If you’re looking to pursue a life-long dream of becoming a professional airline pilot, then you’ll be faced with finding the right flight school to take you through to the right-hand seat of a commercial airliner. But with so many routes and schools across Europe, where do you start? We have created this Flight School Comparison page to help you.
Professional pilot training is a huge financial and personal commitment and the task of selecting a flight school that’s right for you is the first important step to a successful career. It’s a choice that can be an overwhelming experience; there are many courses – even price differences – to compare. There are a few different routes to the flight deck, and your first decision is probably picking which type of commercial pilot training to undertake: Integrated (MPL or ATPL) or Modular.
Across Europe there are notable large Airline Training Organisations (ATO’s) that offer the complete all-inclusive, training packages, these courses can be very effective in getting you to through to your first pilot job in around two years – they also come with a premium price. Even though some of these companies are competitors we have compiled an impartial review of these flight schools and training organizations because we know how hard it is to find a clear and accurate guide:
Aviation South West
Flight School
Aviation Southwest is an independent and family-run modular training school based at Exeter Airport since 1999 offering a wide variety of courses from PPL to ATPL.
How many aircraft? – 5 aircraft plus 1 FNPT II sim
What type of aircraft?
• 3x Piper Warrior (PA28) – fixed undercarriage, used for PPL, IR(R) and CPL training
• BE76 Duchess – used for multi-engine and instrument training, includes autopilot
• Cessna 150 Aerobat – used for UPRT and hour building
• BE76 FNPT II sim – used for IR training
Locations – Exeter International Airport, Exeter, EX5 2BD, England
What courses are offered? – Modular only school
Direct to First Officer
• Full-time EASA modular course
• From little or no experience to holding a frozen ATPL
EASA CPL
• 25 hours dual instruction
EASA Multi-engine CPL
• 25 hours dual instruction with 5 multi-engine
MEP Rating
• 7 hours ground instruction with 1 exam
• 2.5 hours dual under normal conditions
• 3.5 hours dual under asymmetric conditions
EASA Single Engine Instrument Rating
• All flown in an aircraft
• 10 hours basic instrument flying
• 40 hours Procedural Instrument Flight Module (PIFM)
EASA Multi-Engine Instrument Rating
• 30 hours in FNPT II sim, 25 hours in aircraft
• This includes 10 hours basic instrument flying with 45 hours of PIFM split into 30 hours in the sim and 15 in the aircraft
Advanced Upset Recovery Course
• Part-FCL 745.A compliant
• 5 hours ground instruction
• 3 hours of dual instruction
Private Pilot’s License
• 9 ground school subjects
• 45 hours flying time – 25-35 dual, 10 solo
Night Rating
• Ground instruction
• 5 hours of flying including 1 hour navigation and 1 hour solo (5 taxi-backs)
ATPL Ground school
• Uses PadPilot for syllabus
• Offers both Residential or Distance Learning courses
• 14 ground school subjects to exams
How much is each course? Price on Request
How long is each course?
Direct to First Officer is 12-14 months
EASA CPL and Multi-engine CPL is 4 weeks
A-UPRT is 3 days
PPL is 4-6 weeks
Night Rating is 3 days (nights)
How many students per year train? No information given.
Which airlines recruit from the school? None, no testimonials.
Why this school over other schools?
• Offer a 1 to 1 or 2 to 1 training basis
• Offer Part-FCL 745.A A-UPRT by the school
• Works with Pegasus Finance to spread the cost of flight training
• Pride themselves on safety – Exeter SSR plays an important part of this
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Aeros Flight Training
Flight School
Aeros Flight Training- Zero to Frozen ATPL
Introduction: Aeros Flight Training are the UK’s leading modular flight training academy with multiple training locations nationwide
How many aircraft? 30 aircraft plus 5 simulators
What type of aircraft?
Diamond DA42 – 5 in fleet (IR skills test)
Tecnam P2006T – 1 in fleet (CPL/IR and CRT test, MEP training and test)
Piper Arrow – 4 in fleet (SEP training and test, CPL training and skills test)
Piper Warrior – 10 in fleet (SEP training and test, IR training and test)
Robin 2160 – 1 in fleet (Aerobatics, SEP training and test)
GROB G115D 2 – 1 in fleet (Aerobatic, SEP training and test)
Tecnam P2002JF – 1 in fleet (SEP training and test)
Piper Tomahawk – 5 in fleet (SEP training and test)
Cessna 152 – 2 in fleet (SEP training and test)
ALSIM AL42 – 3 in company (DA42 cockpit layout)
Elite Evolution S812 FNPT II – 2 in company (Seneca PA34 cockpit layout)
Locations
Cardiff International Airport, Barry, Wales
Coventry Airport, Coventry, England
Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Doncaster, England
Gloucestershire Airport, Cheltenham, England
Wellsbourne, Stratford Upon Avon, England
What courses are offered? Only Modular courses – Aeros Fastrack
Private Pilot’s License (PPL) 45 hours, including 10 hours solo plus a skills test, 9 ground examinations
ATPL Ground School – in 3 Modules of 4 or 5 subjects each time. Run by Bristol Groundschool
Night Rating – 5 hours
Commercial Pilots License (CPL) 25hours over 3 weeks
Complex (Piper Arrow) and non-complex aircraft (Piper Warrior)
Multi-Engine Piston Rating (MEP)
7 hours ground school, 6 hours in Twin Engine Aircraft, Take approx. 1 week to complete
Instrument Rating (IR)
55 hours…reduced to 45 hours if holder has a CPL
Phase 1 – FNPT II simulator (25 hours): core techniques of IR flying
Phase 2 – glass cockpit aircraft (20 hours): develop skills learnt in an aircraft
MCC/JOC
10 days, Ground school 3 days, Simulator 7 days
Cost includes accommodation, travel and training material
Flight Instructor Course (FIC)
For each stage of training there are requirements, please see website.
How much is each course?
Aeros Fastrack course is £74,950.00
Groundschool is £2350.00 plus exam fees of £68 per exam (14 exams)
How long is each course?
Aeros Fastrack is 12-18 months long
How many students per year train? Not given
Which airlines recruit from the school?
They have partnerships with major airlines such as Ryanair, Swissair, easyJet, BA, Emirates etc.
Why this school over other schools?
Large and varied aircraft fleet including glass cockpits
Tailored made courses
100% First Series Pass Rate on Fastrack course
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Ravenair
Flight School
Ravenair – Zero to Frozen ATPL
How many aircraft and what type are they?
-14 ATO (7 PA38, 3 P28A, 1 P28U, 3 PA34), 16 P68 survey, 4 PC12, 1 TBM
Location:
Liverpool John Lennon Airport
What courses are offered?
-PPL, LAPL, Night Rating, IR Restricted, IR, MEP, SEP, CPL, APS MCC JOC, UPRT-A, Aerobatics, Tailwheel, FI, IRI, CRI
How much and how long is each course?
PPL – £10,500 – 4 months
IR(R) – £4,115 – 3 Weeks
Night – £1199 – 4 days
15 hr CPL – £5,300 – 2 weeks
25 hr CPL – £7,700 – 3 weeks
MEP – £4,750 – 1 week
15 hr MEIR – £10,300 – 2 weeks
40 hr MEIR – £15,300 – 5 weeks
45 hr MEIR – £17,000 – 5 weeks
APS – £5,750 – 3 weeks
UPRT – £1,650 – 3 days
Airline Prep – £295- 1 day
How many students per year train?
We have 220 active students at any given time
Which airlines recruit from the school?
Ravenair AOC, British Airways, ryanair, wizz, tui, jet2, blue island, loganair, Eastern, Emirates, DHL, West Atlantic
Why this school over other schools?
We have our own AOC so fast-tracked job application post-training, long-standing company – we have been operating for over 40 years, in-house engineering – quick fixes were done to a high standard, and we offer every course from zero to hero!!
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Bournemouth Commercial Flight Training
Flight School
Bournemouth Commercial Flight Training- Zero to Frozen ATPL
Introduction: BCFT is a flight school located on the south coast of England from Bournemouth Airport offering both integrated and modular courses
How many aircraft? No information given
What type of aircraft? No information given
Locations: Bournemouth Airport, Christchurch, BH23 6ED
What courses are offered? Integrated and Modular
Integrated Airline Pilot
Little or no previous experience to a frozen ATPL + MCC course
ATPL Core Training (Bournemouth, 7 months) – ATPL ground examination and some flying up to first solo
ATPL Intermediate Training (Florida, USA, 4 months) – Single-engine navigation training and 25 hours multi-engine concluding with CPL flight
ATPL Advanced Training I – (Bournemouth, 3 months) – Multi-engine instrument training
ATPL Advanced Training II – (Dublin, Ireland, 10 days) – MCC/JOC course on a Simtech A320 or B737 simulator
ATPL Ground School
Uses PadPilot and Bristol Groundschool as the syllabus – 750 hours
Three phases lasting 7-8 weeks each to cover all 14 subjects
Progress exams and mock exams before final examinations
Exams taken at CAA HQ – London Gatwick
Modular Commercial Pilot Training
Private Pilot’s License – 45 hours with 9 ground exams
Night Rating – 5 hours including a solo
Hour Building
Commercial Pilot’s License – 25 hours (5 on complex aircraft)
Multi-engine Piston Rating – 6 hours with 1 ground exam
ME Instrument Rating – 45 hours (30 hours sim, 15 hours aircraft) CPL holders
MCC/JOC course completed with third party company
Plus ATPL Ground School element
Please see website for pre-course requirements for each course
How much is each course? Integrated Airline Pilot course is £86,565.00
How long is each course? Integrated Airline Pilot course is 16 months/70 weeks
ATPL theory is 6 months
Modular Commercial Pilot Training is minimum 18 months
How many students per year train? No information given
Which airlines recruit from the school? Flybe used to if they come back
Why this school over other schools?
Bournemouth Airport has 6 approaches
Dedicated exams throughout each phase of ATPL ground school to check knowledge
No large upfront payments – dedicated payment schedules
Review:
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ACS Aviation
Flight School
ACS- Zero to Frozen ATPL
Introduction Based at Perth Airport, Scotland ACS offer Airline Pilot Training aswell as Flying Lessons. They are located at an airport with 3 runways and open all year round and owned by the ACS Group who maintain the airfield.
How many aircraft? Not given on website
What type of aircraft?
Cessna 152 (C152) used for Private Pilot’s License Training
Cessna 172 (C172) used for Private Pilot’s License Training
Piper Warrior (PA28) used for Private Pilot’s License Training
Diamond Twinstar DA42 used for Commercial Flight Training
Piper Arrow (PA28) used for Commercial Flight Training
Alsim AL42 Flight Simulator
Locations Perth Airport, Perth, Scotland
What courses are offered?
Fast Track ATPL – modular
EASA Private Pilot’s License – 45 hours in Cessna 152 (inc. 10 hours solo)
Night Rating – 5 hours in Cessna 152
Hour Building – 110 hours in Cessna 152
ATPL Theoretical Ground School – 7 months residential, 14 subjects
Multi-engine Piston Rating – 6 hours DA42 Twinstar
Multi-engine Instrument Rating – 40 hours Alsim, 18 hours DA42 Twinstar
Commercial Pilot’s License – 15 hours Piper Arrow
MCC/JOC course – 10 hours Boeing 737-800NG Simulator
All courses offered individually aswell as this is a modular route itself…see website for individual breakdown of how the courses work. The Fast Track ATPL combines everything together and lowers the price.
A-UPRT (FCL.745.A) is offered by a third party company for £1290.00 in Peterborough, England
How much is each course? Fast Track ATPL is £54,490.00 including all necessary costs except MCC/JOC course – excluding accommodation at all phases of training.
PPL is £8,500
CPL is £7,400 (£4,590 if IR is held)
ME Piston Rating is £3,295
Hour Building packages – see website
Instrument Rating is £18,825 (£16,575 if CPL held)
How long is each course? Fast Track ATPL can be as long as 23 months but as short as 20 months.
How many students per year train? Since 2007 over 1000 so on average 80 per year
Which airlines recruit from the school? None specifically however cadets have gained jobs with Loganair, Jet2.com, Flybe, easyJet etc.
Why this school over other schools? Modern fleet with G1000 system in aircraft – relatable to airlines
Review:
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2Fly pro pilot
Flight School
2Fly pro pilot– Zero to Frozen ATPL
Introduction: Largely based in Florida, USA and offering EASA and FAA training 2Fly are a large independent Flight Training School. However 2Fly also have a location in Malaga, Spain too. The training seems to be across both locations through the Pro-Pilot Airline Programme 2020.
How many aircraft: 75 aircraft across all locations
What type of aircraft?
- Piper Archer (PA28)
- Cessna 172 (C172)
- Cessna Citation Jet (C500) (JOC only) – assume it’s a sim but website says aircraft?
- Piper Seneca (PA34)
- Beechcraft Duchess (BE76)
- Airbus A320 Simulator
Locations:
- Merritt Island, Florida, USA
- Velez, Malaga, Spain
What courses are offered?
Pro-Pilot Airline Programme 2020
- Phase One Foundation Training – approx 11 months in Florida
- Private Pilot’s License (PPL) on Piper Archer with a standard Instrument Rating (IR)
- Structured Hour Building on Cessna 172
- EASA ATPL Theoretical Knowledge – full time ground instruction syllabus
- Jet Orientation Course (JOC) on Cessna Citation (aircraft/sim – check website)
- Phase Two Advanced EASA Training – approx. 3 months in Spain
- EASA Commercial Pilots License (CPL) on Piper Seneca
- EASA Multi-Engine Class Rating on Piper Seneca
- EASA IR on Beechcraft Duchess
- EASA Multi-Crew Co-Operating Course (MCC) on A320 Simulator
- Accommodation included in price
EASA ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Course
- 6 month course based in Florida
- 650 hours of instructor led syllabus
- 14 EASA exams to be completed
- Use UK PAD PILOT as the syllabus
- Accommodation included in price
- Option to hour build alongside studies (for extra cost)
How much is each course
- Pro-Pilot Airline Programme 2020 is $103,000.00
- Easa ATPL Theoretical Knowlegde
How long is each course
- Pro-Pilot Airline Programme 2020 is approximately 14months… 11 spent in USA and 3 in Spain
- EASA ATPL Theoretical Knowledge is 6 months
How many students per year train? Not given
Which airlines recruit from the school? None specifically however cadets have jobs with major airlines including BA, Norwegian, Loganair, Ryanair, Flybe but have gone to the airlines recruitment process themselves.
Review:
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Skyborne Academy
Flight School
Skyborne- Zero to Frozen ATPL
Introduction
The most experienced and innovative pilot training academy in the industry. Whether you are new to the industry or looking to develop your skills further, Skyborne offers a full range of courses that can help take your aviation career to the next level. From complete, integrated solutions, through to bespoke training programmes to meet your training needs, Skyborne offers a people focussed solution providing you with an unrivalled level of service and quality.
Our unique educational approach and world-class facilities mean we have radically redefined every aspect of airline training. At Skyborne, we’re fully committed to maintaining a dynamic, engaging and welcoming environment to get the best from all pilot and cabin crew trainees that work with us. Our Progressive Continuous Learning methodology focuses on developing talent and absorbing new skills from our vastly experienced instructors.
How many aircraft?
10
What types of aircraft?
Diamond DA-40 x 6
Diamond DA-42 x 3
Slingsby T67 x 1
Diamond DA-42 Simulator x 1
Boeing 737 MAX Simulator x 1
Locations of training centers?
Gloucestershire Airport
What courses are offered?
|
Course |
Price inc VAT |
Additional Information |
Duration |
|
Integrated |
£95,000 |
Including accommodation, University Degree with UWL can be added |
70 weeks |
|
PPL |
£11,800 |
Flexible around family and work commitments |
10 weeks + |
|
Night Rating |
£1,530 |
|
2 nights |
|
ATPL Theory on site |
£4,500 |
Accommodation option available subject to availability |
28 weeks |
|
ATPL Theory Distance |
£2,400 |
|
12-24 months |
|
Hour Building |
£2,300 |
10 hour block (9 solo, 1 dual) |
– |
|
ME CPL |
£15,000 |
|
9 weeks |
|
ME IR |
£17,500 |
|
5 weeks |
|
UPRT |
£2,000 |
|
1 week |
|
APS MCC |
£5,737 |
|
3 weeks |
|
MEP/CPL/UPRT/IR/APS MCC |
£44,500 |
Option to add UWL Degree when buying these modules as a package |
20 weeks |
How much is each course?
As above
How long is each course?
As above
How many students per year train?
Up to 120 Integrated and 60 modular each year
Which airlines recruit or work with?
Currently IndiGo but this only impacts the Indian market
Why should I choose this school?
- Personal touch and support offered – this has been described by trainees as a “family feel”
- Graduate placement team to offer practical advice and facilitate opportunities wherever possible
- Skyborne Guarantee – Integrated https://www.skyborne.com/integrated-atpl/
- Skills Continuation Training Policy – Integrated
- State of the art facilities
- Optimal Fleet – Diamonds all G1000 equipped
- In-house maintenance
- Experience and connections of instructors and management team
- Our educational approach
- Airline focused training
- University Degree option with UWL – BSc (Hons) Aviation Management with Commercial Pilot Training
- Dedicated accommodation opening in January 2021
Interview:
Review:
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CRM Aviation
Post Flight School
CRM Aviation- MCC/JOC & APS MCC
Introduction: CRM Aviation is leading provider of training for JOC, MCC and Advanced UPRT throughout Europe. They have a 9 year proven and established history to which is well recognized by airlines. They train around 130 MCC/JOC customers per year. Europe’s most advanced UPRT specialists.
Location: White Waltham Airfield, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 3NJ, England
Courses:
Multi-crew Co-operation Course (MCC) – non-technical course
Course built to develop the 9 key competencies for an airline pilot
Introduction to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), checklists, QRH’s etc.
Small groundschool element but mainly 5 lots of 4 hours sims…2 hours as pilot flying and 2 hours a pilot monitoring
Jet Orientation Course (JOC) – technical course
Aims to bridge to the gap from small slower aircraft to large fast jet aircraft for example handling skills
4 hours in classroom followed by 1 sim session of 4 hours
MCC/JOC course can be combined incorporating both elements together
Advanced Upset Recovery Techniques (not currently a standalone course yet)
This is now EASA regulatory as per Part FCL 745.A
5 hours ground technical knowledge instruction
3 hours of dual flight instruction
A-UPRT MUST be combined as A-UPRT with MCC or A-UPRT with MCC/JOC course
Prices:
Multi-crew Co-operation Course (MCC) only – £2,095
Jet Orientation Course (JOC) only – £750
MCC/JOC combined – £2,795
Advanced UPRT is £1,895
Advanced UPRT and MCC combined is £3,990
Advanced UPRT, MCC and JOC combined is £4,695
Accommodation is offered too at a cost
Who is it for?
Anyone who has frozen ATPL and wishes to pursue an airline career. Many airlines are requiring an MCC course as the minimum. EASA have also put new legislation in with regards to A-UPRT being completed before a Type Rating hence having the option to complete all three in one go is a bonus.
Review:
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Leading Edge Aviation
Flight School
Leading Edge Aviation is a rapidly expanding commercial pilot training academy with a fresh approach and an emphasis on developing the whole pilot. Offering the highest standards of regulatory training, each pilot’s non-technical skills are also developed through a comprehensive professional and personal development curriculum. Leading Edge Aviation delivers modular commercial training and the LEAP (Leading Edge Airline Preparation) course; a full time, everything’s included, integrated course with BSc degree.
Based at London Oxford Airport, students benefit from a wellness, professional and personal development curriculum, along with the most advanced learning aids. Virtual and mixed reality tech, and neuro training techniques are used to embed and refine new knowledge and skills, creating pilots who enter the industry airline ready with strong leadership skills.
How many aircraft & what types of aircraft
Diamond DA40: 8
Diamond DA42: 4
Slingsby Firefly: 1
Alsim AL42 Simulator: 1
Airbus A320 FTD-1 Simulator: 1
Locations of training centres
London Oxford Airport
What courses are offered – go into brief details about each license and courses offered, how much is each course, how long is each course?
COMPLETE COURSES
ATPL (A) LEAP Integrated inc BSc degree – 18 training months
Modular ATPL (A) ground school – 26 training weeks
Modular CPL (A) – 6 training weeks
Modular MEIR (A) – 13 training weeks
Modular Combined CPL/MEIR/APS MCC
Modular Combined CPL/CBIR/APS MCC
COURSES
THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE COURSES
ATPL (A) TK – 26 training weeks
APS MCC – 3 training weeks
BSc degree programme within LEAP Integrated course
FLYING COURSES
CPL (A)
MEP (A)
MEIR (A)
Competency Based IR (A)
IR (A)
Night Rating
Advanced UPRT 5 days
How many students per year train? 155
Which airlines recruit or work with?
We’ve placed students with: BA, easyJet, Air Tanker, Air Baltic, Air Lingus, Flybe, Jet2, Loganair, Royal Brunei, Ryanair, Smartlynx, Wizz Air
Why should I choose this school?
Leading Edge Aviation is an academy with many great qualities, from our leading edge technology, teaching & team to our dedicated wellbeing programme. We are here to support our students every step of their journey to becoming a professional pilot.
Interview:
Review:
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FTE
Flight School
FTE- Zero to Frozen ATPL
Introduction: FTEJerez has established itself as one of the world’s leading flight training organizations specialising in the integrated training route.
How many aircraft? 28 aircraft in the fleet plus 1 B737-800W simulator, and a DA42 FNPT II simulator
What type of aircraft:
- Diamond DA42 – 6 in fleet, 166hp multi-engine aircraft with retractable undercarriage and is IFR compliant. DA42’s are NG’s and equipped with G1000 glass cockpits
- Piper Warrior – 20 in fleet, 160hp single-engine aircraft with fixed undercarriage and is IFR compliant
- Slingsby Firefly – 1 in fleet, 160hp single-engine aircraft with fixed undercarriage and only for VFR
- Robin R2160 – 1 in fleet, 160hp single-engine aircraft with fixed undercarriage and only for VFR
Locations
FTE is located at Aeropuerto de Jerez, Jerez de la Frontera, SPAIN
What courses are offered?
Integrated – Airline First Officer Programme
- Weeks 1 – 19: Full time Ground school + EASA Phase 1 exams (400 hours)
- Weeks 21 – 29: Full time Single-engine flying (60 hours)
- Weeks 30 – 41: Full time Ground school + EASA Phase 2 exams (400 hours)
- Weeks 42 – 47: Full time Single engine flying (60 hours)
- Weeks 48 – 57: Full time Multi-engine flying + IR skills test3
- Weeks 58 – 62: MCC + JOC
Modular – Flight Deck plus+ (aimed at PPL holders)
- Advanced Training – CPL and IR training: 45.5 hours SE and ME, 41 hours DA42 sim plus 7 hours MEP theory
- MCC/JOC – 25 hours theory and 36 hours of B737NG simulator training
How much is each course?
Airline First Officer Programme is 119,500 euros including accommodation and full board catering paid in installments
Flight Deck plus+ – Advanced Training is 39,000 euros including accommodation and full board catering. MCC/JOC is 9,000 euros not including accommodation or catering.
How long is each course?
Airline First Officer Programme is 62 training weeks (closed over Christmas for 2 weeks)
Flight Deck plus+ – Advanced Training is 12 weeks, MCC/JOC is under 8 weeks
How many students per year train? No information given
Which airlines recruit from the school? FTE’s partners are Aer Lingus, BA Cityflyer, easyJet was Flybe amongst other EU carriers
Why this school over other schools?
- Located in South Spain where the weather is flyable all year round
- Numerous partners with major European carriers
- ATPL theory is split up with flying involved
Review:
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L3 Commercial Training
Training Organisation
L3 Airline Academy part of L3 Commercial Training Solutions- Zero to Frozen ATPL
Introduction: L3, formally known as CTC,
How many aircraft? Globally L3 has an EASA fleet of 191 aircraft
What type of aircraft?
Bournemouth, England – DA40 Star, DA42 Twin Star, Slingsby T67 Firefly
Hamilton, New Zealand – C172 glass cockpit, DA20 Katana, DA42 Twin Star glass cockpit
Ponte De Sor, Portugal – Beechcraft BE-76 Duchess, C152, C172 both glass and analogue cockpits, DA40 Star, DA42 Twin Star, Piper Archer TX
Locations?
UK
Bournemouth International Airport – ME CPL and IR training
Coventry Airport – ground school and commercial aspect of training
Cranfield Airport – advanced pilot training centre
Crawley – Full Flight Sims B737 and A320 and is L3’s HQ
NZ
Hamilton, New Zealand – training and accommodation for over 200 cadets
Europe
Ponte De Sor, Portugal – European HQ
What courses are offered?
Integrated ATPL
Theoretical Knowledge – including CBT and instructor led is a 29 week course based in the UK
Foundation Flight Training – Fundamentals of visual, instrument and night flying on a single engine aircraft. Approximately 32 weeks in either UK, NZ, Portugal or L3
location
Commercial and Instrument Flight Training – includes UPRT and MEP. Approximately 20 weeks based in the either the UK, NZ, Portugal or L3 location.
Multi-pilot Flight Training – Airline Qualification course including MCC and CRM. Approximately 3 weeks based at either UK, NZ, Portugal or L3 location.
There is the option to remove the AQC and qualify with an EASA Integrated CPL with ME/IR
Airline Qualification Course (AQC) – delivered on B737 or A320 fixed base sims and is widely accepted for all major airlines. It looks at CRM, MCC and JOT and is completed in the UK. 2 days groundschool and 36 hours in the simulator preparing you for a Type Rating.
Modular
ATPL Theory – option for distance learning or in-house to cover syllabus for all 14 exams. Split into 3 modules for the 14 subjects. Distance learning has 11 days in-house at either Gatwick or Coventry otherwise it is a full-time course
Airline Programmes
L3 do have Airline Programmes with Wizz Air (ATPL), Virgin Atlantic (MPL) and BA (ATPL) however none are open and nor look like opening in the near future. Please see website for more details.
How much is each course?
Integrated ATPL is £89,000
Integrated CPL with ME/IR is £79,000
AQC is £5,699 + VAT
ATPL Theory E-Learning is £2400
ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Training is £7,050
How long is each course?
Integrated ATPL takes approximately 18 months
Integrated CPL with ME/IR takes approximately 75 weeks
AQC is 3 weeks
ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Training takes approximately 29 weeks
How many students per year train? No information given
Which airlines recruit from the school? L3 have relationships with BA Cityflyer, easyJet, Oman Air, Royal Brunei, TAP and Wizz amongst other major airlines.
Why this school over other schools? L3 have 29 years heritage over 7 global locations. They claim to have a dedicated graduate placement team to secure your pilot role where 95% of 2019 graduates are working as co-pilots for 22 commercial airlines.
Review:
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CAE
Training Organisation
CAE Oxford – Zero to Frozen ATPL
Introduction: CAE is global company specializing mainly in the production of simulators. However as part of the business they have a worldwide Civil Aviation Training branch. Training integrated and airline tailored route cadets, CAE has many routes of training to offer
How many aircraft? – over 165 aircraft worldwide plus simulators
What type of aircraft?
Oxford
Piper Seneca V – Multi-engine twin turbo aircraft used for training IR phase
Cessna 182 – Single engine aircraft for MPL students to complete Intermediate phase
Zlin – Used for MPL cadets UPRT training
Phoenix
Piper Archer – Single engine training aircraft for basic flying skills, including MPL students
Piper Seminole – Multi-engine aircraft used for CPL training and exam
Diamond 40 – Used for mainly FAA students, single-engine training
Diamond 42 – Used for mainly FAA students, multi-engine training
Gatwick
Simulator based centre – various aircraft types, mainly A320 in partnership with easyJet, however B737-400 MCC/JOC takes place here
Brussels
Simulator based centre – B737NG for European students to complete MCC/JOC
Locations: Worldwide however the most common for EASA pilot students are:
CAE Oxford – Oxford Airport, OX5 1QX
CAE Phoenix – Falcon Field Airport, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
CAE Gatwick – Fleming Way, Crawley, RH10 9UH + Diamond Point, Fleming Way, Crawley, RH10 9DP
CAE Brussels – Steenokkerzeel Airport, Belgium
CAE Madrid – 10 minutes from Madrid Barajas Airport, Madrid, Spain
What courses are offered?
Many courses are offered worldwide, please see website for details however here are the standard training courses offered by CAE in the UK…
Integrated ATPL
Phase 1: Theoretical Knowledge Training – approx. 750 hours in Oxford covering all 14 subjects including instructor led and CBT
Phase 2: Foundation Flight Training – learn how to fly solo, UPRT, perform CPL skills test, approximately 145 hours
Phase 3: Advanced Flight Training – learn how to fly using instruments on a multi-engine aircraft, perform MEIR skills test
Phase 4: MCC/JOC – learn how to fly as a airline crew, 32 hours theory and 28 hours practical
MPL
Airlines such as easyJet and Volotea offer an MPL route, please not they iarenot open and due to current conditions may not re-open in the near future
Generation easyJet MPL
ATPL phase: Theoretical Knowledge Training- approx. 750 hours in Oxford covering all 14 subjects including instructor led and CBT.
Phase 1: Core Flight Training – learn how to fly solo, UPRT and instruments on ME aircraft. Approximately 100hours
Phase 2: Basic Flight Training – acquire skills to operate as an airline crew whilst increasing skills learnt so far in A320 600XR FTD at Gatwick or Manchester. Approximately 46 hours
Phase 3: Intermediate Training – refine multi-crew operations in a full flight A320 sim gaining knowledge of airline SOP’s and TEM principles. Approximately 76 hours at either Gatwick or Manchester
Phase 4: Advanced Training – Consolidate training with LOFT flying to lead to issuance of MPL and A320 Type Rating. Approximately 28 hours at Gatwick or Manchester
How much is each course?
Integrated ATPL is £90,000
easyJet MPL is 109.950euros including accommodation and transport, 92,739euros without
How long is each course?
Integrated ATPL is 16 – 18 months
MPL is 16 – 18 months
How many students per year train? Thousands globally, however in the UK normally 20-30 per class per month. The easyJet MPL has trained 1200 pilots since 2010.
Which airlines recruit from the school? Multiple airlines recruit from CAE, the biggest being easyJet on their MPL and tagged routes. Other airlines in the UK include Ryanair, British Airways, Loganair and Cityjet etc.
Why this school over other schools?
CAE leads the industry in pilot placement
CAE offers are Fleet Assurance programme consisting of additional training
CAE has experienced instructors
Multiple opportunities to complete your training worldwide
Review:
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Blackbushe Aviation
Flight School
Blackbushe Aviation- Zero to Frozen ATPL
Introduction: Blackbushe Aviation is a family owned independent flying school. Owned by Steve Morley, he has always dreamed of having his own flying club and has done since 2013. Blackbushe Aviation is located on a small airfield in Surrey.
How many aircraft? No Information given
What type of aircraft
Cessna 152
Piper Arrow – PA28
PS28 Cruiser
SOCATA TB20
Locations
Blackbushe Airport, Camberley, Surrey, GU17 9LB, England
What courses are offered? Modular only
Private Pilot’s License
45 hours dual and solo flying
Covers basic instrument and radio navigation flying
Hour Building
2 lots of one hour instruction after 40 and 80 hours respectively
Commercial Pilot’s License
25 hours of flight training plus 5 hours night qualification if required
Instrument Rating
Single-engine – 50 hours with up to 35 in a FNPT II simulator
Multi-engine – 55 hours with up to 40 hours in a FNPT II simulator
If holder has a CPL the training is reduced by 10 hours respectively
Multi-engine Rating
6 hours flight training
Validity is for 12 months
Please see website for pre-course requirements for each course
How much is each course?
PPL is from £190 per hour with discounts available
Hour Building is £2,750 for 25 hours or £5,250 for 50 hours
How long is each course? No information given
How many students per year train? No information given
Which airlines recruit from the school? No information given
Why this school over other school?s
All based at the same school in the UK – UK airspace familiarity is key!
Review:
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CATS Aviation
Ground School Theory
CATS Aviation- ATPL Groundschool
Introduction CATS Aviation is a theoretical groundschool company offering a wide range of EASA studies. They also have key links with flight schools around the world who offering the practical elements of training.
Location: Luton, LU2 8DL, England
Courses:
PPL EASA Theoretical Knowledge Course
9 core subjects, 70 hours of study followed by 30 hours at CATS Aviation over a week
Uses an offline iPad app
CPL EASA Theoretical Knowledge Course
13 core subjects, 3 stages of 3 months including 12 days at CATS Aviation
ATPL EASA Distance Learning
14 core subjects, 3 stages of 3 months including 12 days at CATS Aviation
ATPL EASA Full Time Course
14 core subjects in only 5 months (Mon – Fri 09:30-17:30) in 3 stages
Cost:
PPL EASA Theoretical Knowledge Course is from £10 to £599 depends on package
CPL EASA Theoretical Knowledge Course is from £1,490
ATPL EASA Distance Learning is 3 lots of stages each from £699
ATPL EASA Full Time Course is £5,800 or £6,300 with printed books
Who is it for
Anyone who wishes to take a modular route and utilize CATS groundschool element. CATS Aviation has lots of worldwide links for the flight training
Offers in house or distance learning with ATPL studies
Review:
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Quadrant Pilot
Training Organisation
Quadrant Pilot- MCC/JOC & APS MCC
Introduction: Quadrant Pilot is part of Quadrant Systems Ltd having over 25 years of flight training experience utilizing Level D simulators for their training
Location: Burgess Hill, 30mins south of London Gatwick
Courses:
APS MCC
3 week course, 40 hours in either A320 or B737NG Full Flight Sim’s plus theory
First transition point before undergoing a Type Rating
Designed for cadets to understand Line Operations
A320 Type Rating
Instructor lead and computer based training groundschool, 12 days
4 days in A320 Flat Panel Trainer
8 days Full Flight Simulator
1 day for the License Skills Test (LST)
B737NG Type Rating
Instructor lead and computer based training groundschool, 12 days
4 days in A320 Flat Panel Trainer
8 days Full Flight Simulator
1 day for the License Skills Test (LST)
Who is it for? Anyone who wishes to pursue a Type Rating needs to have an APS MCC
Interview:
Review:
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Bristol Groundschool
Groundschool Theory
Bristol Groundschool – ATPL Groundschool
Introduction Bristol Groundschool prides itself on being the leading EASA ATPL distance learning specialist. They have courses for UK CAA and Austro Exams
Location: Located in Clevedon, BS21 6UJ just south of Bristol Junction 20 of the M5.
Courses:
ATPL groundschool includes:
BGS online – the leading ATPL question bank
ATPdigital – high quality computer based training
Revision weeks – 3 in total to consolidate learning
Accelerator weekends – 3 in total for any subjects you’re struggling with
Split into 3 modules housing 4-5 subjects each
10-13 months to complete
Cost:
ATPL groundschool:
Module 1 – £1,510
Module 2 – £470
Module 3 – £470
Complete Package (excluding exams) – £2,450
Exam prices – UK CAA £74 per exam if sat in UK, Austro £45 if sat at Bristol Groundschool
Who is it for? Anyone who wishes to take their time through groundschool as the integrated time frame is 6 months.
It could be for people who are still working and cannot complete a residential course.
Review:
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Jet Masterclass
Post Flight School
Jet Masterclass- MCC/JOC & APS MCC
Introduction: Jet Masterclass is a UK EASA approved ATO who specializes in the development of high quality pilots and instructors through Jet simulators
Location: Manor Royal, Crawley, RH10 9QX
Courses:
Enhanced MCC Training to Airline Pilot Standards (APS MCC)
Designed to bridge gap from fATPL to multi-crew environment and jet aircraft handling
43 hours theory, 38 hours fixed base sim, 2 hours full flight sim
Basic MCC including Jet Orientation (B737)
Maximises jet handling and raw data flying for airline interview preparation
33 hours theory, 20 hours fixed base sim over 10 days
EASA B737NG Type Rating
16 day course plus 5 days distance learning (to reduce costs)
86 hours theory, 24 hours fixed base sim, 25 hours full flight sim
Simulator Assessment Prep
Designed to help build confidence and develop most importantly the scan
1 day course with 1 hour theory and 2 hours fixed base sim
Airline Interview Prep
Prepares all-round for an airline interview and assessment day
Cost:
Enhanced MCC Training to Airline Pilot Standards (APS MCC) – £5,995 + VAT
Basic MCC including Jet Orientation (B737) – £3,495 + VAT
EASA B737NG Type Rating – £12,750 + VAT
Simulator Assessment Prep – £600 + VAT
Airline Interview Prep – £332 + VAT
Who is it for?
Those who have an upcoming airline interview and assessment day
People in need of a non-airline specific B737NG Type Rating
Review:
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Simtech Aviation
Simtech Aviation – MCC/JOC & APS MCC
Introduction: Simtech Aviation have a mission to be a global leader in aviation training and delivering world-class performance. Their cadets have a 93% placement rate flying for over 74 different airline in 28 different aircraft types.
Location: Kestrel House, Dublin Airport, Dublin, K67 V124, Ireland
Courses:
Combined MCC/JOC
10 day course with 25 hours groundschool and 28 hours sim training
MCC phase is 20 hours on an XJ simulator
JOC phase is 8 hours on B737-800 FTD-1 simulator
APS MCC
Advanced MCC course for pilots ready to train for a Type Rating
16 days – 4 days groundschool and 40 hours in the simulator
Sim’s 1-5 are handling, Sim’s 6-10 are line flights with faults plus LOE flight
JOC
Bridges the gap from ME/IR to first Type Rating
Conducted in generic XJ sim FNPT II device
4 days – 16 hours (4 sim sessions)
A320 Type Rating
10 day ground school syllabus
40 hour sim training program including all elements
Avro RJ Type Rating
Five-week programme consisting of 11 days CBT and 44 hours sim time plus a check
Tailored to crew and airlines needs
Cost:
Combined MCC/JOC is 3,899 euros
APS MCC is 6,999 euros
JOC is 2,000 with a partner, 2,500 solo
A320 Type Rating is price on application
Avro RJ Type Rating is price on application
Accommodation is offered
Who is it for? Anyone who wishes to undertake a Type Rating either prior to or holding at least an MCC/JOC certificate, more preferably an APS MCC
Review:
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VA Airline Training
Post Flight School
VA Airline Training – MCC/JOC & APS MCC
Introduction: UK’s leading independent ATO, providing Airbus and Boeing airline pilot training who have trained over 250 pilots since 2018.
Location: Cambridge Airport, CB5 8RX
Courses:
VA Airline Pilot Standards APS MCC (A320 or B737NG) – ‘MCC training to Airline Pilot Standards for newly-qualified CPL/IR pilots prior to their first multi-pilot type rating.’ Courses every week.
Ryanair Mentored APS MCC – ‘Bespoke MCC to Fast-Track newly-qualified CPL/IR pilots into Ryanair’s assessment and Boeing 737 Type Rating.’ Utilises Ryanair SOP’s from Day 1 of the course and throughout. Courses every 2 weeks
Airline Employment Fundamentals – ‘3 day interactive skills development to prepare pilots of all experience levels for airline recruitment and assessment’
Simulator Assessment Preparation – ‘Tailored for pilots of all experience levels for airline sim rides. Available as Pilot Flying only and Crew (PF/PM) sessions’ Utilises A320 or B737NG FTD1 simulators.
Cost:
VA Airline Pilot Standards APS MCC (A320 or B737NG) – £6900
Ryanair Mentored APS MCC (B737NG) – £6900
Airline Employment Fundamentals – £990
Airline Simulator Assessment Preparation (A320 or B737NG) – £590/2hr
Who is it for? Newly-qualified CPL/IR pilots and all qualified pilots
Interview:
Review:
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Aviation Insider LTD
Training Organisation
Aviation Insider LTD
Introduction: Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive package of products and services that enable a pilot to manage their career from start to finish, from “thinking about becoming a pilot” through to getting your command and more.
Location: Based in Crawley with simulator centres ac
Courses:
– License revalidations
– ATPL Upgrades/ unfreezing
– Simulator Assessment Preparation – ‘Tailored for pilots of all experience levels for airline sim rides.
– ATPL Groundschool Refresher Courses
– Simulator Refresher Training
– Simulator Experiences
Online Training:
– Type Rating Question Banks
– ATPL Revision Notes and Quick Facts
– Study Flashcards
– Aircraft Study Guides
Cost:
Online material ranges from £6.99 to £99.99 over different timeframes
Who is it for? Anyone from aspiring pilots to commercial pilots
Review:
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Stapleford
Flight School
Stapleford- Zero to Frozen ATPL
Introduction Stapleford Flight Centre has over 45 years of training private and commercial pilots. Offering both Integrated and Modular courses, Stapleford understand the different pathways tailoring training to become the pilot the individual wants to be.
How many aircraft? 33 aircraft in total
What type of aircraft?
Tecnam P2008JC – used for PPL courses, single-engine, high wing, 2 seater aircraft
Cessna 152 – early on training, 2 seater, tough aircraft
PA28 Warrior – used for PPL courses, low wing, 4 seater aircraft
PA28R Arrow – used for CPL and IR courses, complex single-engine aircraft
PA34 Seneca – used for ME Piston Rating, powerful multi-engine, 6 seater aircraft
DA42 Twinstar – used for IR training, multi-engine aircraft with glass cockpit
T67 Slingsby Firefly – used for aerobatics course
PA18 Supercub – taildragger aircraft
Locations? Stapleford Aerodrome, Romford, RM4 1SJ, England
What courses are offered? Integrated and Modular
Integrated – Jetway Integrated Training
Phase 1 – Basic flying including circuits to first solo (13.5 hours) – Tecnam aircraft
Phase 2 – Navigation flying with intro to Instrument flying (38 hours – 18 are solo) – Tecnam aircraft plus FNPT II simulator
Phase 3 – Advanced visual flying on complex aircraft, also night flying and radio navigation – 74 hours (28 are solo) PA28(R) aircraft, 5 hours FNPT II simulator
Phase 4 – Multi-engine conversion and advanced instrument training – 30 hours FNPT II simulator and 56 hours in DA42 aircraft
Phase 5 – MCC/JOC phase in generic simulator (ALX) for 24 hours
EASA Theory is incorporated within Phases 1 and 2 of flying
Modular Course
PPL Course – 9 ground exams plus a radio exam and skills test. C152 aircraft – 35 hours dual plus 10 hours solo
EASA Theoretical Knowledge Course – full time course at Stapleford (Mon – Fri 6 hours per day) plus self-study evenings and weekends, 14 subjects split into 3 phases
Flight Experience Course – Hour Building in C152 dual and solo flights
CPL Course – 10 hours dual instruction plus 5 hours on a complex aircraft finishing with a skills test
ME/IR Course – 6 hours dual in PA34 aircraft for ME, 30 hours in sim for practicing procedures and 15 hours dual in DA42 (glass cockpit) plus IR test.
MCC/JOC course – Generic Simulator model, 20 hours of invaluable skills for an airline simulator assessment. 16 hours further for Jet Handling (JOC)
APS MCC Course – twice as much jet hands on than standard MCC course. 42 hours finishing with assessment for Type Rating at the end. 5 day groundschool element involved too.
Please see website for pre-course requirements for each course
How much is each course?
Jetway Integrated Training Course is £74,995
PPL Course is £8,055 (5% discount if paid in full (£7,652))
EASA Theoretical Knowledge Course is £4,700
Night Rating is £1,015
Multi-engine is £2,820
APS MCC Course is £4,995
MCC/JOC Course is £2,899
MCC Course is £2,495
JOC Course is £1,095
Accommodation is offered for £25 per night
Please see website for all other costs including exam fees, landing fees etc.
How long is each course?
The Integrated course is approx. 16 – 18 months
PPL is approx. 6-8 weeks
EASA Theoretical Knowledge Course is 7 months
CPL Course is 3-6 weeks
ME/IR is 7-10 weeks
MCC/JOC is 10 days combined (8 MCC and 2 JOC)
APS MCC is 15 days
How many students per year train? No information
Which airlines recruit from the school? No testimonials
Why this school over other schools?
Theoretical studies are completed in two stages rather than all in one go
CPL and IR First Series pass rates 94% and above
Glass cockpit aircraft mainly for Instrument Training
Options of what aircraft you as the student wishes to train in
Review:
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