L3Harris Airline Academy
Pilot Training
Courses in the UK
Ready to pursue your dream of becoming a pilot? When you start your aviation training with L3Harris, you’re not only learning to fly, you're training to become the best commercial airline pilot possible. Take a look at our world class pilot training courses in the UK and apply today.
Start Your Pilot Training Journey with L3Harris
We are a global leader in commercial airline pilot training and our graduates are highly sought after by global airlines. Thousands of our pilot training graduates are now flying as Captains and First Officers for major airlines such as easyJet, British Airways and Ryanair, as a result of our strong airline relationships.
Our commercial airline pilot training courses are delivered by industry-leading Instructors at our world-class training locations in Crawley, Cranfield and Orlando. Cadets have access to state-of-the-art facilities, devices and aircraft equipped with Garmin G1000 Electronic Flight Instruments.
As one of the most prestigious UKCAA/EASA flight schools in the UK, our airline pilot training combines theoretical and practical elements to prepare you for a career as a pilot. Learn why you should choose L3Harris as your dedicated pilot training school.
Our Pilot Training Courses
We are proud to offer a range of industry-leading pilot training courses in the UK, available to cadets of all experience levels. Whether you have no flying experience, or have already completed specific modules and are looking to take the next step towards securing your pilot licence, take a look at our pilot training courses.
Integrated ATPL
Our Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence takes you to a fully qualified airline pilot in 70 weeks.
This is the quickest way to complete pilot training if you have no prior experience. Learn about our Integrated ATPL course.
Integrated ATPL Start application
Flying Start ATPL
Already achieved your ATPL Theoretical Knowledge exam passes or already enrolled in an Integrated course and want to switch?
This pilot training course is one of the fastest ways to achieve your frozen ATPL if you have passed your ground school exams.
Flying Start Start application
Theoretical Knowledge
As an Individual Module, ATPL Theoretical Knowledge training is completed as a full-time course, with approximately 28 weeks of classroom and computer-based training, where you will receive industry-leading tuition from highly skilled and respected Instructors, alongside guided computer-based study.
Theoretical Knowledge Start application
APS MCC
Do you hold a Private Pilot Licence with 150 hours flying time, Multi-Engine Piston Rating and Commercial Pilot Licence? During our APS MCC, you will learn standard operating procedures to advance your handling skills within realistic scenarios so that flying in normal and non-normal conditions becomes second nature.
Air India
We have partnered with Air India, India's leading global airline, to support their future pilot growth following their recent record-breaking order of 470 new aircraft.
Click the button below to learn more about this exciting opportunity and apply!
IndiGo and Indian CPL
Benefit from the rare opportunity to progress directly from pilot cadet training to employment as a First Officer with IndiGo, India's foremost low-cost airline.
We also offer an Indian Commercial Pilot Licence course. Click the relevant link below.
What to consider before before applying to pilot training courses in the UK
Pilot training is a significant commitment, but one that will lead to an impressive and lucrative career. Before you embark on flight school training and apply for an airline pilot course, there are several things to consider:
- Which pilot training course is right for your level of experience?
- What type of airline pilot training do you want?
- How much will your pilot training course cost?
- How will you fund your pilot training?
- Do you have the qualifications to become a pilot?
If you have any questions about any of our pilot training courses in the UK and Europe, get in touch with us today.
How Your Salary Is Likely to Grow as a Pilot
Whilst the cost of becoming a pilot can be a big commitment, the career prospects and potential salary can be very rewarding.
| 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 Training FAQs
How do I become a pilot?
To become a pilot you will need an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and a Class 1 Medical Certificate.
These are the steps you need to take to become a pilot:
- Check you meet the entry criteria & have the common skills required to become a pilot
- Complete the selection process to enrol on a pilot training course
- Complete ground school training
- Undertake foundation flight training
- Complete commercial and instrument flight training
- Undertake intermediate flight training
- Complete an airline placement (ATPL students only)
- Undertake advanced pilot training
- Congratulations! You are now ready to begin your aviation career as a First Officer!
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 much does pilot training cost and how can I fund my pilot training?
The cost of pilot training varies depending on the course you’re looking to undertake.
- Our Integrated ATPL course price starts from £94,500 - Find out more here
- Other courses and programmes
All our commercial pilot training programmes are self-funded by way of either savings or a loan secured typically against a UK property. We are not able to offer any financial advice however, we would suggest that potential candidates speak with their families and a variety of banks, lenders and independent financial advisers who will be best placed to discuss the products that may be available. For more information, please read our guide to funding.
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.
What are my career prospects?
Our focus is helping you achieve your future career aspirations through world-class airline-focused pilot training.
Once you have successfully secured your ‘frozen’ ATPL, you can kick start your career as a First Officer, second-in-command to the airline Captain. Enabling you to go on and build your theoretical and practical experience to eventually secure a role as Captain.
Do you have partnerships with airlines in Europe?
Yes. Our students benefit from career pathways with the likes of British Airways, easyJet, TUI and more airlines across the UK and Europe. Airlines not only recruit graduated cadets from our Graduated Placement Pool, they also now 'tag' students during their training!
What is the difference between a UKCAA Licence and an EASA Licence?
A UKCAA Licence has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority, of whom is a national regulatory body responsible for aviation. A CAA Licence enables you to operate a UK-registered aircraft only. For more information on non-EASA aircraft, please read here.
A EASA licence has been approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency and enables you to operate EASA aircraft. EASA aircraft fall under the regulations of the European Aviation Safety Agency.
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.
