The Role of Flight Laboratories in Aviation Education and Teaching Methodology Development: Case Studies from Poland and Georgia

Abstract Aviation is one of the fastest-developing areas of transportation, and a strong aviation sector is important for a country’s economic growth and competitiveness. As global flight activity increases, aviation authorities and international organizations must address new challenges to maintain high safety standards. This often means introducing new technologies and updating operational practices. The changes needed to meet these requirements will require adjustments to the skill sets that aviation professionals will be expected to have (on the ground and in the air). Therefore, having sufficient numbers of adequately trained aviation professionals is necessary, and hence, practical, experience-based training is essential in aviation education today. This study examines the current needs of aviation training and the limitations of traditional classroom-based teaching. Using a qualitative, comparative case-study approach, it analyses how flight laboratories are applied at two universities in Poland and Georgia, and how they provide students with direct experience with real aircraft and operational tasks. The results show flight labs enhance student projects, practical skills, and teaching methods in aviation.