News and Blog
Latest News

Leading Edge Aviation Celebrates Graduation of Class of 2023
OXFORD, UK — 17 May 2023 — Leading Edge Aviation hosted its 2023 graduation ceremony on 12 May beneath the wings of the iconic Concorde at Aerospace Bristol. The event was a celebration of the hard-earned achievements of our 68 graduates, attended by over 250 family...

Top tips to become a pilot with our Leading Edge Aviation Skills Assessment
Top tips on passing a skills assessment with Leading Edge Aviation

The Future of Pilot Training: Embracing Cutting-Edge Technology
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the aviation industry, and it's no different when it comes to pilot training. With the ever-growing demand for pilots, the industry has had to find new and innovative ways to train future pilots. As the world of...

Why dual campus flight conditions help create well rounded & experienced pilots
There are a lot of considerations when finding the flight school that’s right for you, with the location of the flying phase of training often an important factor that we discuss with people making their choice! With a preference for some aspiring pilots to complete...

Fully Funded LEAP & FI Couse launched
Leading Edge Aviation launches a Fully Funded LEAP and Flight Instructor Training programme with Guaranteed Employment on Completion. Leading Edge Aviation (LEAL) leads the way in flight training with the launch of its innovative, fully funded Pilot and Instructor...

Announcing our new fair-weather base at our Alhama, Murcia Campus
Leading Edge Aviation (LEAL) is proud to announce the addition of its new Southern European Campus in Murcia, southern Spain to its already impressive training portfolio. The expanded operation at Alhama in Murcia will allow LEAL, the fastest growing commercial pilot...

Integrated Or Modular?
Is it your dream to become a pilot? Then you may be thinking about which training option is best suited to you. At Leading Edge Aviation, we have two main training pathways available: Integrated and Modular. Both result in a frozen ATPL, the qualification required to...

Our Graduates
At Leading Edge Aviation, we offer two routes to becoming an airline-ready commercial pilot. A full-time integrated route ‘LEAP’ as well as a flexible modular option ‘MAP’. Both provide graduates with a ‘frozen’ Airline Transport Pilot Licence, the professional...

Graduates achieve dual UK CAA & EASA licences
Leading Edge Aviation Graduates achieve dual UK CAA & EASA licences Leading Edge Aviation (LEAL) are one of the only ATOs (approved training organisations) who are offering students the opportunity to achieve a dual UK CAA & EASA licence. Their first students...

Graduates airline placements
Leading Edge Aviation graduates secure roles with multiple airlines Leading Edge Aviation (LEAL) are delighted with the recent news that a further selection of their graduates have recently secured roles as commercial pilots with leading airlines. Following on from...
Blog

Top tips to become a pilot with our Leading Edge Aviation Skills Assessment
Find out more about the first step in how to become a pilot with our guide to passing your pilot Skills Assessment! If you're looking to take your first steps to become a pilot, booking our Skills Assessment is the perfect way to start. While it's natural to feel...

The Future of Pilot Training: Embracing Cutting-Edge Technology
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the aviation industry, and it's no different when it comes to pilot training. With the ever-growing demand for pilots, the industry has had to find new and innovative ways to train future pilots. As the world of...

Why dual campus flight conditions help create well rounded & experienced pilots
There are a lot of considerations when finding the flight school that’s right for you, with the location of the flying phase of training often an important factor that we discuss with people making their choice! With a preference for some aspiring pilots to complete...

Integrated Or Modular?
Is it your dream to become a pilot? Then you may be thinking about which training option is best suited to you. At Leading Edge Aviation, we have two main training pathways available: Integrated and Modular. Both result in a frozen ATPL, the qualification required to...

Our Graduates
At Leading Edge Aviation, we offer two routes to becoming an airline-ready commercial pilot. A full-time integrated route ‘LEAP’ as well as a flexible modular option ‘MAP’. Both provide graduates with a ‘frozen’ Airline Transport Pilot Licence, the professional...

The Journey To Achieving a Dual UK CAA & EASA Licence
After the UK left the EU at the end of 2020, the only way to gain access to European job opportunities was to hold a secondary licence – that’s where the fact finding begun. Three of us in LEAP003 decided to be the guinea pigs and one of us in particular dedicated...

Training the whole pilot
What makes a good pilot? Is it solely someone’s ability to manage an aircraft? It is a common misconception that this is the case! The International Civil Aviation Organisation collated data from pilots all over the world on what they believe makes a good pilot, their...

Wizz Air UK visits Leading Edge Aviation
The ultimate goal of Leading Edge Aviation’s students is to secure role as a First Officer for an airline, and after nearly 2 years’ hard work – securing their first role in the flight deck is the ultimate reward. To help inspire and inform our students, Leading Edge...

So what’s it like to take your first solo flight?
“GOLF GOLF DELTA, cleared for take-off!” There was a time I only ever dreamed of being given that clearance, and indeed only imagined reading it back in sole command of my aircraft for the first time. My first solo, a milestone both coveted and feared in equal...

Who wants to go for a spin?
You may have seen a photo (or two!) of our students in the T67 Slingsby Firefly recently but do you know what our Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (AUPRT) entails? One of our students, who recently completed the course, has tried to keep you in the loop...

Don’t wait for A-Level results!
So, you want to be a pilot and start your training with Leading Edge Aviation, but you are waiting until you receive your A-level results, well we are asking why?! Here at Leading Edge Aviation, we are the first to encourage gaining your A-Levels or equivalent...

Our top tips on getting through ground school
What happens during ground school? It is all too often that we hear how students are concerned at the thought of ground school and completing the 13 ATPL exams. However, there is no need to be put off, as the course is achievable, you just need to be prepared for 6...

Our first uMAP courses settle in to life in the academy
September & October were very exciting months at Leading Edge Aviation as we welcomed the first two uMAP courses into the academy! uMAP (University Modular Airline Preparation) is our very own course that integrates with your university degree. The uMAP course...

Living away from home for the first time.
For many going to flight school might be the first time you’re leaving home and this could certainly be an exciting time or a nervous one. It’s a big move that will see you chasing your dream and today we’re going to try to help you in being ready for that first move....

Graduate employment services training – supporting our students
Our comprehensive graduate employment services consist of a bespoke 3-day workshop with our instructors who have a wealth of experience in pilot recruitment. We wanted to share a bit more about what the course covers and thought who better to ask than one of our...

How to get into flight training
What qualifications do I need to be a pilot? Do I need to go to university? Do I have to have perfect vision? Do I need a specific licence? Are there specific schools that just train pilots? How do I become a pilot? Deciding that you want to be a pilot is normally...

Flight Training Resumes…
This week, our CEO, Andy McFarlane, talked to Ian Seager, Flyer magazine & Pilot Career News about our return to flying and how we are safeguarding our staff and students. Over the past few weeks, in support of government guidance, we’ve continued to deliver a...

Welcome To Leading Edge Aviation
Whilst we can’t show you around the academy in person right now, we hope you’ll enjoy this snapshot of Leading Edge Aviation and our fabulous staff & students! If you’d like to find out more about our courses, visit here. Alternatively, contact us for more info...

Virtual Skills Assessment
So, you’re ready to take your first step to becoming an airline pilot? You’ve researched flying academies and have chosen where you would like to train. The next step now is to sit a Skills Assessment, this is where we find out if you have the skills and attributes...

Ground School Goes Virtual!
Leading Edge Aviation extend virtual classroom to deliver Ground School training to students during Covid-19 period of isolation This week sees the successful launch of Leading Edge Aviation’s virtual Ground School. Whilst the academy has been using virtual and tech...

Covid-19: The Leading Edge Aviation Response To The Prime Ministers Announcement.
Following the announcement from our Prime Minister, we are following guidance and temporarily closing our doors. Our office is now closed but all senior staff can be contacted by email/mobile and will be available to answer your queries. Ground School lessons will...

Business As Usual, Our Students Remain At The Forefront Of Everything We Do.
As a flight training academy, the wellbeing of our academy family – our staff and students, is our number one priority, never more so in times such as the current Covid-19 outbreak. It is also important for us to manage training, work and individual family...

Our 2019 Highlights
2019 has been a huge year for Leading Edge Aviation – not only for our academy but for the talented individuals who trusted us with their pilot training. We celebrated our first birthday in October, currently have 60 students training with us, with several graduates...

Leading Edge Aviation Announce Bose Partnership
We are delighted to announce a new partnership with Bose who will be supplying A20 Aviation Headsets for the Leading Edge aircraft, for use by all student pilots and flight instructors. The Bose A20 Aviation Headset provides acclaimed noise reduction and a comfortable...

New AL42 Simulator Approved
The new Leading Edge AL42 simulator is installed, approved and ready to fly. Based at our new facility in Glenmore Business Park, this fixed based simulator will give Leading Edge student pilots the most advanced simulator technology as they train for their future...

Bursary Programme
Get one step closer to achieving your dream with our new bursary programme for aspiring pilots. At Leading Edge Aviation we know that the cost of training can be a barrier to a career as an airline pilot. So we’d like to help. We are offering three bursaries towards...

Wellbeing Curriculum For Trainee Pilots
At Leading Edge Aviation, we believe that preparation for your future as an airline pilot starts on day one of training. With us, you’ll receive dedicated ground and flight instruction that will see you graduating on time and airline-ready, but you’ll also receive...

We Need To Talk About Mental Health In Aviation
By Katie Broadhurst I really admire my children’s school. Recently, my eight-year-old has been coming home and telling us about lessons on coping with stress and adopting a “growth mindset”. You might be tempted to ask, “what stress could an eight-year-old possibly...

Graduating From ‘Oxbridge’ Celebrates First Flight In Airline Pilot Training
Leading Edge Aviation based at Oxford Airport and VA Airline Training (VA) based at Cambridge Airport join forces with a new airline pilot training partnership as well as simultaneously launching the first ever approved Airline Pilot Standards MCC course designed for...

Leading Edge Legends!
We’d like to thank Amir and Gus for being our first two students for having the courage to take control of their training and join us. Their dedication and trust have paid off and we are very pleased to announce that they both passed their IRs first time. Their next...

Pilot Career Live (PCL) News
Leading Edge Aviation enjoyed a productive day at the busy Dublin Pilot Careers Live exhibition on 2 March 2019. Dublin was chosen as the official launch location as an EASA Approved Training Organisation, and we are now fully operational to conduct both integrated...

Gateway To The Airlines
Leading Edge Aviation are delighted to announce their alliance with VA Airline Training of Cambridge. VA will deliver the Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation course to Leading Edge Trainees after the completion of their Instrument Rating. Starting in Oxford...
Press Releases

Leading Edge Aviation Celebrates Graduation of Class of 2023
OXFORD, UK — 17 May 2023 — Leading Edge Aviation hosted its 2023 graduation ceremony on 12 May beneath the wings of the iconic Concorde at Aerospace Bristol. The event was a celebration of the hard-earned achievements of our 68 graduates, attended by over 250 family...

Fully Funded LEAP & FI Couse launched
Leading Edge Aviation launches a Fully Funded LEAP and Flight Instructor Training programme with Guaranteed Employment on Completion. Leading Edge Aviation (LEAL) leads the way in flight training with the launch of its innovative, fully funded Pilot and Instructor...

Announcing our new fair-weather base at our Alhama, Murcia Campus
Leading Edge Aviation (LEAL) is proud to announce the addition of its new Southern European Campus in Murcia, southern Spain to its already impressive training portfolio. The expanded operation at Alhama in Murcia will allow LEAL, the fastest growing commercial pilot...

Graduates achieve dual UK CAA & EASA licences
Leading Edge Aviation Graduates achieve dual UK CAA & EASA licences Leading Edge Aviation (LEAL) are one of the only ATOs (approved training organisations) who are offering students the opportunity to achieve a dual UK CAA & EASA licence. Their first students...

Graduates airline placements
Leading Edge Aviation graduates secure roles with multiple airlines Leading Edge Aviation (LEAL) are delighted with the recent news that a further selection of their graduates have recently secured roles as commercial pilots with leading airlines. Following on from...

Leading Edge Aviation wins Polys award for XR virtual cockpit
Leading Edge Aviation wins Polys award for XR virtual cockpit Leading Edge Aviation (LEAL), in collaboration with Playko Software have won the Augmented Reality Experience of the Year for their A320 cockpit simulator at the 2021 WebXR Awards, The Polys. The two...

Leading Edge Aviation announces launch of new distance learning programme – VECTOR
Leading Edge Aviation announces launch of new distance learning programme – VECTOR. Leading Edge Aviation announce the launch of their new distance learning programme – Vector. This exciting new programme will allow aspirational pilots to complete their ground school...

Leading Edge Aviation turns three years old
Leading Edge Aviation turns three years old and celebrates its expanding fleet & milestone student population. This month, Leading Edge Aviation turns three years old and what better way to celebrate than with a ‘class of 2021’ photo. In addition to their...

Dual licensing goes live at Leading Edge Aviation
Leading Edge Aviation announce the introduction of dual licensing options for their suite of ATPL professional pilot training courses. As the industry continues to show ‘green shoots’ with airlines announcing recruitment drives, the Oxford based ATO who offer both UK...

Leading Edge Aviation launch in house aircraft engineering facility
Leading Edge Aviation launch in house aircraft engineering facility, Leading Edge Aviation Engineering. Leading Edge Aviation announce the launch of the latest addition to their growing fleet of facilities with the introduction of an in-house engineering and...

Leading Edge Aviation announces their stunning new student accommodation
Leading Edge Aviation announces their stunning new student accommodation. Leading Edge Aviation reveal their bespoke new accommodation ahead of its official opening this summer. The new building will be added to the LEAL property portfolio and has been designed...

West Oxfordshire MP, Robert Courts visits Leading Edge Aviation
Leading Edge Aviation were delighted to host a visit today from Robert Courts , MP for Witney & West Oxfordshire. The rapidly expanding ATO (Approved Training Organisation) based at Oxford Airport were delighted to be able to show Mr Courts their expanding academy...

Leading Edge Aviation continue to invest in their fleet
Leading Edge Aviation announce further investments in their fleet with the addition of another DA42 Simulator. The sim has been manufactured and installed by Diamond and compliments their growing fleet of Diamond Aircraft and existing DA42 and A320 simulators. The...

Announcing our new, bespoke APS MCC course
Cleared for take-off – Leading Edge Aviation receive approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority on their Airbus A320 FTD-1 Simulator & announce the launch of their new APS MCC course. Leading Edge are delighted to announce that after a busy 2020, they have...

Airbus A320 Simulator Announcement
Leading Edge Aviation achieve another significant phase of growth and announce the purchase of a brand new MPS A320 FTD-1 Simulator. Following the news in July, where they announced the expansion at Airspeed House, Leading Edge Aviation continues to thrive and expand....

A course of firsts!
A course of firsts, Leading Edge Aviation celebrate several exciting new milestones! Leading Edge are delighted to welcome their newest Integrated LEAP course of students, LEAP- 007 who have started their training this week. Every new course is celebrated in the...

Airspeed House Announcement
There’s no stopping them! Leading Edge Aviation announce their next phase of expansion. Leading Edge are delighted to welcome staff, students & visitors to their newly expanded home at Airspeed house. After an incredibly successful year and strong growth, they are...

Laser Strike
On Tuesday 4th February, a Leading Edge Aviation aircraft was the subject of a laser attack whilst flying over the area of Charlbury & Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire. The aircraft was carrying out a training flight and had taken off from London Oxford airport. The...