How to become a pilot in the UK

As pilot training is so expensive you need to make sure before you begin that it's the right career for you. Discover the qualifications you'll need and the routes you can take to become a pilot

What qualifications do I need to work in aviation?

What GCSEs do I need?

Trainee pilots need to hold good GCSE passes in:

• Maths - this is crucial for navigation, fuel calculations, and flight planning. Most flight schools and airline-sponsored programmes require at least a Grade 4 (C) or higher.
• English - to help with reading manuals, writing reports, and talking to air traffic control. You’ll usually need a Grade 4 or above.
• Science - especially physics as this helps you understand principles of flight, aerodynamics, and weather. While not always a strict requirement, it's highly preferred.

Geography or computer science can also be useful to support your understanding of navigation and flight systems. And a second language is also valuable.

What A-levels do I need to become a pilot?

Whether you need A-levels or not will depend on the training route you take, so make sure to check with the provider. A-level subjects that can strongly improve your chances include:

• Maths - almost always recommended as it’s essential for understanding navigation, aerodynamics, and flight planning.
• Physics - provides a good foundation in the physical principles of flight, including thrust, drag, lift, and weather systems.
• English - important for communication and understanding aviation language (ICAO requires English proficiency).

Geography, design and technology, computer science and engineering are also useful.

Do I need a degree to be a pilot?

You do not need a degree to become a pilot but you shouldn’t dismiss the idea out of hand. Aviation is a volatile industry and gaining a degree would give you qualifications to fall back on if you needed to look for alternative employment.

While aviation degrees aren't essential, a number of universities run relevant courses. For example, Bucks New University offers the BSc Aviation Management with Commercial Pilot Training in Aeroplanes,Ìýwhile Kingston University London runs the BSc Aviation Operations with Commercial Pilot Training.

Both these courses can be completed within three years, although the Kingston course allows you to undertake a sandwich year, making it a four-year programme. Tuition fees for both courses are £9,250 per year but you'll also have additional fees to cover as you'll be training for the integrated ATPL qualification. At Bucks you should expect the extra cost to reach as high as £75,000, while at Kingston it's within the region of £84,000 to £94,250.

What licenses and certificates do I need?

To work as a professional commercial airline pilot and fly an aircraft with nine or more passenger seats, you'll need to apply for an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

However, before you can do this, you'll be expected to have undertaken the necessary training and obtain a Class 1 Medical Certificate (valid for 12 months until you're 40).

Find out whether you're cut out to be a pilot by taking an aptitude assessment test from The Honourable Company of Air Pilots at a cost of £75. Tests are carried out at Air Pilots House in London. Check The Honourable Company of Air Pilots website for up-to-date information on test dates.

You'll graduate from flying school with a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and an Instrumental Rating (IR), which combine to make up a 'frozen ATPL'. With a frozen ATPL you'll be able to apply for jobs as a first officer or co-pilot. To 'unfreeze' your ATPL you'll need to complete 1,500 hours of flying experience, after which you'll be able to apply for jobs as a captain.

You'll also need to pass a practical skills test, in addition to ATPL theoretical knowledge exams in areas such as air law, operation procedures and radio navigation.

Can I do a pilot apprenticeship?

You can do a Level 6 Commercial Airline Pilot Degree Apprenticeship, which is a relatively new and growing pathway. It combines practical flight training with academic study, leading to a Bachelors degree and a frozen ATPL. Taking from 18 months to two years training costs are covered by your employer and you’ll earn a wage throughout your training.

Discover what other transport apprenticeships are available.

What are the routes to becoming a pilot?

Pilot training schools, otherwise known as flying schools, typically offer three types of professional flight training - integrated, modular and multi-crew pilot licence (MPL). Integrated and modular lead to the same licence (a 'frozen' ATPL).

Integrated pilot courses

Integrated courses enable trainee pilots with no previous flying experience to gain their ATPL within 18 months. Courses are intense and as such you'll need to finish the training in one go. Integrated courses incorporate both theoretical study and practical flying experience at the same training school. Schools often charge large upfront fees. The four main elements of the course are:

• theoretical training
• flight training
• multi crew course, such as Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation Course (APS MCC), Multi-Crew Co-operation Course (MCC) or Jet orientation course (JOC)
• airline preparation course.

Once these elements are completed, you'll be issued with a 'frozen' ATPL.

Modular training courses

This is a step-by-step approach where you earn each qualification separately, rather than doing it all in one continuous programme (like in integrated training). This route is often cheaper and gives you the flexibility to train at your own pace. It also allows trainees to work alongside their studies to pay course fees but it does take up to four years, which is longer than the Integrated route

Multi-crew pilot license

The MPL should only be considered if you want to fly for a specific airline on a certain type of aircraft. It allows the holder to exercise the privileges of the frozen ATPL, but is limited to a specific type, certificated for multi-pilot operation only.

Where can I undertake pilot training?

If you've decided to train through a flying school or Approved Training Organisation (ATO), the CAA offers advice on finding a flight school, while it also lists approved flying schools.

You need to consider:

• the type of course on offer
• aircraft types used
• the location of the school
• whether all training can be completed in the UK
• the cost.

Before making a decision it's best to visit the school. Ask plenty of questions - especially to current and recently graduated students - and use this visit to get an overall feeling of the school.

If you opt to train at a pilot training school, you'll be expected to pay the expensive course fees yourself, and you won't have a guaranteed job at the end of it. There have been instances of flying schools collapsing leaving cadets out of pocket, so it's wise to ensure your money is protected should this happen.

Alternatively, you could consider structured programmes offered by major airlines, including British Airways (BA),ÌýRyanairÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýeasyJet. They work with established providers that will carry out the pilot training. The majority of these programmes are fully self-funded.

How much does it cost to become a pilot in the UK?

It's not cheap. In fact, training to become a pilot in the UK is incredibly expensive so you need to be sure it's the right path for you before committing to a course. Fees differ depending on the school and route you take but pilot training usually costs:

• integrated - £80,000 to £130,000
• modular - £60,000 to £90,000
• MPL - £85,000 to £120,000.

There are also additional costs to consider such as:

• Class 1 Medical Certificate - £600 initial free and then any renewals
• ATPL theory books/tools - £500 to £1,000
• uniforms, equipment and headsets - £1,000 upwards
• skills assessments or selection fees - £200 to £500 (at some academies)
• accommodation and travel if training away from home.

Detailed information on qualifications, training routes, required skills and costs are covered at the British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA).

What job specific skills do I need?

• Strong situational awareness - to help you understand what's happening around you in the air and on the ground. This is crucial for navigation, safety, and decision-making.
• Attention to detail - pilots must follow checklists, monitor instruments, and catch anomalies. Making even one small mistake can lead to dangerous consequences.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills - able to quickly assess and respond to emergencies, weather changes, or system failures.
• Effective communication - you need to have clear and concise radio communication with air traffic control and co-pilots. Also, English proficiency is required by the ICAO.
• Teamwork and leadership - this is especially true in multi-crew environments. You must cooperate, give instructions, and take the lead when necessary.
• Calm under pressure - you need to stay composed during engine failures, diversions, or passenger issues.
• Maths and physics competence - for fuel calculations, navigation, weight and balance, and understanding aircraft systems.
• Decision-making - the ability to make safe, timely choices even with incomplete information.
• Excellent vision and spatial awareness - you need a high level of visual awareness and depth perception (corrective lenses are often allowed).
• Manual dexterity and coordination - for handling controls, especially during take-off and landing.

What does the application process involve?

The application process to become a pilot - especially a commercial airline pilot - involves several stages to assess your academic ability, aptitude, health, and personal qualities.

• Submit online application - you’ll need to include basic personal and academic details, explain why you want to be a pilot, and state your preferences for start dates, training locations, or airline partners. You may also need to include your CV and a cover letter.
• Complete aptitude and psychometric tests - these could include numerical and verbal reasoning, hand-eye coordination, memory and multitasking and situational judgment. Get advice on psychometric tests.
• Attend an interview and assessment centre - you may have a panel interview, carry out group exercises and answer technical questions. Take a look at our interview tips.
• Simulator assessment - some schools or airline cadet programmes include a basic flight simulator test to assess your learning speed, coordination, and spatial awareness.
• Medical exam - you must pass a CAA-approved Class 1 Medical which covers vision, hearing, heart and lung function, blood/urine tests and mental health screening.

If you pass all the stages then you will be accepted. However, stages will vary so please ensure you check with your chosen provider.

Find out more

• Take a look at airline graduate schemes.