For a Better Future

COST FOR PILOT PILOT TRAINING AND FUNDING

When deciding to embark on pilot training, one of the most frequently asked questions is ‘how much does it cost to become a pilot?’. And it comes as no surprise as to why.

Do you think you have what it takes to become a successful pilot? Start your application today to begin the screening process. It takes just 5 minutes, and there are no costs at this stage. It might just change your life.

When deciding to embark on pilot training, one of the most frequently asked questions is ‘how much does it cost to become a pilot?’. And it comes as no surprise as to why.

Do you think you have what it takes to become a successful pilot? Start your application today to begin the screening process. It takes just 5 minutes, and there are no costs at this stage. It might just change your life.

How much does it cost to become a commercial pilot

If you are thinking about starting your pilot training, one of the most important factors influencing your decision is the cost of a pilot licence. So, how much does it cost to learn to fly and train as an airline pilot? Depending on the programme, your pilot course fees can vary. The cost of flight school, for those wishing to obtain an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), is £94,960.

Obtaining your pilot licence is a considerable financial commitment. That being said, our pilot course fees are a reflection of the quality training and cutting-edge facilities at British Aero Academy. 

Cadets can expect to receive unparalleled training from industry-renowned Instructors.

Not forgetting the incredible benefits and the future that lies ahead of you as a pilot, from an attractive salary and having an office above the clouds, to making life-long friendships around the globe.

The largest cost a cadet will incur is the cost of pilot training itself which will vary depending on the course. Additional costs such as living costs and insurances could also apply. Full details can be found on the individual programme pages here.

Our costs

 

Integrated ATPL course cost

Our Integrated ATPL course takes cadets from little to no flying experience to a fully qualified pilot in 70 weeks. Cadets can train for their UKCAA ATPL, EASA ATPL or dual licence. The UKCAA ATPL enables you to be pilot for airlines registered in the UK. The EASA ATPL enables you to be a PIC for airlines registered in Europe.

Integrated ATPL pilot course fees:

£94,960 (includes bespoke accommodation offering)

This cost of the pilot training course includes:

  • Accommodation during Flight Training in the U.S.A.
  • The British Aero Academy Training Assurance
  • Access to the British Aero Academy Graduate Placement Pool
  • The cost of training
  • All training equipment
  • Uniform
  • Airfield fees
  • All air travel to allocated training locations
  • UKCAA licence issue (EASA licence is an additional fee of £3,000; dual licence option also available)

 

Private Pilot Licence with Night Rating training cost

Cost: £17,500

What is included in the course price?

 Additional costs to consider:

  • Class 2 Medical
  • Daily transport from accommodation to training location (if applicable)
  • Personal living costs
  • Insurances

 

Hours Building pilot training cost

Cost: £22,500

What is included in the course price?

 

Theoretical Knowledge (Classroom Based Learning) pilot training cost

Cost: £7,950

Theoretical Knowledge (Classroom Based Learning) is designed to equip cadets with a solid foundation of commercial flying knowledge to help them progress on to the basic, intermediate and advanced levels of flight training.

What’s included in the course price?

  • Full-time ATPL Theoretical Knowledge training
  • ATPL Theoretical Knowledge exam fees

 

Theoretical Knowledge (Distance Learning) pilot training cost

Cost: £2,650

Theoretical Knowledge (Distance Learning) is a combination of distance learning and classroom sessions split into three modules which will cover 1 third of the 13 ATPL examinations at any one time.

What’s included in the course price?

  • Full-time ATPL Theoretical Knowledge training

Additional costs to consider:

  • ATPL Theoretical Knowledge exam fees
  • English Language (IELTS) Test (if applicable)
  • Personal living costs
  • iPad (Generation 2 or above)
  • Insurances

 

Basic Instrument Flying Module pilot training cost

Cost: £6,750

What is included in the course price?

  • All aspects required to earn your BIFM
  • Flight Test and Licence Application Fees
  • Travel to and accommodation in Orlando

Additional costs to consider:

  • Class 1 Medical
  • Travel and accommodation (if you choose to train in Cranfield, UK)
  • Daily transport cost from accommodation to training location (if applicable)
  • Personal living costs
  • Insurances

 

Multi-Engine Piston Class Rating pilot training cost

Cost: £7,000

What is included in the course price?

  • All aspects required to earn your MEP
  • Flight Test and Licence Application Fees
  • Travel to and accommodation in Orlando

Additional costs to consider:

  • Class 1 Medical
  • Travel and accommodation (Cranfield route)
  • Daily transport cost from accommodation to training location (if applicable)
  • Personal living costs
  • Insurances

 

Instrument Rating pilot training cost

Cost: £21,500

What is included in the course price?

  • Licence issue
  • All aspects required to earn your IR
  • Flight Test and Licence Application Fees

Additional costs to consider:

  • Accommodation (if required)
  • Class 1 Medical
  • Daily transport cost from accommodation to training location (if applicable)
  • Personal living costs
  • Insurances

 

Commercial Pilot Licence cost

Cost: £12,000

Our Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) module can be completed if you hold a PPL, 150 hours of flight time, passes in all ATPL Theoretical Knowledge exams, your Multi-Engine Piston Class Rating and Basic Instrument Flying Module.

What is included in the course price?

  • All aspects required to earn your CPL
  • Flight Test and Licence Application Fees
  • Travel to and accommodation in Orlando

Additional costs to consider:

  • Class 1 Medical
  • Travel and accommodation (Cranfield route)
  • Daily transport cost from accommodation to training location (if applicable)
  • Personal living costs
  • Insurances

 

Airline Pilot Standards Multi Crew Cooperation pilot training cost

Cost: £8,900

Our Airline Pilot Standards (APS) Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) course is designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in Crew Resource Management (CRM), Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) and Jet Orientation Training (JOT). With this qualification under your belt, you can progress onto a Type Rating course.

What is included in the course price?

  • Access to our Graduate Placement Pool (subject to completion of BAOAS Selection Process)
  • All training equipment and materials
  • Unlimited use of Flat Panel Trainers
  • Careers advice 
  • Electronic charts and airline performance

Ways to fund your pilot training

For many aspiring commercial airline pilots, the greatest barrier to becoming a pilot is securing the funding for pilot training. We are committed to ever-widening access to pilot training for those who demonstrate the talent, passion and motivation to become a pilot.

We are unable to offer airline pilot funding advice; the majority of our pilot training courses are self-funded. Here are a few of the ways that you could fund your course, from securing loans for pilot training to receiving financial support from your family.

Loans for pilot training

One way to secure airline pilot training funding is via a secured loan from a UK bank, typically against a property.

Loans for pilot training are appropriate if individuals who are responsible for providing the funding have a property which is valued at £150,000 or more. In most instances, banks will only lend up to approximately 60% of the property’s value.

Saving for pilot training

One of the most common solutions to secure funding for pilot training is through savings or inheritance.

We understand the inheritance or finances students have managed to save over a period of time might still not be enough to cover the course costs of an Integrated ATPL training programme. However, with our Modular ATPL course, cadets have the ability to kick-start their training and earn money in between modules to build enough funds for the next part of the course.

Pay as you train

An alternative way to fund your pilot training would be to enrol on our Modular ATPL training courses. The modular approach enables you to train to become a commercial airline pilot in your own time and at your own pace meaning you simply pay for the licences, ratings and other pilot course fees as you go.

Help from your family

Receiving financial help from family members – whether it be parents or grandparents – is another common solution to funding your pilot training.

While it can be a big ask from your parents, it is a valuable investment into your future career as a pilot.

Once you have completed your pilot training and obtained your ATPL, you can begin earning as soon as you qualify. The starting salary for newly qualified First Officers is typically above the average starting salary for a university graduate. You can expect to earn anywhere between £22,000 to £28,000, depending on the airline.

Salaries for commercial airline pilots consistently perform as one of the highest earning careers.

Pilot licence cost and pilot training funding FAQs

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