Leading Edge Aviation proudly marks a milestone in pilot training excellence as the first cohort of student pilots graduate from the Whole Pilot® course, developed in collaboration with Captain Emma Henderson MBE.
Redefining Pilot Training with the Whole Pilot® Approach
Launched in early 2024, the Whole Pilot® course was designed to meet the evolving needs of modern airlines and better prepare student pilots for the real-world demands of the aviation industry. While technical skills remain essential, Leading Edge Aviation and Captain Emma Henderson MBE recognised that becoming a successful pilot requires far more than knowing how to fly.
Inspired by research from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which found that technical ability forms only a small part of what makes a great pilot, the Whole Pilot® course focuses on developing the behavioural and cognitive skills that truly set professionals apart. These competencies are reflected in the nine core skills outlined by EASA and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), including communication, decision-making, situational awareness, and leadership.
Collaboration with Captain Emma Henderson MBE
Bringing a wealth of industry experience and a passion for shaping the next generation of pilots, Captain Emma Henderson MBE played a key role in the creation of the Whole Pilot® course. As a former commercial airline captain and an advocate for well-being and inclusion in aviation, she worked closely with Leading Edge Aviation to ensure the course went beyond traditional flight training.
“Being a great pilot is about so much more than flying. It’s about how you think, how you lead, and how you work with others, especially under pressure. The Whole Pilot® course equips students not just to pass exams, but to thrive in the professional airline environment.” – Captain Emma Henderson MBE.
Throughout the course, students receive mentoring, well-being support, professional development coaching, and are immersed in activities that strengthen their resilience, emotional intelligence, and commercial awareness. This well-rounded approach prepares them to confidently handle the responsibilities of the flight deck while contributing positively to team dynamics and passenger safety.
Industry Recognition and Career Readiness
Leading Edge Aviation has developed strong partnerships with respected airlines, including TUI, Wizz Air, Titan Airways and Jet2.com, who increasingly value graduates with a holistic skillset. These airlines know that when they hire a Leading Edge graduate, they’re gaining a pilot who not only meets technical standards but also demonstrates professionalism, adaptability, and customer focus.
Feedback from industry partners continues to highlight one thing above all: attitude matters. As the aviation sector continues to grow and evolve, airlines are prioritising pilots who show resilience, leadership, and strong interpersonal skills alongside technical excellence.
Celebrating the First Graduates
The first group of Whole Pilot® graduates represent a new generation of aviators, those who understand that success in the cockpit begins with mindset, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Their achievement marks not just the completion of a course, but the beginning of promising careers built on solid foundations.
As these newly qualified pilots prepare to take to the skies, they carry with them the values and competencies that define the Whole Pilot® philosophy. Their journey is a testament to the power of forward-thinking training and the impact of investing in the person behind the controls.
Welcome to the next generation of pilots, confident, capable, and completely Whole!
