airplane simulator and want to explore the fundamentally different challenge of rotary-wing flight.

Session Options and Pricing

30 minutes, 1 person — €30. The most popular option for first-time visitors, gift recipients, and anyone wanting an introduction to either the airplane or helicopter cockpit.

60 minutes, 1 person — €60. Extended session with more time to explore the aircraft’s capabilities, fly different routes, practice landings, and experience adverse weather or emergency scenarios.

30 minutes, 2 persons — €40. Both participants in the cockpit simultaneously, taking turns at the controls.

60 minutes, 2 persons — €80. The extended shared experience — an ideal gift for couples, parent and child, or two aviation enthusiasts flying together.

Gift Cards

Gift cards are available for all session types and simulator options — an electronic gift card delivered immediately by email, valid for one year from the date of purchase. An original and thoughtful gift for aviation enthusiasts anywhere in Estonia or beyond.

Getting There

The Estonian Aviation Academy is located at Lennu 40, Reola, Kambja Parish, Tartu County — near Tartu Airport, approximately 15 minutes by car from Tartu city centre. Book at least 3 business days in advance by completing the booking form at lennuakadeemia.ee — bookings are answered during working hours Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Flights are generally conducted on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, but weekday sessions may be arranged in special cases.