L3Harris Airline Academy
Flight schools and training locations in the UK & Europe
Our flight schools are approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). You can have peace of mind knowing our private & commercial pilot training courses follow the highest standards of training and safety.
Learn to fly at L3Harris’ UK flight schools
At L3Harris Airline Academy, our cadets will train to become pilots at our flight schools & training locations situated across the UK - Bournemouth, Cranfield, Gatwick - and Europe - Ponte de Sor.
Our flight schools are equipped with the latest training facilities and aircraft fleet. Cadets have access to:
- Air traffic control (ATC) towers including digital ATC tower at our Cranfield Academy
- Modern aircraft fleet including Piper Archer PA28 and Diamond DA42s
- Modern classrooms & study zones
- On-site restaurants and leisure facilities
You’ll have the opportunity to train across the UK and Europe to obtain your UKCAA or EASA ATPL licence.
As a pilot cadet, you’ll study alongside like-minded people and create lifelong friendships, as well as having access to world-class facilities and a modern training fleet, all of which creates the best environment for pilot training.
United Kingdom and European flight schools and training locations
Bournemouth Flight School
Whether you have little to no flying experience or you want to upskill, our Bournemouth flight school is equipped with modern training aircraft and an experienced team of instructors to propel your dream of becoming a pilot.
Cranfield Flight School
Whether you have little to no flying experience or want to upskill, our Cranfield flight school is equipped with state-of-the-art-facilities, a modern training fleet and experienced instructors to propel your dream of becoming a pilot.
London Training Centre (LTC) - Crawley
Whether you have little to no flying experience or you want to upskill, our London Training Centre (LTC) is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and pilot training is delivered by experienced instructors to propel your dream of becoming a pilot.
Ponte de Sor, Portugal Flight School
Whether you have little to no flying experience or you want to upskill, our Ponte de Sor flight school is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and pilot training is delivered by vastly experienced instructors to propel your dream of becoming a pilot.
Flight school FAQs
How do I get into flight school?
To enrol on a pilot training course at one of L3Harris’ flight schools, you will need to complete the selection process. The selection process will look something like this:
- Once you have completed your application for your chosen pilot training program, it will be screened by our selection team
- Providing your application passes our screening process you will then be invited to a one-day selection event, either remotely (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday), or in-person (Wednesday) at our London Training Centre located near Gatwick Airport
- Prior to your selection day you will be asked to complete an online behavioural assessment
- Your selection day which will consist of an interview and Cut-e aptitude tests (only applicable for Integrated ATPL courses, Private Pilot Licence course or the APS MCC course)
What should I consider when looking for a flight school?
There are a number of things you should consider when looking for a flight school, including:
Integrated vs Modular training programmes
Integrated training programmes combine all elements of pilot training in one course with a single approved ATO. They are designed to train cadets with little to no flying experience to become a qualified Co-Pilot.
Modular training programmes on the other hand allow pilot cadets more flexibility with their training. The ATPL course is broken down into modules that can be studied individually/separately allowing cadets to work in between modules to pay for future training. All modules must be completed within three years of passing the Theoretical Knowledge exams.
Cost
The quality of training you can expect to receive as well as the state-of-the-art facilities you have access to at L3Harris flight schools is reflected in the cost of our pilot training programmes. Not only that, but we are also renowned for our excellent pass rate and pilot placement rate.
For more information on the cost of our pilot training courses, please visit our course cost breakdown.
Safety records & reputation
When looking for a flight school, take into consideration a flight school’s safety record and reputation before making a decision. This will give you a good indication of the quality of training you can expect to receive during your training programme.
Career development & prospects
It is important to look for a flight school that offers career development opportunities and support to help you with your career prospects. At L3Harris, we offer help with CV writing, mock interviews and teaching interview techniques to ensure cadets have the necessary skills and preparation to help them secure a role as a Co-Pilot.
Between August 2021 and November 2021, 42 L3Harris graduates in the UK and Europe found employment opportunities.
Training facilities & equipment
Access to modern training facilities and the latest training equipment will be an important factor in your decision-making process.
Facilities & equipment differ from flight school to flight school; however, cadets will have access to training aircraft, Full Flight Simulators and flight training devices to name a few. We also provide accommodation and sports facilities if cadets are required to stay away from home.
Instructors
Instructors at your flight school will have a big influence on your pilot training experience and your standard of teaching. It is also important to build strong relationships with your instructors so that you both feel comfortable, motivated and interested in learning to achieve the best outcome.
What fleet do you have at your flight schools?
We have an impressive training fleet of over 100 aircraft that are equipped with the latest technology such as Garmin G1000 Electronic Flight Instruments (EFIS) as well as the latest version of the Traffic Advisory System (TAS).
Our fleet of single-engine aircraft include:
- Diamond DA-40 Star
- Piper PA28
- Cessna C-172
- Slingsby T67 (for Upset Prevention & Recovery Training - UPRT)
Our multi-engine aircraft include:
- Diamond DA-42
We also have a range of flat panel trainers, fixed training devices (FTD) and our flagship RealitySeven Full Flight Simulators.
How much does flight school cost?
How much flight school costs depends entirely on the pilot training course you choose to enrol on.
It is no secret that becoming a pilot is a large investment, however, the cost of pilot training is reflective of the future benefits and rewards you can expect to receive when you become a qualified commercial pilot.
Our pilot training course costs are as follows:
Integrated ATPL = £79,950
Private Pilot Licence = £13,000
Theoretical Knowledge (Classroom-Based Learning) = £6,950
Theoretical Knowledge (Distance Learning) = £2,400
Hours Building = £16,000
MEP CPL IR = £39,500
APS MCC = £8,900
How long does it take to complete flight school?
How long it takes to complete flight school depends on the training you undertake.
To become a commercial airline pilot it takes approximately 72 weeks.
Our course durations:
- UKCAA Integrated ATPL = 72 weeks
- EASA Integrated ATPL = 89 weeks
- PPL = 10 weeks
- Hours Building = 10-15 weeks
- ATPL Theoretical Knowledge (Classroom Based) = 28 weeks
- ATPL Theoretical Knowledge (Distance Learning) = Studying at your own pace with full-time support from instructors and mentors, followed by 77 classroom tuition hours, delivered in blocks of 4/4/3 days
- MEP & IR with CPL = 23 weeks
- APS MCC = 3 weeks
Get in touch today and start your journey!
Do you have any questions about starting your pilot training journey at L3Harris Airline Academy? Please send us a message and our Airline Pilot Careers Advice Team will be happy to assist.
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40+
years heritage
in pilot training -
5
global academy
locations -
100+
aircraft equipped with
the latest technology -
20+
modular and
integrated courses
Contact us
Please use the form below to contact our team for more information on our Airline Academy.
