FUNDED* fATPL AND FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR COURSE
Oxford, UK & Alhama, Murcia, Southern Spain
FUNDED* fATPL AND FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR COURSE
At Leading Edge Aviation, we’re committed to turning your dream of becoming a pilot into a reality. We’re excited to announce the launch of our third funded* fATPL and Flight Instructor Pilot Training Programme. This time, applications are open to all UK and EU nationals who meet our entry requirements.
Through this programme, we will be offering 16 part-funded places to train as a Commercial Airline Pilot and Flight Instructor. This exclusive initiative offers up to 82%* savings on training costs, through an Integrated or Modular route, with guaranteed employment for three years as a flight instructor at our campus in Alhama, southern Spain.
Making Pilot Careers Accessible Through Funded Pilot Training
For many aspiring aviators, becoming a pilot remains just a dream due to the significant financial barriers involved.
We believe that pilot training should be accessible to as many passionate people as possible, so we designed the Funded* fATPL and Flight Instructor course to level the playing field and help with the biggest financial barriers to pursuing your aviation dreams.
“We understand that the cost of pilot training can be a major obstacle for many aspiring aviators. This programme is designed to ease that financial burden and create a more accessible, achievable path into a career in aviation. It also reflects our commitment to the wider industry, ensuring a pipeline of individuals who are trained to the highest standards and equipped with the right qualifications. Our goal is to support the next generation of pilots and flight instructors while strengthening the future talent base of the aviation sector.”
ANDY McFARLANE
Leading Edge Aviation CEO and Founder
Funded* fATPL and Flight Instructor
Minimum Requirements to Apply
- Must be 17 to apply and 18 years or older by their course start date.
- Hold a valid PPL (Modular route only).
- Able to fund part-payment.
- Hold a relevant Class 1 Medical (UK CAA & EASA) and pass a DBS/GSAT check.
- Ability to pass an ICAO English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessment.
Educational Requirements
- Applicants must hold at least five lower secondary qualifications, including Mathematics, English,and a physics-based Science. These qualifications must be recognised as equivalent by UK ENICor aligned with the European Qualifications Framework.
Equivalent Qualifications by Country
- England, Wales, and Northern Ireland GCSE’s at Grade 4 (C) or higher.
- Scotland National 5’s at Grade C or above.
- Ordinary Level Grade O4 or better (O1, O2, O3, O4).
- Higher Level Grade H6 or better (H1-H6).
- A mix of Ordinary and Higher-level subjects is acceptable.
- Five ESO grades at 5+.
- A score of at least 60 in the Diploma di Esame di Stato.
- Five CPES exam results at 14+.
- Successful completion of lower secondary education (2de graad / enseignement secondaire inférieur), or equivalent.
- Passed Le Brevet during the last year of collège.
- Successful completion of Folkeskole (9th grade) with passing grades, or equivalent.
- Successful completion of VMBO (any pathway) or equivalent.
- Hogskoleforberedande Examen at Grade C or above.
- Application Opens: 13th February 2026
- Application Closes: 28th February 2026
- Computer-Based Assessments : 2nd – 11th March 2026 (£70)
- Skills Assessment : 19th March – 24th April 2026 (£150)
- Psychometric Tests, Cover Letter and CV Submission: 26th April – 2nd May 2026 (£150)
- Final Interview : 18th – 22nd May 2026 (Free)
- Successful Candidates Announced: By 1st June 2026
Course breakdown**
Ground School Training
Approx. 28 Training weeks, alhama or oxford Campus
Both training pathways start with an education in the ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge that will form the academic foundation of your future career.
We are very proud to be leading the way and are delivering the most up to date academic syllabus (e.g. ECQB2020) for the Regulatory Authorities to our students. This prepares students for life in the flight deck, relating the theory to the practical aspects of a career in aviation.
Need to know:
- 13 Subjects
- 3 Modules
- 650 Training hours (minimum depending on training pathway)
- 26 Progress checks
- 26 Qualifying exams (Dual licence)
Foundation Flight Training / Hour Building
alhama or oxford Campus
With ATPL ground school complete, you’ll work towards achieving your Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL).
Integrated Route:
Approx. 26 Training Weeks, Alhama Campus
Our course is a ME CPL (multi-engine Commercial Pilot Licence), so you will initially fly on our fleet of single-engine aircraft and progress onto state-of-the-art DA42 multi-engine aircraft.
Need to know:
- 137.5 Training hours
- Commercial Pilot Licence Skills Test
Modular Route:
A minimum of 20 training weeks (depending on level of hour building required), Alhama Campus
You will complete the remainder of your PPL hour building with us. This will take you to our minimum requirement of 174 hours (including a night rating and 100 hours pic) to begin working towards your Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL).
Once you have completed your hour building, you will begin working towards your commercial pilot’s licence on our fleet of multi-engine Aircraft.
Need to know
- 31 training hours plus Commercial Pilot Licence Skills Test
- Includes MEP (Multi Engine Piston) Class Rating
Advanced Upset Prevention Recovery Training (AUPRT)
Approx. 5 days, alhama or oxford Campus
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.
- Aircraft: Slingsby Firefly
- 5 training hours
Flight Instructor Rating
Approx. 12- 14 Training weeks
155 total training hours
Including Air Operator Certificate (AOC)
You will do your Flight Instructor Rating, which covers the theoretical knowledge, instructional techniques and practical flight training required to teach ab initio students. You’ll develop the skills to brief and debrief effectively, demonstrate airborne exercises to a high standard, and build the confidence to instruct safely and professionally.
Need to know:
- Ground school: 125 hours
- Aircraft / sim time: 30 hours (up to 5 hours in a simulator, up to 5 hours ‘mutual’, not including AOC test)
- Aircraft: DA40 / DA42
- Sim: FNPTII
Flight Instructor Employment
Three Years, Alhama Campus
You will spend the next three years employed as a Single Engine Flight Instructor. This is a great opportunity to build up your flying hours and mentor the next generation of future pilots. Your experience as a Flight Instructor will hold you in good stead for your future pilot and / or commercial training role at an airline.
Multi Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR)*
Approx. 12 Training Weeks, Oxford or alhama 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.
53.5 training hours
Including Instrument Rating Skills Test
Need to know:
- Aircraft time: 27.5 hours
- Sim time: 30.5 hours
- Aircraft: DA42
- Sim: FNPTII
*please be aware that your MEIR could take place before your Flight Instructor rating and three-year Flight Instructor employment with Leading Edge Aviation.
APS MCC
Approx. 3 Training Weeks, Oxford Campus
The ultimate phase of the course is the Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation Course. It’s conducted in our state of the art MPS Airbus A320 FTD-1 Simulator, and will be your first taste of flying as an airline pilot in Commercial Air Transport (CAT) operations and in a multi-crew environment. 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 de-briefing 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
3-Day Course & Ongoing Support, Oxford Campus
You will complete our comprehensive Graduate Employment Services 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
Would you like to learn more about this initiative? We will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday 24th February, to answer your questions and explain the application process. Register your interest via the link below and we will send you the link closer to the time.
Why choosefor your pilot training?
FAQ’s
Are the dates for the application and assessment process set?
Yes, all dates are fixed as outlined in the key dates section.
Is the assessment process the same as the Integrated Skills Assessment?
No, although it does contain some of the same components such as a group exercise and an interview. Overall, this process is more detailed and has additional stages to ensure we select the best candidates for this opportunity.
Is accommodation included during the training and employment stage?
All accommodation is included throughout your training, but not during your three-year employment.
What if I secure airline employment part way through my 3-year bond?
If you choose to accept airline employment during your bonded period, you will be liable to compensate us for the entire cost of your training. This also includes accommodation and Flight Instructor rating costs.
Is the Flight Instructor role limited to a 3-year fixed term arrangement?
No, it’s a permanent role for an initial 3-year period, during which you will be bonded. After this, you can either progress with us as a Flight Instructor, following our career progression plan or continue to finish your training and we will assist you in getting that all important first airline job!
Why are you charging for the assessment?
The assessment process is expensive to run. Charging for skills assessments is normal, and candidates who are not successful in this funded programme but who successfully filter into the self-funded LEAP process will have the cost of the assessment deducted from their first course instalment.
Can I do a self-funded FI course and get employment with Leading Edge Aviation afterwards with low hours if I don’t make the grade for this programme?
Yes, as long as you have either a dual UK CAA and EASA licence or an EASA licence and FCL 900 from the UK CAA.
Will I need to pay for additional ratings once qualified (IRI, etc.)?
No, any additional qualifications and ratings will be funded by the company; however, you will be bonded for each additional qualification.
Will Leading Edge Aviation sponsor me to work in Spain?
Yes, Leading Edge Aviation will sponsor your work in Spain. This means that you don’t need an EU passport to take advantage of this opportunity, although it is advantageous.
Will we be included in the degree course and are we required to take student finance?
No, this programme does not include a degree course, and you are not required to take student finance.
Is there a requirement to train in Alhama or can I do my flight training in Oxford?
Your training location will depend on where the business can accommodate that part of the course. Currently, it is expected that this will be in Alhama de Murcia.
I have a PPL with 300 hours. Can I apply and be credited some hours from the course?
Yes. We have two programmes: one for those with experience and one for those without. Please see details of the two pathways above. Please note that no matter the amount of PPL hours you have, your personal contribution will still be £25,000 for the Modular route.
Do I need to have a dual passport (UK and EASA)?
No, you don’t need a dual passport, you can have just UK or EU although it would be beneficial if you did.
I've passed the assessment. Can I carry it forward to this scheme?
Yes, you can carry it forward, but you will be required to complete the additional assessment phases included in this scheme. We recommend you book your course as soon as possible and if you are successful, your deposit can be put towards your personal contribution.
I have paid my deposit and have secured my place on a course. Can I still apply?
Yes, if your course start date isn’t before the Funded application process ends. If you are successful, your deposit can be used as part of your student contribution for this programme.
I applied to the last FI campaign; do I need to reapply?
Yes, you will need to reapply and go through the process again as some elements have changed.
What is the up to 82%* saving based on?
*82% Saving based on total Modular Programme, Pilot & Flight Instructor Training and accommodation costs of £140,840 with a £25,000 applicant funding contribution. Integrated Programme saving is 80% with a £30,000 applicant funding contribution.
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions for Funded fATPL and Flight Instructor Training Programme
- Application Period
- The funded fATPL and Flight Instructor Training application process is open from
12pm on 13/02/2026 to 12am on 28/02/2026.
- The funded fATPL and Flight Instructor Training application process is open from
- Age Requirements
- Applicants can apply at age 17 but must be 18 years old before their training start date.
- Qualification Requirements
- Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirements of 5 GCSEs or equivalent
(Grade 4+) including English, Maths and a Physics based Science. - The following additional requirements must be met before the course start dates:
- Relevant Class 1 Medical (UK CAA & EASA)
- DBS / GSAT check
- Payment of the personal funding contribution
- Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirements of 5 GCSEs or equivalent
- Funding Coverage
- Leading Edge Aviation and personal contribution funding covers fATPL
(frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence) training, Flight Instructor qualification,
and accommodation. It does not cover travel (apart from to and from training in Spain),
living costs, or other personal expenses.
- Leading Edge Aviation and personal contribution funding covers fATPL
- Guaranteed Employment
- Graduates of the programme will receive a guaranteed three-year bonded employment
contract with Leading Edge Aviation at the Alhama de Murcia campus in Southern Spain,
contingent on successful completion of the training programme.
- Graduates of the programme will receive a guaranteed three-year bonded employment
- Withdrawal from Training Programme
- Withdrawal before completion incurs liability for all training costs incurred including, but not limited to accommodation, Flight Instructor rating and fATPL costs.
- Personal funding contributions and assessment fees are non-refundable.
- Amendments and Withdrawal of the Funded Programme Offer
- Leading Edge Aviation reserves the right to amend or withdraw this funded
programme offer at any time without prior notice.
- Leading Edge Aviation reserves the right to amend or withdraw this funded
- Acceptance of Terms
- By applying, you acknowledge and agree to these Terms & Conditions.
*82% Saving based on total Modular Programme, Pilot & Flight Instructor Training and accommodation costs of £140,840 with a £25,000 applicant funding contribution. Integrated Programme saving is 80% with a £30,000 applicant funding contribution.
**This course breakdown is a guideline and could be subject to change.