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 become a commercial pilot, but differ in terms of timing and potentially course content depending on your current flying experience. In this blog we’re going to cover our LEAP and MAP courses, what they have to offer and the key differences between them.
LEAP is our full time, integrated flying programme that can take you from zero experience to a fully qualified commercial pilot in as little as 18 months and includes a BSc degree in Air Transport Management with Airline Pilot Training. An inclusive programme including purpose-built accommodation, allowing you to completely focus on the course without any added concerns such as living arrangements and additional fees. We caught up with one of our LEAP graduates, Oli, to hear about his experience with the LEAP course “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.”
MAP is our modular course and allows you to train towards becoming a commercial pilot in stages on either a full or part time basis. Providing you with the option to train around existing commitments such as work and family. A Modular course can also be an excellent option for those who have already completed part of their flight training but have stages left to complete before they’re fully qualified. In addition to this, our MAP pricing structure is straightforward and transparent, making budgeting a much simpler process.
Although both LEAP and MAP result in a frozen ATPL, there are some key differences to bear in mind. Firstly, accommodation is included with the LEAP course, whereas MAP students can book accommodation with us an extra cost or choose to train from home (if they are local enough). Another key difference is Graduate Services, included in the LEAP course fee. This provides you with an intensive three-day workshop designed by industry experts to prepare you for an airline interview, CV assistance and notifications when airlines open recruitment for first officer roles. LEAP features a training guarantee, providing peace of mind that if you were to fail an exam or training stage, we would cover the retake cost as long as failure wasn’t down to poor attitude or attendance.
A BSc degree in Air Transport Management with Airline Pilot Training is included with the LEAP course. Not only is this beneficial when applying for an airline role, as a degree is highly valued within the industry. The degree also opens access to student finance which can be directly attributed towards the LEAP course fee. Timing is also a crucial aspect, LEAP is the fastest route to becoming a qualified pilot meaning that you can achieve you dream that bit faster along with enabling you to apply for airline roles sooner and begin your career!
Whether you decide to go with integrated or modular, you will have access to the same state-of-the-art aircraft, simulators, facilities, and staff with industry experience. Most importantly, you will be part of an academy the places you at the heart of everything.
