L3Harris Airline Academy
Cost of Pilot Training
and Funding in the UK
When deciding to embark on pilot training, one of the most frequently asked questions is ‘how much does it cost to become a pilot?’
Obtaining your pilot licence is a considerable financial commitment. Our pilot course fees are a reflection of the quality training and cutting-edge facilities at L3Harris. Pilot training is also a gateway to a lucrative career as an airline pilot, making the cost of pilot training a worthwhile investment.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Commercial Pilot?
If you are thinking about starting your pilot training, one of the most important factors influencing your decision is the cost of a pilot licence. So, how much does it cost to learn to fly and train as an airline pilot? Depending on the programme, your pilot course fees can vary. The cost of flight school, for those wishing to obtain an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), is £94,500, including a deposit from just £3,000.
What Do Your Pilot Course Fees Include?
The largest cost a cadet will incur is the pilot course fee itself which will vary depending on the course.
You can find full details of what is included and excluded from your pilot course fees on the individual programme pages.
The cost of our pilot training in the UK also includes the opportunity to receive unparalleled training from industry-renowned Instructors. Not forgetting the incredible benefits and the future that lies ahead of you as a pilot, from an attractive salary and having an office above the clouds, to making life-long friendships around the globe.
Ways to Fund Your Pilot Training in the UK
For many aspiring commercial airline pilots, the greatest barrier to becoming a pilot is securing the funding for pilot training. We are committed to ever-widening access to pilot training for those who demonstrate the talent, passion, skills and motivation to become a pilot.
We are unable to offer airline pilot funding advice; the majority of our pilot training courses are self-funded. Here are a few of the ways that you could fund your pilot training course in the UK, from securing loans for pilot training to receiving financial support from your family.
Speak to a Financial Adviser
We understand it can be difficult to navigate the funding options involved in pilot training. At L3Harris Airline Academy, we are unable to offer financial advice. Experts may be able to help you explore the options available to you.
Loans for Pilot Training in the UK
One way to secure airline pilot training funding is via a secured loan from a UK bank, typically against a property.
Loans for pilot training are appropriate if individuals who are responsible for providing the funding have a property which is valued at £150,000 or more. In most instances, banks will only lend up to approximately 60% of the property’s value.
Cover Your Pilot Course Fees With Help From Your Family
Receiving financial help from family members - whether it be parents or grandparents - is another common solution to funding your pilot training.
While it can be a big ask from your parents, it is a valuable investment into your future career as a pilot. Whether you use inheritance or borrow money from family to cover the cost of pilot training, you will reap the benefits of an attractive salary once you have qualified which means you will be able to pay them back, or re-build your savings.
Is the Pilot Course Fee a Worthwhile Investment?
We understand that the cost of pilot training is a significant financial investment. However, upon completion of your training, you will be able to benefit from our strong airline relationships and embark on a lucrative career as an airline pilot.
Once you have completed your pilot training and obtained your ATPL, you can begin earning as soon as you qualify. The starting salary for newly qualified First Officers is typically above the average starting salary for a university graduate. According to Indeed, a senior or experienced pilot’s salary is 31% higher than the UK’s national average salary based on pilots in London earning approximately £48,121 per year.
Salaries for commercial airline pilots consistently perform as one of the highest earning careers, making the cost of pilot training worth it.
How Your Salary Is Likely to Grow as a Pilot
Whilst the cost of becoming a pilot can be a big commitment, once qualified, the career progression and potential salary can be very beneficial.
| Senior First Officer |
£48,605 - £86,699 per annum* On average, depending on airline. |
| Captain |
£103,525 - £173,000 per annum* On average, depending on airline. |
*Glassdoor, August 2023
Pilot Licence Cost and Pilot Training Funding FAQs
Why choose L3Harris Airline Academy?
Obtaining your pilot licence is a considerable financial commitment. That being said, our pilot course fees are a reflection of the quality training and cutting-edge facilities at L3Harris. Cadets can expect to receive unparalleled training from industry-renowned Instructors, followed by excellent employment opportunities through recruitment pathways with British Airways, easyJet, TUI and more.
Not forgetting the incredible benefits and the future that lies ahead of you as a pilot, from an attractive salary and having an office above the clouds, to making life-long friendships around the globe.
What qualifications do I need to commence my pilot training?
To begin pilot training at our Airline Academy you’ll need the following qualifications:
- A minimum of five GCSEs grade C/4 or above, or international equivalent; which must include Maths, English and Science
Read our full requirements on our pilot qualifications page.
How long does it take to become a pilot?
Typically, Integrated ATPL courses take 70 weeks to complete. For more information, please visit our Integrated ATPL course page.
Can I choose where I do my pilot training?
No, you can not choose where to do your pilot training. We have flight schools across the UK and USA. Ground school is typically completed in the UK at our London Training Centre (LTC) near Gatwick. Whilst your flight training could take place in Cranfield in the UK and Orlando in the USA.
All of our flight schools are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and training is delivered by vastly experienced instructors.
Contact us
Please complete the form below to contact our team for more information on our Airline Academy.