Pilot Training UK – 9 Easy Mistakes You Need To Avoid

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What qualifications do I need to become a pilot?

What qualifications do I need to become a pilot is one of the questions that I get asked about the most! The base qualification that is generally recommended is maths and physics at GCSE level for Private Pilot Licence. Some airlines and pilot training schools (for commercial pilot training UK courses) may ask for A-Levels or equivalent.

At present, I have not seen any requirement to have a degree.

I have learnt (particularly as a result of COVID 19), that whatever qualification you have, come into aviation with a qualification or skill you can fall back on. We will hopefully see a recovery in the aviation industry as the COVID 19 vaccine become more widely available.

There are still a HUGE number of pilots unemployed globally. At the low hour pilot level, there is and will be massive competition for professional pilot jobs.

If you are lucky enough to secure a job after pilot training, the chances are it will be on a seasonal contract i.e. working summer only and off during the winter and most probably on a self-employed zero-hour basis.

The lack of stability in professional pilot employment and income will mean that you will need a skill or qualification that you can fall back on to keep going during the times you are not flying (or whilst looking for a job). 

Finding a pilot job is extremely expensive too. You will most likely need to spend close to £1,000 for the airline assessment (assessment fee, sim prep, hotel and transport etc). On top of that, you will probably need to have £20-30k ready to pay for a type rating. Unfortunately, airline funded pilot training has all but disappeared!

The better qualified you are with an ability to earn an income outside of aviation, the more comfortable things will be all the way through from finding that first flying job to managing the future crisis that may lead to losing your job during your flying career.

What are the routes to become a pilot?

Pilot Training in the UK has two main routes: integrated or modular pilot training. Integrated pilot training is where you pay a fixed price for all your pilot training and is completed by a single provider, typically on a full-time basis. Integrated pilot training tends to take around 18 months.

Modular pilot training is where you complete your pilot training in steps, typically on a pay as you go basis. Modular pilot training can be completed on a part-time basis and I managed to complete mine around my full-time engineering role in the oil and gas industry in 12 months.

With whichever route you take, the steps to complete your pilot training in UK will normally consist of:

1. Trial flight
2. EASA Class 1 Medical
3. Getting your PPL
4. Hour Building & Night Rating
5. ATPL Theory
6. Multi Engine Instrument Rating
7. Commercial Pilot Licence
8. Multi Crew Course & Advanced Upset and Recovery Training
9. Pilot Interview

Integrated courses may complete their pilot training in a slightly different sequence.

Full time-integrated pilot training takes around 18months to complete. Modular pilot training is progressed at a pace to suit the individual. I completed my pilot training in 12 months (but that was extreme!). Most modular pilots complete their training in 2-4 years.

Where can I undertake pilot training?

You can complete your pilot training at an Approved Training Organisation (ATO). Have a look at your local Civil Aviation Authority to see the closest available ATO to you.

What job skills do I need to become a pilot?

The 8 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) pilot competencies consist of:

• Communication.
• Aircraft Flight Path Management – Manual Control
• Aircraft Flight Path Management – Automation
• Leadership and teamwork
• Problem-solving and decision making
• Application of procedures
• Workload management
• Situational Awareness

Aside from the aircraft flight path management, you can develop many of the skills needed to become a pilot outside of the flight deck before you even start your pilot training through extracurricular activities, sport and work.

How much does pilot training cost UK?

Pilot training in the UK costs anywhere from around £60k to £100k. The modular route can sometimes be cheaper, but modular pilot training does not always work for everyone.  

Think carefully about your circumstances and how much time (and money) you have to commit before decided which route to take.

My approximate costs for each phase of pilot training in the UK are shown below:

1. Medical £1,000
2. PPL £10,000
3. Hour Building: £15,000
4. ATPL Theory (distance learning): £6,000
5. Multi Engine Instrument Rating: £25,000
6. Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL): £8,000
7. APS MCC: £10,000

An integrated pilot training course in the UK will cost around £90,000 + accommodation fees.

If hoping for airline employment, budget to have to spend between £20,000 – £30,000 for your type rating course.

Are there airline funded pilot training opportunities in the UK?

At the time of writing, there are unfortunately no airline funded pilot training opportunities in the UK. An avenue often overlooked is the military. If you meet the requirements and military flying is something you would like to do, I would recommend you look into learning to fly with the Army, RAF or Navy.

If you have any questions on pilot training in the UK, please leave a comment in the section below – I would love to hear from you!