NEW!!! Take Flight for Less:
with one of 8 funded fATPL and FI Course Places. Apply today!
Leading Edge Aviation is offering 8 exclusive part-funded places to train as a Commercial Airline Pilot and Flight Instructor. This exclusive initiative offers up to 85%* savings on training costs, comprehensive education, and guaranteed employment as a Leading Edge Aviation Flight Instructor upon completion.
Why are we doing this?
At Leading Edge Aviation, we are committed to making pilot training accessible to as many people as possible and this scheme is designed to level the playing field in pilot recruitment and help with the biggest financial barriers to pursuing your aviation dreams.
The two pathways to the Funded Course Offer
Modular Route
For Applicants with PPL
Personal Funding Contribution: £20,000
What you get:
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fATPL training
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Flight Instructor qualification
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Accommodation during training
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Guaranteed two-year employment contract as a Flight Instructor at our Alhama de Murcia campus in Spain
Integrated Route
For Applicants with No Experience
Personal Funding Contribution: £30,000
What you get:
-
Complete training from zero experience to fATPL
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Flight Instructor qualification
-
Accommodation during training
-
Guaranteed two-year employment contract as a Flight Instructor at our Alhama de Murcia campus in Spain
Funded Offer Highlights:
- Save up to 85%* on training costs – valued at over £130,000
- Achieve your fATPL (frozen Airline Transport Pilot License) and Flight Instructor qualification.
- Guaranteed two-year employment contract with Leading Edge Aviation’s Spanish Campus.
- Train in state-of-the-art facilities with industry-leading instructors.
- Comprehensive support and accommodation throughout your training.
Important Dates:
- Application Opens: 13th July 2024 at PCL Manchester
- Application Closes: 28th July 2024
- Online Assessments: 1- 4th August 2024
- Skills Assessment: 15th August – 20th September 2024
- Psychometric Tests and CV Submission: 23rd – 27th September 2024
- Final Interview: 14th October 2024
- Successful Candidates Announced: By 18th October 2024
Modular Course Applicants with PPL
Already have a Private Pilot Licence? Join us with just £20,000 and fast-track your journey to becoming a commercial pilot and flight instructor.
Integrated Course Applicants
Starting from zero experience? For only £30,000, embark on a complete training journey from novice to expert, earning both your fATPL and Flight Instructor qualifications.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: Must be 18 years or older by the start date.
- Education: Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (including Maths, English, and Science) or equivalent European exams.
- Medical: Hold a relevant Class 1 Medical (UK CAA & EASA).
- Background Check: Pass a DBS/GSAT check.
- Funding: Able to fund part-payment (£20,000 for modular applicants with PPL, £30,000 for integrated applicants with no experience).
At Leading Edge Aviation, we want to ensure that this programme is right for you. We need to confirm you have the necessary skills, aptitude, and commitment to succeed as a pilot and flight instructor. Our application process includes several stages to help you understand your suitability and prepare for a career in aviation.
To cover our administration costs, some stages of the application process have associated fees. These are clearly indicated in the timeline and cost breakdown below.
Step 1: Online Application
Begin your journey by completing our simple online application form. This initial step is crucial to starting your journey to the flight deck!
Date:
Opens: 09:00hrs 13th July 2024
Closes: 20:00hrs 28th July 2024
Fee: Free
Step 2: Computer-Based Assessments
Once your application is reviewed, you’ll take online tests assessing your cognitive abilities and aviation knowledge from the comfort of your home.
Dates: 1-4th August 2024
Fee: £70
Step 3: Skills Assessment
This stage includes an in-person assessment where you will participate in interviews, group exercises, and academic tests. This helps us gauge your aptitude and readiness for the program.
Dates: 15th August – 20th September 2024
Fee: £150
Location: Leading Edge Aviation, Oxford
Step 4: Psychometric Tests, CV & Cover Letter Submission
Conducted at home, these tests and documents provide deeper insights into your personality and professional background.
Date: 23rd – 27th September 2024
Fee: £150
Final Interview
The final interview is your chance to shine and demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit for our program.
Date: 14th October 2024
Fee: Free
Location: Leading Edge Aviation, Oxford
The 8 successful candidates will be notified by 18th October 2024.
Please note: Candidates who are not successful in this funded programme but who successfully filter into the LEAP process will have the cost of this assessment process deducted from their deposit.
Watch our Webinar
Would you like to learn more about this initiative? Our CEO Andy McFarlane hosted a webinar on Thursday 18th July, answering your questions and explaining the application process. View the full discussion below.
Why choose our?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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 normal one?
No, this process is more detailed to ensure we select the best candidates for this unique opportunity.
Is accommodation included during the training and employment stage?
Accommodation is included during the training period and for the first three months of instructing in Spain.
What if I secure airline employment part way through my 2-year bond?
If you secure airline employment during your bonded period, you will be liable for the cost of your training on a sliding scale.
Is the Flight Instructor role limited to a 2-year fixed term arrangement?
No, it’s a permanent role. However, after 2 years, you will no longer be bonded. If you wish to continue as a Flight Instructor, we have a clear career progression pathway.
What is the Flight Instructor salary?
The salary will be detailed in the bonded contract.
When will the successful candidates be announced?
Successful candidates will be announced by 18th October 2024.
Why are you charging for the assessment?
The assessment process is expensive to run. Charging for skills assessment is normal, and candidates who are not successful in this funded programme but who successfully filter into the LEAP process will have the cost of the assessment deducted from their deposit.
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 program?
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.
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?
We have two schemes: one for those with experience and one for those without.
Do I need to have a dual passport (UK and EASA)?
No, you don’t need a dual passport, 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.
Can I pull out of the July/August course and apply? I haven't paid my deposit yet.
You can keep your place on the July or August course and apply for this scheme. If you are one of the successful candidates, your training will be covered by the company, except for the personal payments depending on your pathway.
Will the programme be means tested?
No, the programme will not be means tested.
I applied in 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 85% saving based on?
The 85% saving is based on total modular programme pilot & flight instructor training & accommodation costs of £130,350 with a £20,000 applicant funding contribution. For applicants undertaking the integrated programme route the saving is 78% based on training & accommodation costs of £134,850 with a £30,000 applicant contribution.
Terms & Conditions for Funded fATPL and Flight Instructor Training Programme
- Application Period
- The funded fATPL and Flight Instructor Training application process is open from 9 am on 13/07/2024 to 8 pm on 28/07/2024.
- Age Requirements
- Applicants can apply at age 17 but must be 18 years old before the training start dates for course 1 of 28th November 2024 or course 2 of 6th February 2025.
- Qualification Requirements
- Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirements of 5 GCSEs (Grade 4 +) includingEnglish, Maths and a 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
- 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.
- Guaranteed Employment
- Graduates of the programme will receive a guaranteed two-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.
- Withdrawal from Training Programme
- Withdrawal before completion incurs liability for proportionate training costs on a sliding scale.
- 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.
- Acceptance of Term
- By applying, you acknowledge and agree to these Terms & Conditions.
*85% saving based on total modular programme pilot & flight instructor training & accommodations costs of £130,350 with a £20,000 applicant funding contribution.