Modular Pilot Training (MAP)
Oxford, UK
Flexible. Focused. Fulfilled.
Modular pilot training allows you to gain your commercial wings in stages, full or part-time, at a pace that suits you. If you have some flying experience and now want to train for an airline career, this is the course for you.
The flexible nature of the modular pilot training programme allows you to ‘learn as you earn’ and can be completed more easily alongside existing work, family, or other commitments. Once you’ve completed each stage of the Modular Course, you’ll be fully qualified and ready to apply for your first airline pilot role.
MAP. Your Journey Starts Here.
Modular ATPL Ground School
Theoretical Knowledge Training
Training materials & flight bag
PadPilot ATPL eBooks
Uniform
IPad
Question Bank Access
ATPL (A) qualifying exam fees (First time passes only)
Modular Flight Training
CPL (Commercial Pilot’s licence)
MEIR (Multi Engine Instrument Rating)
AUPRT (Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training)
APS MCC (Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation)
Training materials & flight bag
Uniform
Flight test fees (first time passes only)
Graduate Services
Student hold pool
CV Workshops
Cover letter support
Airline interview preparation
Group exercise preparation
How to prepare for a sim assessment
APS MCC
Pre course study materials
Theoretical Knowledge Instruction, including Airline Oriented Training
Simulator briefing and de-briefing
Type-specific (A320) flight simulator training
Pass/fail Final Assessment
Training materials and manuals
Training videos
Uniform (tie and epaulettes only)
Course Entry Requirements
Requirements to join the course are, as a minimum:
- Aged 18 or over at the start of training (no upper age limit!)
- A current UK issued passport or Settled Status (indefinite right to remain)
- UK CAA Class 1 medical (for UK CAA issued licence).
- 5 GCSEs at 4+ or equivalent including Maths, English and a Science (preferably Physics).
- ICAO 5 or above in spoken English
- PPL (A).
- Pass our Modular application (Modular ATPL Ground school only).
Additional requirements for Modular Flight Training (MFT):
- Night Rating
- Total 174 hours including a Night Rating,100 hours PIC and qualifying cross country 300nm.
- Pass an assessment flight with us (approximately six weeks prior to your MFT start date. Please speak to a Training Advisor).
- Completed ATPLS.
APS MCC Specific requirements:
- Hold a valid MEIR.
- Completed ATPLS.
- Completed CPL.
Course breakdown
Submit Your Modular Application
To enrol, you’ll need to submit a Leading Edge Modular application. This process assesses your potential for success and ensures we select the best pilots for the airlines.
Modular Application components:
- An application form with situational judgement questions.
Specific to Modular Flight Training (MFT):
- A ground and flight assessment will be conducted with a senior flight instructor to confirm the candidate holds the correct level of knowledge and skill to commence the course.
Modular ATPL Ground School Training
Approx. 28 Training weeks, Oxford Campus
Your Modular training starts with an education in the ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge that will form the academic foundation of your future career. The academic syllabus prepares students for life in the flight deck, relating the theory to the practical aspects of a career in aviation.
Leading Edge students also study KSA100 (Knowledge, Skills & Attitude) which helps to develop the soft skills that are a critical part of your future career. This important element of the course will be continuously assessed throughout your training.
Need to know:
- 13 Subjects
- 3 modules
- 650 training hours (minimum)
- 26 progress checks
- 13 (or 26 for dual licence) Qualifying exams
Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL)
Approx. 6 Training Weeks, Oxford Campus
With ATPL ground school complete, you can take a break from training, or move straight into commercial flight training. Your training will be conducted by skilled instructors who will build on your existing flying skills and take you to the next level: qualified commercial pilot
Need to know:
- 31 training hours plus Commercial Pilot Licence Skills Test
- Aircraft type: DA42
- Includes MEP (Multi Engine Piston) Class Rating
Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR)
Approx. 13 Training Weeks, Oxford Campus
Your airline preparation continues with advanced flight training. You’ll train in our AL42 simulator, learn to operate a Diamond DA42 twin-engine aircraft and how to fly in instrument and all weather conditions.
Competency based Instrument Rating courses are available, dependent on experience.
Need to know:
- 53.5 training hours
- Including Instrument Rating Skills Test
- Aircraft time: 27.5 hours
- Sim time: 30.5 hours
- Aircraft: DA42
- Sim: DA42
Advanced Upset Prevention Recovery Training (AUPRT)
Approx. 5 days, Oxford Campus
The final stage of training is Advanced UPRT. This short, intensive course will progress your flying skills to the next level. Using a combination of theory and flight training, you’ll learn how to apply the correct recovery techniques if you encounter upsets in flight at any time in your aviation career.
Need to know:
- Aircraft: Slingsby Firefly
- 5 training hours
Airline Pilot Standards Multi Crew Cooperation (APS MCC)
3 Training weeks, Oxford Campus
The ultimate phase of the course is the Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation (APS MCC) Course. It’s conducted in our state-of-the-art MPS Airbus A320 FTD-1 Simulator which has a full Airbus data pack and multiple HD airports. It will be your first taste of flying as an airline pilot in a multi crew environment (Commercial Air Transport operations). You’ll learn to work as a flight crew and learn how to fly a modern swept-wing jet airliner using recognised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Need to know:
- 25 hours (minimum) Theoretical Knowledge Instruction, including Airline Oriented Training
- 20 hours of briefing and debriefing before and after simulator training sessions
- 40 hours of type-specific flight simulator training, with a final assessment
- Online access to all training materials and manuals
Graduate Employment Services (Optional)
3-Day Course & Ongoing Support, Oxford Campus
Our comprehensive Graduate Employment Services is an optional extra for all Modular students who have completed their Advanced flight training with us. The course is designed to prepare and support you in landing that all important First Officer role.
The course is taught by a team who have a wealth of experience in pilot recruitment and held at our academy in Oxford. Our instructors will walk you through the assessment process, tailoring the workshop to your experience and ensuring you are ready for your first airline interview.
The 3-day course will cover:
- Airline applications
- Maximising your first impression
- Personal development plans
- CV workshops
- Cover letter creation
- Interview techniques & mock interviews
- Group exercise training
- Airline application support
- How to prepare for a Simulator assessment
Modular Course Fees
Modular ATPL Ground School
Single licence – £9,500 (£18,250 including £8,750 for 28 weeks accommodation)*
- Deposit (Non refundable) = £1,500
- Balance of payment (30 days prior to course start date) = £8,000 (£16,750 including 28 weeks accommodation)*
Dual licence – £11,000 (£19,750 including £8,750 for 28 weeks accommodation)*
- Deposit (Non refundable) = £1,500
- Balance of payment (30 days prior to course start date) = £9,500 (£16,750 including 28 weeks accommodation)*
*please note that accommodation is not included as standard and is completely subject to availability. All accommodation includes utility bills, plus transport to and from the Academy.
Combined Modular Flight Training Package (CPL / MEIR / AUPRT / APS MCC)
Single licence – £65,000*
- Deposit – £8,000
- Initial Payment (30 days prior to course start date) – £19,000
- 2nd Payment (6 weeks after course start date) – £19,000
- Final Payment (12 weeks after course start date) – £19,000
Dual licence – £71,500*
- Deposit = £8,000
- Initial Payment (30 days prior to course start date) – £21,000
- 2nd Payment (6 weeks after course start date) – £21,000
- Final Payment (12 weeks after course start date) – £21,500
*Option to add Graduate services to your package for an additional £4,500
APS MCC
Package Total – £8,250
- Deposit – £1,500
- Balance of payment (30 days prior to course start date) – £6,750
Why choosefor your pilot training?
FAQ’s
Do I need a PPL to start my Modular training?
Yes, we ask that all our Modular students have a valid PPL before commencing any element of their training with us. To do your Modular flight training with us, you will also need a total 174 hours including a Night Rating, 100 hours PIC (Pilot in Command) and qualifying cross country 300nm.
When do I need to get my Class 1 Medical?
You will need to have your Class 1 medical in place at least 3 months prior to your course start date, to account for any possible referrals. Failure to have your class 1 medical in place may result in your course start date being postponed. Please note that if postponed, you will be placed on the next available start date and not just the next month’s course.
Where will my training take place?
All your Modular training will take place at our Oxford Campus, including your AUPRT and APS MCC.
What is the duration of the course?
The duration of your Modular pilot training will vary depending on your personal circumstances.
Can I complete my PPL with Leading Edge Aviation?
We don’t currently offer PPL training, however, if your goal is to become an airline pilot, you do not need a PPL to start our Integrated course. If you choose the Modular route, you will need a PPL to start with us. Our neighbours LS Airmotive who are also based at London Oxford Airport (ICAO: EGTK) can assist you in achieving your PPL.
Can I complete one part of my training with you then others with another provider?
Yes. You can complete your Modular Ground school with us, then go elsewhere for your Modular flight training and vice versa. Please note that you cannot do your APS MCC with us unless you have completed your Modular ground school with us at a minimum and you cannot opt in for Graduate employment services, unless you have completed your Modular flight training with us.
How often do you run a modular course?
We typically have an intake twice a year, with no confirmed further dates due to limited capacity. To find out the next expected start date, please get in touch with a member of our team.
How many hours do I need for your MFT combined training course?
To join our Modular Flight training course, you will need a minimum of 174 hours including a Night Rating, 100 hours PIC (Pilot in Command) and qualifying cross country 300nm.
Can I opt in for Graduate Services if I’m a Modular student?
Yes, you can select Graduate employment services if you complete your Modular flight training with us for an additional £4,500. Please note that Graduate Services is not available for those who have only completed Modular ATPL ground school with us.
Is accommodation included?
Accommodation is not included as standard for our Modular students, however, depending on availability, we may be able to offer accommodation as an optional extra for Modular ground school students.
Can I opt in for Graduate Services if I’m a Modular student?
Yes, you can select Graduate employment services if you complete your Modular flight training with us for an additional £4,500. Please note that Graduate Services is not available for those who have only completed Modular ATPL ground school with us.
What is the difference between Integrated and Modular?
Although both LEAP and MAP lead to a frozen ATPL, the qualification required to become a commercial pilot, there are some important differences to consider.
LEAP is a full-time, integrated programme where everything is included in a single, structured course. Accommodation is provided throughout, and students benefit from additional support such as Graduate Services, which includes airline interview preparation, CV workshops, and job alerts when opportunities become available.
The LEAP course also comes with a training guarantee, covering the cost of certain retakes (provided performance issues aren’t linked to poor attendance or attitude). On top of that, you’ll gain a BSc (Hons) in Air Transport Management with Airline Pilot Training. LEAP is the fastest route to becoming a commercial pilot, taking you from no experience to airline-ready.
In contrast, the MAP (Modular Airline Preparation) route offers more flexibility. It’s well suited to those who need to fit training around other commitments, or who have already completed some flight training.
To start MAP, you’ll need to already hold a Private Pilot Licence (PPL). From there, you can complete each phase of training at your own pace. Accommodation is available, though not included as standard, and course costs are paid in stages.
Discover our courses here.
How much does a Modular course cost? Is it cheaper than an Integrated course?
Completing the full Modular flying package with us, including Graduate Services, costs £65,000 for a single licence or £71,500 for a dual licence. This does not include your PPL, hour building, Ground School or accommodation. A PPL and sufficient hour building typically add at least £30,000, bringing the overall Modular cost to a minimum of £101,500, excluding accommodation.
Our Integrated LEAP course costs £124,000 for a single licence or £132,000 for a dual licence. This price includes accommodation, a BSc (Hons) in Air Transport Management, a graduation ceremony and a training guarantee. The degree is eligible for a Student Loan Company (SLC) tuition loan, which contributes around £19,070 toward your fees. With student finance applied, the effective cost is £104,930 for a single licence or £112,930 for a dual licence.
In short, while the headline Modular cost appears lower, the overall cost is broadly similar once PPL, hour building, additional training (if required) are factored in.
Can I work alongside my training?
If you can find an employer who has flexibility due to change of flight operations, we have no issue with you working, however your flight training should hold priority.
Can you advise me on how to finance my pilot training?
Unfortunately, we are not financial advisors and cannot legally give financial advice. If you are struggling to finance the course, you may wish to seek help from an independent financial advisor.
Are the employment opportunities the same for Integrated and Modular pathways?
If you are eligible to opt in for Graduate Services as a Modular student, the employment opportunities are equal to Integrated. However, certain airlines can be preferential to Integrated students as they appreciate a standardised quality of training.