Becoming a Pilot | Step by Step Guide

Q: How do I know if I can make it as a pilot?

You can take an aptitude assessment test from The Honourable Company of Air Pilots. The tests cost £75 and take place at Air Pilots House in London.

Q: Which is the best route to becoming a pilot if I have no flight experience?

If you have no flight experience, the integrated pilot route is best for you as it does not require you to have prior flying experience.

Q: Can I work alongside my training to fund becoming a pilot

The modular route will allow you to train around work or other commitments you have. The modular route takes longer but allows you the flexibility to work alongside your training.

Q: Can I work for a specific airline?

If you already know which airline you want to work for, look for programmes that are run by specific airlines. Ryanair , Easy Jet and British Airways all offer training programmes.

Training to become a professional pilot is a big financial investment and it can cost between £70,000 to £130,000. However, the future earning potential makes it a worthwhile pursuit. Specialist loans and scholarships and bursaries may be available to help support you, but they may not cover the full cost of your training. Scholarships and bursaries have individual criteria and may be competitive to obtain.

Key facts

To fly as a commercial pilot, you’ll need a initially frozen Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and a Class 1 medical certificate.
The minimum age you can start training is 18. You can unfreeze your ATPL once you turn 21.
If you have no previous flying experience, it can take at least 16 –18 months to qualify.
It is a big investment. Training costs vary, and on average range between £70,000 and £130,000.

Slide 1 of 1

My scholarship journey has been extremely hard work, but it was genuinely the best time of my life.

David Hart

Future pilot

Why become a pilot?

Travel the world

Salary benefits

Great view

How to become a pilot in the UK

Pilot training schools, or flying schools, typically provide 3 types of professional flight training:

Integrated - fast but intense
Modular - slower but flexible
Multi-crew (MPL) - a minority of airlines offer this kind of training path

Integrated and modular training lead to the same frozen ATPL. The third route results in a Multi Pilot Licence tied to the specific Aircraft type of the airline.

A frozen ATPL refers to the qualifications of a pilot who has passed all 14 ATPL ground exams and flight tests but has not yet gained the necessary flying experience to unfreeze the ATPL. Generally, once a pilot has accumulated 1500 CAA acknowledged flying hours, the CAA as the regulator will consider issuing a full ATPL.

An integrated pilot training course is perfect if you have no previous flying experience. The course is intense, but you’ll gain your frozen ATPL in approximately 18 months. Integrated courses combine theoretical study with practical flying experience.

There are four main elements to integrated pilot training

Airline preparation course
Jet orientation course (JOC)
Flight training
Multi-crew corporation course (MCC)

The modular route is perfect if you want to train around other commitments such as work, other studies or childcare. Modular training can be completed in sections so will take longer to complete than the integrated route. To be accepted onto a modular training course, you’ll need a Private Pilot License (PPL) and 150 hours of flying experience.

If you want to fly for a specific airline or type of aircraft, you might consider the MPL route. With the MPL route you’ll be limited to a specific type that is certified only for a multi pilot operation.

What qualifications do I need to become a pilot?

You’ll need a minimum of 5 good GCSE passes in maths, English and science. A Grade 4 at GCSE is considered a standard pass and grade 5 is considered a strong pass.
Studying a language may also benefit you in a career as a pilot as it will help you communicate with people at work once you qualify.
A-levels are usually required but it depends on the training route you take. You need 80 UCAS points to study L3Harris' Pilot Programme.
At the time of writing, 80 UCAS points are required to be accepted onto our BSc Aviation degree course. For pilot training only, GCSEs are enough.

Where can I train to become a pilot in the UK?

If you want to train at a flying school, The CAA can help you find a flight school to train at.

L3Harris Airline Academy operate a Pilot Program across the UK with academies in Bournemouth, Cranfield and London. You’ll get taught by airline standard instructors and trainers. You’ll also be trained on a modern training aircraft and utilise fully approved flight simulators and training aids.

When you’re selecting your flight school, take into consideration:

The course on offer
Aircraft used
Location of the school
Whether training can be completed in the UK
Cost required

Frequently asked questions about becoming a pilot

Search the FAQs :

What do I need to become a pilot?

You’ll need to do the necessary training and have a Class 1 medical certificate. If you want to work as a commercial airline pilot, you’ll need to apply for an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) from the Civil Aviation Authority.

You might want to consider studying a language too as this will help you communicate with people in different languages once you qualify.

In terms of entry requirements, you'll need:

Good GCSE passes in maths, English and science. A Grade 4 at GCSE is considered a standard pass and grade 5 is considered a strong pass.
A-levels are usually required but it depends on the training route you take.

Do I need a degree to become a pilot?

You do not need a degree to become a pilot but it is wise. If you opt for the degree route, like L3 Harris' Pilot Programme, you'll complete your integrated ATPL training in your first and second year. In your final year, you'll have the opportunity to both learn and earn if you secure a First Officer position with an airline through placement.

Why choose the degree route?

You'll gain an international recognised degree qualification for your vocational airline pilot training
Additional training and education modules will benefit and enhance your flying career
You'll have access to a student loan if you meet qualifying requirements

Studying a degree can also give you valuable life experience and help you build connections.

How do I know if I can make it as a pilot?

Which is the best route to becoming a pilot if I have no flight experience?

Can I work alongside my training to fund becoming a pilot

Can I work for a specific airline?

To summarise, becoming a pilot can be an exciting career path. Whilst it is a big investment, the potential salary, travel opportunities and flexibility make it worthwhile.

Where next?

Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies, BEng (Hons)
Are you fascinated by aircraft? This course combines the practical and theoretical aspects of flying with the underlying principles of Aerospace Engineering.
Aviation - Pilot Programme, BSc (Hons) - L3Harris Airline Academy
This Aviation programme is delivered from the L3Harris Airline Academy at Gatwick, London and has been designed with the Aviation industry and our partner L3Harris Airline Academy. This course will enable you to become a professional pilot whilst also studying for a specialist Av…
Why choose us?
Find out more about why you belong at The University of Central Lancashire – with insight from our current students.

How to become a pilot