Pilot Training Courses
in the UK & Europe

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 UKCAA Integrated ATPL course page.

For our EASA Integrated ATPL course, the timeline is 89 weeks. Find out more here.

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.

To obtain your UKCAA licence your pilot training is based at our flight school in the UK.

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.

To obtain your EASA licence your pilot training will be based across our flight schools in the UK, Ponte de Sor, Portugal and Ireland.

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 and in Portugal. Ground school is typically completed in the UK at our London Training Centre (LTC) near Gatwick. Whilst your flight training could take place in Bournemouth or Cranfield in the UK, 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.