Dreaming of becoming a commercial pilot? One of the first decisions you’ll face on that journey is choosing the right training pathway. At Leading Edge Aviation, both Integrated and Modular pathways lead to the same destination, a frozen ATPL, but how you get there can vary depending on your lifestyle, experience, and personal goals.
Here’s what you need to know to help decide which route is right for you.
What is Integrated Flight Training (LEAP)?
For those looking to commit full-time to their training and progress quickly, Integrated training might be the perfect choice. At Leading Edge, this comes in the form of LEAP (the Leading Edge Airline Preparation course).
LEAP is a structured, full-time programme designed to take aspiring pilots from little or no flying experience to being airline-ready in as little as 18 months. It’s a fast-track route that includes everything needed to become a qualified commercial pilot, even a BSc in Air Transport Management with Airline Pilot Training, awarded in partnership with Buckinghamshire New University (BNU).
“From ground school to my APS MCC, I loved every second of my flight training with Leading Edge Aviation. The passion and dedication from the instructors really stood out to me, as well as the family feel throughout the organisation. Thanks to them, I came away with first time passes in all my ground school exams as well as my flying ones. The benefit of getting a degree at the end of it really topped it all off. I enjoyed staying in the state-of-the-art accommodation know as ‘the Arc’ which was also amazing and very convenient being so close to the centre of Oxford as well as the airport. I’m so glad I chose the LEAP course and believe it’s a brilliant way to become a commercial pilot.” – Leading Edge LEAP Graduate
The course price includes:
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Ground school and all flight phases, from initial to advanced.
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A BSc (Hons) in Air Transport Management with Airline Pilot Training.
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Accommodation in both Oxford and Alhama, Spain.
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Training materials, uniform, iPad, and exam fees.
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Graduate support services, including CV workshops and airline interview preparation.
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A wellbeing programme designed to support students throughout their training.
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A comprehensive training guarantee.
LEAP is typically best suited to those who are ready to train full-time and would benefit from a highly structured environment. The addition of a degree also means that you would be eligible to apply for student finance.
What is Modular Flight Training (MAP)?
MAP (Modular Airline Preparation) is a more flexible alternative. Rather than training continuously in one block, students complete each phase of the course individually, at their own pace. This route is often chosen by those who:
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Are already partway through their training
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Need to fit flying around other commitments (like work or family)
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Prefer to spread out the cost of training over time
MAP allows students to work through theoretical knowledge, flight phases, and flight tests in a sequence that suits their availability and goals. The pricing structure is transparent, and accommodation is available if needed (though not included as standard).
While the modular route doesn’t include the degree or wellbeing programme as part of the core offer, students still benefit from access to the same aircraft, simulators, instructors, and training facilities.
Integrated vs Modular: At a Glance
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 when choosing your training route.
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 first officer 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, a valuable qualification within the industry and one that also unlocks access to student finance to help support course fees.
LEAP is the fastest route to becoming a commercial pilot, taking you from no experience to airline-ready in as little as 18 months.
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.
While MAP doesn’t include the degree or graduate support by default, you’ll still train on the same aircraft and simulators, with access to the same experienced instructors and facilities.
No matter which path you choose, both are designed to set you up for success. It all depends on what works best for your lifestyle, experience, and goals.
