​UKFlying recommends various companies based on student feedback, facilities and course costs. We have been collating student feedback since 2015 to recommend the best providers for each stage of pilot training.
​ATPL Theory Training
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Bristol Ground School - The biggest dreams deserve the best support. Bristol Groundschool is a world leader in modular ATPL tuition for fixed wing and helicopter pilots. Our extensive and innovative suite of learning materials contains all the knowledge you need for success, allowing you to learn at your own pace and track your progress with ease. With the option for online-only tuition, you can choose to fit your studies around existing commitments too – no matter where you are in the world. We turn today’s students into tomorrow’s pilots. And we can do the same for you. UKFlying highly recommends BGS for modular pilots and UK military conversions. More details here.
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Skyborne Airline Academy - Skyborne’s ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Distance Learning course provides 12-24 months of interactive and supported learning.Every two weeks, trainees will receive expert tutoring from our industry leading instructors to complement approximately 12 hours of self-study every week. Our Progressive Continuous Learning approach, supported by Padpilot, provides trainees with the best start to commercial ground training alongside work and family commitments. Subjects are broken down into manageable modules, including 3 weeks of exam preparation at our Gloucestershire Airport Headquarters, and colleagues and instructors offer ongoing support through our bespoke learning platform. UKFlying recommends Skyborne for modular pilots and UK military pilots who want to study online. More details here.
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Pathway Pilot Training - We are calling all aspiring commercial pilots looking for the right path to the flight deck of an airliner. We are an independent ground school providing the theoretical ground training foundation for the CAA ATPL(A) exams - required to be an airline pilot. More details here.
Leading Edge Aviation – At Leading Edge Aviation, we deliver ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge both in house or via distance learning. Our core training is delivered by experienced instructors from our Oxford Campus either as part of our Integrated ‘LEAP’ course or our Modular course ‘MAP’. You will develop the knowledge and understanding required for the Airline Transport Pilot Licence over the duration of the course. You’ll study 13 subjects, in three modules, with regulatory exams at the end of each module featuring the most up-to-date academic syllabus and KSA100 (Knowledge, Skills & Attitude). We use Padpilot theory eBooks and our class sizes are modest so that we can support you throughout your training. Click here to read more!
Pilot Aptitude Testing
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Pilot Aptitude Test - Established in 2011 and built by commercial pilots, PilotAptitudeTest.com has helped over 20,000 pilots to prepare for their computerised pilot aptitude test. Accessed through a web browser, the online preparation software by provided by PilotAptitudeTest.com enables pilots at all stages of their careers to prepare for computerised pilot aptitude tests using theoretical content and activities modeled on real-world assessments. Whether you’re attending assessment at a flying school for the first-time or are an experienced flyer taking the next step in your career, PilotAptitudeTest.com provides the tools to help gain an edge on your competitors. Link to Pilot Aptitude Test.
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​Integrated and Modular ATPL
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Skyborne Airline Academy - Skyborne Airline Academy’s goal is simple – establish the finest and most trusted airline training academy in the industry. There is a high demand for competent, suitable and resilient professionals, which is why we are committed to selecting and developing the most talented trainees in the field.Through a state-of-the-art educational approach, access to industry-leading equipment and vastly experienced tutoring, pilots, cabin crew and airlines alike can be safe in the knowledge they will have chosen the UK’s premier airline training option. UKFlying highly recommend Skyborne Airline Academy for commercial pilot training courses and UK military conversions. They are ELCAS approved and are experienced in running UKFlying Fast Jet, Multi-engine and Rotary conversions. More details here.
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ACS - ACS Flight Training has been training pilots since 2007 and is the leading Commercial Flight Training Organisation in Scotland. Centrally located in the heart of the country with easy access to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, it is the perfect place to start commercial flight training. Graduates go on to start their flying careers with airlines here in the UK and around the world. If you’re looking for a career as a commercial airline pilot, If you’re looking for a career as a commercial airline pilot, the ACS flight training modular training approach allows you to go from zero experience to Airline Transport Pilot’s License (ATPL) in under 18 months. ACS flight training work with UKFlying for military conversions for Scottish based pilots. More details here.
Leading Edge Aviation – Leading Edge Aviation is an academy with a difference that places the student at the heart of everything. Whether you’re looking to train full-time or part-time, we have training options that will take you from zero experience to an airline-ready fully qualified commercial pilot. Our LEAP (integrated) and MAP (modular) courses feature state-of-the-art facilities, glass cockpit aircraft, DA42 & A320 simulators and result in a frozen ATPL. With campuses in both Oxford, UK and Alhama, Spain, at Leading Edge aviation you can achieve either a UK CAA or with the optional a dual UK CAA and EASA licence. Click here to read more and start your journey toward becoming a commercial pilot!
Helicopter Training
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Vantage Aviation - We are an internationally diverse team of experienced aviators delivering specialist helicopter instruction. With a distinct pedigree in training ex-Military pilots, Vantage Aviation is the perfect solution for all your aviation requirements when transitioning from HM Armed Forces into the world of commercial aviation. Having trained in excess of 250 ex-military pilots from both RW and FW across all three Services, we will tailor your flying course to the exact requirements based on your military experience and intended path into commercial aviation. Proud to hold our ELCAS approval we are aware that the cost of flying training in the commercial world can come as a shock. With Vantage Aviation you can be certain that you will be trained both professionally and efficiently to ensure you are ready for your first career outside of the military. UKFlying highly recommend Vantage Aviation for civilian helicopter conversions for UK military rotary pilots. More details of military courses here.
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APS / JOC / MCC providers
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Jet Masterclass - We are the UK’s leading ATO for high quality, customer-focused training offering a variety of UK and EASA certified courses from MCC Training to Airline Pilot Standards (APS MCC) through to Examiner Standardisation (TRE/SFE) training. Our courses are designed from the ground-up by pilots, for pilots, with a focus on achieving excellence. The company is owned and managed by active Instructors with a vested interest in improving standards and enhancing flight safety. More info here.
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Skyborne Airline Academy - During the Skyborne APS MCC, you will undertake advanced swept-wing jet aircraft training using airline Standard Operating Procedures. The regulatory requirement for simulator training is doubled to 40 hours, when compared to ‘regular’ MCC training. The course is intended to maximise your employment prospects, by equipping you with the knowledge and skills required to commence initial type rating training to the standards generally required by today’s airlines. The course includes a week dedicated to learning initial CRM, airline Standard Operating Procedures and fundamental technical training for the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. A further two weeks are spent operating in a multi-crew environment on the Boeing 737 MAX simulator. Some of the most experienced airline instructors in the industry will develop your knowledge and skills during the 40 hours of training, where you will undergo progress tests and a final assessment preparing you for type rating training. More details here.
VA Airline Training - VA are well renowned within the industry for high quality training and links to major airlines. They offer the APS MCC on their B737 and A320 simulators via training bases at Cambridge Airport and Duxford airfield. More details here.
​Advanced - UPRT
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Ultimate High - Ultimate High is the longest established UPRT school in Europe. We were selected by the CAA to represent the UK on the EASA Loss Of Control Rule Making Group and helped to write the requirements for FCL.745.A on-aircraft UPRT and FCL. 915(e) (UPRT FI) which became mandatory in December 2019.
Our expertise is recognised throughout the Industry and we are the only UK ATO to have been invited to present on UPRT at conferences throughout Europe including the EASA Safety Conference in Luxemburg, the International Flight Crew Training Conference at the RAeS, the European Airline Training Symposium in Berlin, the International Symposium on Pilot Startle and Surprise in Soesterberg, Netherlands, and many more.
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Professional organisations like Boeing, Rolls-Royce, the AAIB, 2excel, easyJet and several National Aviation Authorities have selected the Ultimate High Academy as their UPRT provider.​ If you want the best instruction possible from experienced specialists who care about making our students as safe as possible, whilst tailoring the training to individual students, then come to us. More details here.
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Skyborne Airline Academy - The Skyborne Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) programme has been developed by the best in the industry. Our comprehensive syllabus provides qualified pilots with accurate theoretical and practical training to mitigate against aircraft upsets. The combination of accurately detailed theoretical training, and progressively layered flight training in the simulator and aircraft, ensure that you will receive the ultimate, high-performance Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) programme. More details here.
Airline Interview and CV Prep
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Flight Deck Wingman - Whatever your background, we have your 6 O'Clock covered and will help you secure your dream pilot job! Whether you’re at the beginning of your pilot journey, or are looking to move on, Flight Deck Wingman will be a true “Wingman” for your journey. We have extensive experience assisting future pilots, current commercial pilots and military pilots apply to and pass Airline or Flight School pilot assessment processes. All of the Wingman team are hugely experienced pilots, and with approximately 99% of our clients reaching and passing the pilot interview and group exercise stages of their pilot assessment, we are confident that we are amongst the best pilot application assessment preparation companies in the business. Train to Prepare. Prepare to Succeed. Get Yourself a Wingman! UKFlying has worked with FDW for numerous years and the student feedback from his courses and services has always been extremely positive. We highly recommend FDW. More details here.
​MEP + IR Renewals / Revalidations
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UKFlying can assist with UK CAA and EASA MEP IR Revalidations and Renewals. We run simulator refresher training and IR Proficiency Checks at various locations, using modern DA-42 ALSIM simulators. If we don't have the capacity to assist, then we will use one of our partner schools (ATOs) who will be able to help. Either way, we will provide you with online refresher briefs and study materials to help you prepare for your Revalidation or Renewal. More details here.
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The partner companies we use are listed below:
Aeros - Aeros offer UK CAA and EASA MEP IR Renewals and Revalidations via UKFlying. They have multiple UK bases and use modern Diamond DA-42 aircraft. They can assist with UK or EASA licence conversions and are ELCAS approved for military personnel. More details here.
Euroflight- Euroflight are based at Lee-on-Solent and operate modern Diamond aircraft, including the DA-42. They offer UK CAA and EASA MEP IR Renewals and Revalidations via UKFlying. They can assist with UK or EASA licence conversions. More details here.
ACS - ACS offer UK CAA and EASA MEP IR Renewals and Revalidations via UKFlying. They are based at Perth Airport in Scotland and use modern Diamond DA-42 aircraft. They can assist with UK or EASA licence conversions and are ELCAS approved for military personnel. More details here.
Recruitment
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Freelance Aircrew - Freelance Aircrew provides allows pilots to do contract work when they want. As pilots themselves, the founders of Freelance Aircrew have been frustrated getting requests to do freelance work when it doesn’t suit, or as operators having to spend time and effort trying to find pilots at short notice. The solution is Freelance Aircrew. A global database where pilots are in control of their availability and a solution that saves employers time, money and effort when trying to fill short-notice crewing requirements. It’s FREE for pilots to create a profile and it works. More details here.
​Instructor Training
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Skyborne Airline Academy - The Skyborne approved Flight Instructor Course takes highly skilled, passionate individuals who wish to train and work as Single Engine Piston Flight Instructors and develop the next generation of flying talent. Flight instructors are the backbone of the aviation industry, and our six-week course gives commercial pilots the opportunity to build their flying hours and develop their teaching skills.The Skyborne Flight Instructor Programme will include 30 flying hours and 125 hours of theory training in the UK. More details here.
​Collaborations
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Pilot Network - Europe's biggest comprehensive and extensive flight school reviews and comparison platform. We aim to provide you with an extensive database of flight schools, combined with reviews submitted by pilots, along with a dedicated blog section with regular publications of articles and advice to help you as best as we can. It serves as an aid to enable better decision making, based upon comprehensive and accurate information, in your journey to the flight deck. More details here.
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ECDAA - ECDAA is a non-profit group in which CVD pilots have come together to create awareness and change within Europe on colour vision regulation for aircrew. We support and provide advice for anyone facing medical denials or loss of licenses due to the restrictive regulation currently in place. We work together to push for change within EASA towards a fairer more practical method of testing that will stop the discrimination of many pilots and high-quality candidates. These testing methods are already being used in New Zealand and Australia where change has been made. We welcome you to join us and become part of this great community! More details here.
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