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, want to undertake an airline pilot course alongside a degree, 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 UKCAA/EASA Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence takes you from little to no flying experience to a fully qualified airline pilot in around 70 weeks, complete with accommodation offering, access to our Graduate Placement Pool.
This is the quickest way to complete pilot training if you have no prior experience. Learn about our Integrated ATPL airline pilot course.
Start application Integrated ATPL
ATPL with Degree
This three-year programme, developed by L3Harris and the University of Central Lancashire provides graduates with two professional qualifications, an aviation degree and an ATPL, ready to start your pilot career. Access to student finance could be available to help fund the cost of pilot training school.
Find out more about completing our ATPL with Degree pilot training course.
Start application ATPL with Degree
Flexible ATPL
Flexible ATPL takes a modular training route but delivers the same benefits and result as our Integrated ATPL course.
You complete 75 weeks of pilot training over three years which gives you time to work, study or travel in between. Embark on flight school training, your own way with our Flexible ATPL.
Start application Flexible ATPL
Individual Modules
Whether you're at the start of your pilot training journey and want to earn your Private Pilot Licence, or are at the end and are planning to undertake your APS MCC - we have the airline pilot course for you.
Learn more about our Individual Modules.
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.
Start application Flying Start ATPL
India
Our IndiGo Cadet Program for 2023 is now shut for applications. You can either register an interest for 2024, or take a look at our brand new Indian Professional CPL instead.
Click the relevant link below to learn more.
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 e.g. full-time, modular or flexible?
- 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
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
- Visa - if required - to study in our flight training locations. Further details on visa requirements are listed on individual course pages
- Produce a clean criminal record check (CRC) basic disclosure certificate
Read more 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 £99,960 - 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, 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?
Yes. We are an accredited pilot recruitment partner of British Airways. The agreement allows BA to select newly qualified pilots from our Graduate Placement Pool and ‘tag’ students at various stages of training that meet the airlines requirements. In July 2023, TUI Airways also selected us as a pilot recruitment partner, selecting newly qualified pilots to become Second Officers on TUI's Boeing fleet.
Since 2022 alone, 365+ L3Harris graduates have gone on to employment with the likes of Easyjet, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI and British Airways.
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 dual licence 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 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.
