Flight Training Center Pardubice

Flight Training Center (Czech: Centrum leteckého výcviku, CLV) is a Czech provider of military training programs for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft based at Pardubice Airport. CLV is a division of the state-owned enterprise LOM Praha whose common stock is 100% owned by the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic.

Since April 2004, Flight Training Center Pardubice has been providing complete training for pilots of the Czech Air Force but it also offers its services to foreign customers. Courses are thought and supervised by retired military pilots, such as former JAS 39 Gripen and Red Bull Air Race pilot Martin Šonka.

History

In 2000, the 34th Training Air Base based at Pardubice Airport was renamed as 34th Special Air Base. On 1 April 2004, the military base was transformed into civilian Flight Training Center.

On 2 December 2021, the Flight Training Center (CLV) and the International Flight Training School (IFTS) were selected as the initial two NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE) Training Campuses.

In May 2024, LOM Praha and Lockheed Martin signed a cooperation agreement, which includes plans to establish a European F-35 Lightning II training center within the CLV facility in Pardubice. The training will be focusing on Czech Air Force F-35 pilots but accommodating foreign aviators in a 75-25 ratio. Lockheed Martin approved Zlín Z-142 and Aero L-39 Skyfox as suitable platforms for F-35 training.

Aircraft

CLV aircraft used for the training of military pilots are registered in the military aviation register administered by the Department of Military Aviation Authority of the Czech Ministry of Defence. One Z-142 and one Z-43 intended for additional civil training are registered in the Civil Aviation Register kept by the Civil Aviation Authority as OK-PNE and OK-WOI respectively.

Ordered

Current inventory

See also

• List of military aircraft of the Czech Republic

External links