January 03, 2024

How to Become a Pilot: Turn Your Dream Career into Reality

As we embrace the new year, consider transforming your dream of flying into a reality with a career as a commercial pilot. Leading Edge Aviation welcomes everyone, from school and university students to those seeking a career change, to explore the exhilarating world of aviation. Let’s discover why a career as a commercial pilot is an adventure like no other.

Why Choose a Career as a Commercial Pilot?

  • Growing Demand and Job Security: The aviation industry is expanding rapidly, offering numerous opportunities and job security. Our graduates are flying high with leading airlines including British Airways, TUI, easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Loganair, and Titan Airways.
  • Lucrative Career Prospects: Achieve a rewarding career with the potential for a six-figure salary and excellent advancement opportunities.
  • Global Travel and Flexibility: Enjoy the unique perk of global travel with a flexible work schedule.
  • Challenging and Intellectually Stimulating Work: Embrace new daily challenges in an intellectually rewarding work environment.
  • Continuous Learning and Professional Growth: The ever-evolving aviation industry offers continuous professional development.
  • Community and Camaraderie: Join a close-knit community with strong bonds and camaraderie.
  • Realising a Lifelong Dream: Turn your passion for flying into a fulfilling career.

Your Pathways to the Sky with Leading Edge Aviation

Becoming a pilot involves dedication, skill, and a passion for flying. At Leading Edge, we offer a range of pathways to your professional qualification:

Integrated LEAP Course: Your Fast-Track to Success

In just 18 months, this all-encompassing course takes you from novice to airline-ready, combining specialised flight and ground training with a personal and professional development programme. Gain a BSc in Air Transport Management and benefit from state-of-the-art facilities in both the UK and Spain. No prior experience needed; we ensure you’re set for success in the dynamic world of aviation.

Requirements: Minimum age 18, UK CAA Class 1 medical, 5 GCSE’s Grade 4/C or above (including Maths & a Science).

Modular Training: Flexibility at Its Best

Our Modular Pilot Training provides a flexible and efficient path to becoming a commercial pilot, suitable for those with some flying experience. Train at your own pace, full or part-time, while balancing work or family commitments. Enjoy high-quality training with small classes and tailored tuition. Upon completion, you’ll be fully qualified for an airline pilot role.

Requirements: Aged 18+, Class 1 Medical, Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Night Rating, and 169 flying hours.

uMAP: The Best of Both Worlds – University and Flight Training Combined

The uMAP course offers a streamlined journey from PPL to fATPL, merging university studies in Air Transport or Aviation Management with professional flight training. Our partnership with universities like Buckinghamshire New University and the University of West London, gives you a cohesive and comprehensive training experience, preparing you for a career as a Commercial Pilot.

Requirements: Aged 18+, Class 1 Medical, Private Pilot Licence (PPL), enrolled on a relevant University degree course

Our experienced training advisors can help you understand the requirements and the training options available to you.

Taking the First Step: How to Get Started in Your Pilot Training

Embarking on your journey to becoming a pilot is an exciting venture, and here’s how you can get started:

Studying the Right Subjects: If you’re still in school, focus on the essential subjects. As a minimum you’ll need 5 GCSEs, including English, Maths and Science, preferably Physics. This academic foundation is crucial for your future training.

Experience a Trial Flight: We highly recommend experiencing flying firsthand. Arrange a trial flight in a light aircraft, such as a Diamond DA40 (which you’ll train in during your course), or a similar model like a Cessna 152/172 or Piper PA-28. This experience is invaluable in confirming your passion for flying.

Explore Different Academies and Attend Open Days: Finding the right fit for your aviation education is crucial. Visit various academies, including Leading Edge Aviation, to get a feel for their environment, training approach, and offerings. Attending open days is especially valuable as it gives you a firsthand experience of the training environment, allows you to meet current students, our instructors, view the facilities, and get all your questions answered. Open days can be pivotal in making an informed decision about where to train.

Obtain a Class 1 Medical: Ensuring you’re medically fit to fly is a critical step. Apply for and obtain a Class 1 Medical certificate. This comprehensive health check ensures you meet the medical standards required for pilot training.

Take a Skills Assessment: A skills assessment will evaluate your potential and readiness for a career in aviation. It tests various skills essential for a successful aviation career, including your aptitude for flying.

Secure Funding: Consider the financial aspects of your training. You may be eligible for student finance or other funding options to support your journey. Research and understand your financial options to smoothly navigate this part of the process. Consider speaking to an independent financial advisor to help you to understand your options.

Embark on Your Training Journey: Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to begin your training journey. With Leading Edge Aviation, you can be confident in receiving top-notch training that prepares you for a successful career in aviation.

Why Choose Leading Edge Aviation?

  • Unmatched Expertise: Our team of seasoned instructors and aviation professionals are dedicated to your success.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train with the latest technology and aircraft, ensuring you’re industry-ready.
  • Whole Pilot Approach: Our training goes beyond flight skills, emphasising personal development, leadership, decision-making, and mental wellbeing to fully prepare pilots for a successful aviation career.
  • Airline Relationships: Our strong connections with leading airlines, including British Airways, Easyjet, Wizz, TUI, Loganair, Ryanair and Titan, enhance your employment prospects post-training.
  • Supportive Community: At Leading Edge, you’re more than just a student – you’re part of a family that supports you every step of the way.

Some Common Questions About Pilot Training

  • Age Limit: To begin training, you must be at least 18, but there’s no upper age limit, subject to holding a UK CAA Class 1 Medical.
  • Health and Allergies: Health conditions and allergies don’t automatically disqualify you from training as a commercial pilot but obtaining an unrestricted Class 1 medical is essential.
  • Vision Requirements: Perfect vision isn’t a prerequisite; however, you must meet the vision standards set by the UK CAA.
  • Height Restrictions: Pilot height typically should be between 5 ft 2 inches (157.5 cm) and 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) for cockpit comfort and control accessibility, though exceptions can be discussed with our training advisors.
  • International Students: EU passport holders are eligible for training with Leading Edge Aviation and further information on course commencement in Spain and UK will be provided by our Training Advisors.

    Embrace the New Year with New Aspirations

    Training to become a pilot is an investment in a future filled with adventure, growth, and fulfilment. With Leading Edge Aviation, your dream of flying isn’t just a distant wish – it’s a very achievable reality. This year, take the first step towards a new you and a career that takes you to new heights. Join us and start your journey to the skies!

    Follow this link to contact our training advisors today or call us on 01865 546300

    Share this post

    You may also like…

    Leading Edge Aviation – Year End Summary of Achievements

    Leading Edge Aviation – Year End Summary of Achievements

    1. Airline Partnerships and Graduate Employment Success: Graduate Employment: Our graduates have achieved remarkable success, securing positions across a wide range of airlines including British Airways (BA), BA CityFlyer, BA EuroFlyer, easyJet, TUI, Titan Airways,...

    read more
    Top 10 Tips for Aspiring Commercial Pilots at GCSE Level

    Top 10 Tips for Aspiring Commercial Pilots at GCSE Level

    You've received your GCSE results and are dreaming of a career as a Commercial Pilot! Here are our top tips on how to prepare for your exciting future... 1. Chart Your A-Level Course Although we do not require A-Levels to enrol on our courses, you do have to be 18...

    read more
    Your Path to Becoming a Pilot with Leading Edge Aviation

    Your Path to Becoming a Pilot with Leading Edge Aviation

    As you eagerly anticipate the release of your A-level results on 17th August, if it’s your dream to become a pilot you might be contemplating the next step in your journey.  In this blog, we delve into the journey of flight training after A-levels, the benefits of...

    read more