Next step in cooperation between EAVA and ISEC Lisboa

Viktor Trasberg, Associate Professor, and Allan Nõmmik, Lecturer, of our Aviation Management Department were received by Professor Eurico Brito. The visit included several lectures, discussions on various cooperation opportunities and launching of joint projects, visits to multiple aviation authorities and participation in a multifaceted cultural programme such as a visit to the newly opened Museum of Contemporary Art.

ISEC (Higher Institute of Education and Sciences) is a private applied higher education institution that offers students a variety of aviation-related programmes at both bachelor and master levels. In addition to higher education, vocational training is also offered, including in MRO. The students of these different programmes participated in the guest lectures.

The topics of the guest lectures were related to some aspects of airline financing and risk assessment (Viktor Trasberg) and the situation of air transport in the conditions of COVID (Allan Nõmmik). In addition, an overview was given of the Estonian economy and the activities of EAVA.

The peculiarity of the school is evening teaching (courses between 18.00 and 23.00). The reason is that some students go to work during the day, and the use of space can also be better planned this way. Students were relaxed and in no hurry to leave despite the late hour, attesting to the different attitude to time in the South of Europe.

There are many international students, many of them of them Portuguese-speakers from former colonies (e.g. Brazil, Angola, Mozambique). Similarly to us, ISEC is working towards expanding its international cooperation and choice of English-language programmes. Currently, two EAVA students are studying at ISEC.

Our staff visited the Air Traffic Control Centre (NAV Portugal), a recognised international sectoral training and further training centre. We also visited Cascais Municipal Airport (OMNI pilot training centre and MRO company), where the Dutch lead instructor Dylan van Haasen introduced the Portuguese pilot training system, and internships opportunities were discussed.

The aviation sector has historically been a solid and valued industry in Portugal. In addition to the European region, Portugal’s TAP operates commercial flights to South America and Africa. 90% of civilian pilots are former military. ISEC is located in the former buildings and territory of a military unit.

In conclusion, the lecturers regarded the visit as successful and useful. We want to thank the Erasmus exchange organisers both at ISEC and EAVA!