For those considering a career as a professional aviator, welcome, there is no better job!
Do not underestimate the magnitude of the challenge you are about to embark on, it will require a single minded dedication but for those who are prepared to put the work in, the rewards will last you a lifetime!
Pre-requisite:
Before you begin training, and certainly before you commit to any course, we would strongly recommend that you undertake the following tasks in this order:
1) Book an initial trial lesson with one of our instructors (Optional)
This will allow you to meet with our team and give you a good opportunity to assess both the quality of our team as well as our facilities. Although the flight will last about 1hr, make plenty of time to sit and discuss your future plans with our team and talk to the current students already undertaking training. From this initial lesson you will be able to decide for yourself whether a career as a commercial pilot is for you, and whether we are the team to help you achieve your goals.
2) Aptitude test with Guild of Air Pilots & Air Navigators - GAPAN (Optional)
Once you have had a taste of what is to follow in flight training, we would recommend that you attend an assessment day at GAPAN to ensure you have the natural ability for flight training. Although we believe anyone can become an aviator, some people will find the challenge “economically unviable” and we recommend an honest assessment of your chances of success up front.
3) Obtain a Class 1 Medical
The physical requirements to hold a UK CPL/IR are very stringent and we would recommend that anyone who wishes to obtain these licences ensures they are medically fit to do so BEFORE undertaking any training.
Your pathway to a CPL/IR would be:
1) PPL: Minimum age 17
2) Hour Building - up to 150 hours which is the minimum required to commence modular CPL training
3) ATPL Ground School and Exams (14)
4) CPL: Minimum age 18, 200 hours total time including 20 hours Cross Country, a 300nm navigation flights, 10 hours dual- instrument , 5 hours night flying, 100 hours P.I.C.
5) IR
PPL COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course itself is a minimum of 45 hour flying. There is a single skill test made up of six
parts and of course a written exam. For more information, see Section C of Lasors.
Timescale:
Very much depends on how much you can devote to the training.
Training Monday to Friday then with comprehensive briefings, you could complete in 4 weeks.
If you can only manage a couple of days a week or less then it will take much
longer.
Really it is up to you. The good news is that you can go solo at 16
Pre-course requirements:
JAA Class 2 medical
Minimum 16 years of age.
Price:
45 hours flying, all written exams and a final skill test - £6750.
Additional Training (if required):
PA28 - £185 per hour