L3Harris Airline Academy
Pilot Training Courses
in the UK & Europe
Our Airline Academy offers UKCAA & EASA approved pilot training courses from our modern flight schools in the UK and Portugal. We offer Integrated ATPL, Modular ATPL and university degree pilot training programmes.
Start your pilot training journey today to obtain your UKCAA or EASA licence!
We are a global leader in commercial airline pilot training and our graduates are highly sought after by airlines around the world. In fact, thousands of our pilot training graduates are now flying as Captains and First Officers for major airlines such as easyJet, British Airways and Ryanair.
Our commercial airline pilot training will be delivered by industry-leading instructors. In addition, cadets have access to state-of-the-art facilities such Flight Training Devices (FTDs) and aircraft equipped with Garmin G1000 Electronic Flight Instruments (EFIS).
Integrated ATPL
Our Integrated ATPL pilot training courses take you from little or no experience to becoming a qualified commercial airline pilot at one of the largest and best-equipped flight schools in Europe.
A UKCAA licence is issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) enables you to become a pilot for airlines registered in the UK.
An EASA licence is approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) enables you to become a pilot for airlines registered in the EU.
On successful completion, cadets will graduate with Theoretical Knowledge, CPL/IR MEP rating, APS MCC certificate and UPRT rating. These combined are known as ‘frozen’ ATPL and are the minimum requirement to start a rewarding career flying commercial passenger or cargo aircraft.
Accepting new applications
UKCAA Integrated ATPL course
UKCAA Integrated ATPL is a full-time course designed to take you from little or no experience to becoming a qualified pilot for airlines registered in the UK.
Accepting new applications
EASA Integrated ATPL course
EASA Integrated ATPL is a full-time course designed to take you from little or no experience to becoming a qualified pilot for airlines registered in the EU.
Accepting new applications
Kuwait Professional Pilot Training
We train pilots for Kuwait Airways and currently have Kuwaiti cadets in ground school and flight training in our locations worldwide.
Applications currently closed
Female Scholarship Integrated ATPL
At L3Harris we are passionate about encouraging more diversity onto the flight deck, helping to build a more inclusive future.
Modular ATPL
Our Modular ATPL pilot training route is designed for aspiring pilots who want the flexibility to learn in their own time and pay as they train.
The Modular ATPL course includes everything required to become a commercial airline pilot in affordable chunks, from Private Pilot Licence (PPL) onwards.
Accepting new applications
Modular Pilot Training
Our Modular ATPL allows you to pay and train to become a pilot in bitesize chunks so you can train at your own pace, in your own time.
Accepting new applications
Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Training Course
Become a private pilot with our PPL training consisting of 45hrs in a single-engine aircraft and 5hrs Night Rating.
Accepting new applications
Hours Building Course
The Hours Building programme could help fast track you to the 150 flight hours needed to start the next phase of training.
Accepting new applications
ATPL Theoretical Knowledge (Classroom Based)
Our ATPL Theoretical Knowledge study is designed to equip you with a solid foundation to enable you to progress from ground school training to flight training.
Accepting new applications
ATPL Theory Course (E-Learning)
Our ATPL Theory E-Learning is an approved distance learning programme and includes interactive presentations, computer-based training and formal class tuition.
Accepting new applications
MEP & IR with CPL
Our MEP & IR with CPL training is an essential step in launching your career as a commercial airline pilot.
Accepting new applications
APS MCC course
Our APS MCC course is accepted as an industry standard for pilots at entry-level to equip them with competencies to operate a multi-crew, commercial aircraft.
Higher education
Integrate a university degree with your pilot training. All aspects of your commercial pilot training experience will count towards your degree and you’ll gain two professional qualifications (ATPL licence and BSc(Hons) degree) to kick start your career in aviation!
Accepting new applications
BSc (Hons) Aviation - Pilot Degree Programme with ATPL
The BSc (Hons) Aviation – Pilot Programme with the University of Central Lancashire has been designed to prepare students for a career as a professional pilot.
Upgrade courses
From our purpose-built training facility and management centre in Gatwick, L3Harris Training Services delivers effective, competency-based pilot training for professional pilots at any stage of their career ensuring the needs of the individual and the airline customer are supported through the provision of high-quality, professional commercial airline pilot training.
Accepting new applications
AQC to APS MCC Upgrade Course
Airline Qualification Course (AQC) to Airline Pilot Standard Multi-Crew Certification (APS MCC) Upgrade Course.
Airline programmes
We build strong connections and long-standing relationships with airlines worldwide, providing excellent opportunities for our cadet pilots. As such, we have been able to offer a range of pilot courses designed to improve your chances of securing employment with a reputable airline.
Accepting new applications
IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme
Selected by IndiGo from day one, you will embark upon a unique route of training.
Applications currently closed
L3Harris Integrated ATPL in partnership with Royal Brunei
L3Harris Airline Academy Integrated ATPL in partnership with Royal Brunei.
Applications currently closed
Jetstar Asia Cadet Training Programme (CAAS CPL/MEIR with ATPL)
Jetstar Asia is offering to select and guide you as you embark upon a unique route of training which takes you directly to the role of junior First Officer.
Applications currently closed
Icelandair Cadet Pilot Programme
Icelandair is working with L3Harris Airline Academy to train and develop aspiring pilots to join the airline as First Officers.
Applications currently closed
Cadet Pilot Programme with Hong Kong Airlines
L3Harris Airline Academy has launched an outstanding airline pilot career programme with Hong Kong Airlines (HKA).
Applications currently closed
L3Harris Integrated ATPL with Wizz Air
L3Harris and Wizz Air have teamed up to offer an exciting opportunity for aspiring pilots.
Applications currently closed
Virgin Atlantic Future Flyers Programme
Launch your airline pilot career with one of the world's most iconic airlines, Virgin Atlantic.
How to become a pilot in the UK and Europe
Our Airline Academy is equipped to start your career as a pilot, whether you’re just leaving school or later in life. L3Harris help people reach their dreams.
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 you’ll need the following qualifications:
- A minimum of five GCSEs grade C/4 or above, or international equivalent, for example in Portugal: Secondary School (Year 12) completion certificate; which must include Maths, English and Science
You will also need:
- UKCAA Class 1 Medical Certification (without restrictions for UKCAA licence) or EASA Class 1 Medical Certification (without restrictions) for an EASA licence
- You must have the unrestricted right to live, study and work in either the UK or the European Economic Area (EEA)/Switzerland depending on where you study. Alternatively, you will have to meet the United Kingdom Visa & Immigration Service (UKVI) or EU requirements to qualify for an applicable visa enabling you to study. Further details on visa requirements are listed on individual course pages
- Produce a clean criminal record check (CRC) basic disclosure certificate
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 UKCAA Integrated ATPL course price starts from £79,950 - Find out more here
- Our EASA Integrated ATPL course price starts from 78.000€ - Find out more here
- Our Modular ATPL course prices start from £2,400 - Find out more here
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 72 weeks to complete, depending on capacity and scheduling. For more information, please visit our Integrated ATPL course page.
Modular ATPL training is more flexible than the integrated approach and cadets have three years to complete training once they have passed their Theoretical Knowledge exams. For more information, please visit our Modular 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, whether that's to become a private pilot or a qualified commercial pilot.
If you successfully obtain your PPL, you can go on to command single-engine private aircraft for non-commercial passengers.
On the other hand, 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?
We are committed to maintaining and growing airline relationships so that we are able to offer our graduates the highest-quality, airline-focused training and unrivalled career opportunities. In turn we have built a reputation as a trusted provider of the highest-calibre pilots in the industry.
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.
Do you offer a dual licence for UKCAA & EASA?
Yes, we do. The dual licence allows cadets to complete both a UKCAA and EASA licence in one combined course. Cadets will be required to take both UKCAA and EASA Theoretical Knowledge exams. There will also be additional flying hours to meet both regulatory authority requirements plus skills tests that must be taken in both UK and EU airspace. The price of the dual licence is £85,950 and potentially opens up greater employment opportunities as cadets will be qualified to work for airlines registered and operating under either the UKCAA or EASA. Please note however, if you wish to work in the EU you must have a right to live and work in the EU.
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, Portugal 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, Orlando in the USA, or Ponte de Sor in Portugal.
In the case of EASA ATPL course, all training take place at our facilities in Ponte de Sor.
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.
