What are the first steps in becoming a commercial pilot?

If you have already decided that becoming an airline pilot is the career for you then you need to start getting the ball rolling. To make this answer as clear as possible, the advisory steps are outlined below:

1) It is of paramount importance that you carryout thorough research covering the different training avenues available and the schools that offer them. Be clear of all available training avenues and don't be blindsighted at the first open day you attend. This research can include, but is not limited to; visiting generic flight training information websites, dowloading/requesting flight school brochures, visiting flight school open days, speaking with someone you may know that is a pilot & reading flight training journals.

2) Always have pre-planned questions prepared when attending an open day. The schools will provide a multitude of figures detailing how good they are justifying why you should choose them. Important points to consider: Instrument Rating pass rates, ATPL first time pass %, placement record after training (some schools over can over-exagerate this figure). 

3) Once you have collated your research, you must now consider the options available to you. Is Integrated, Modular or MPL for you? 

4) Are your options financially viable? What is included in the cost of the courses (i.e. accomodation, test fees, allowances for additional training etc).  Modular is widely regarded as the most cost effective avenue but job prospects may be brighter with Integrated...

5) Never be afraid to ask for advice & guidance from those in the industry. People DO like to help. 

What are the main differences between Integrated & Modular flight training?

Visit Types of Courses which details each training avenue. 

In brief, Integrated is an accelerated training avenue that takes approximately 18-19 months completed with one flight/approved training organisation. You must  pass aptitude & phsycometric testing process prior to commencement & once completed, a cadet pilot will posses less than 200 flying hours total time. Cost ranges from £77,000 to £90,000. Upon completion you will be a fATPL holder. Course breakdown: 

ATPL Groundschool - Basic flying training - commercial pilot training - intrument rating training - multi-crew cooperation course - jet orientation course - fATPL

Note: You do not obtain a Private Pilot Licence (PPL). 

Modular is made up of different course 'modules' (PPL, ATPL theory, CPL, IR, MCC & JOC). You may complete the modules at the same or different flight/approved training orgainsations.  Rather than pay a relatively large cost upfront, you, in effect, pay as you go which mitigates against some of the financial risk involved. Student pilots will finish flight training with over 200 flying hours total time. You do not need to pass a selection process to undergo a modular training course. Note: Given that you complete a PPL, you wil be in possession of a SEP class rating which enables you to fly single-engined aircraft once qualified.

Which flight training avenue will put me in the best position when securing my first flying job?

This is a difficult question to answer due to the fact that pilot demand is the underlying factor which dictates the available flying opportunities at any given time. If there is a large demand for pilots, then arguably, it doesn't matter which avenue you go down. If pilot demand is slow, then it could be argued that integrated is the way to go as it is regarded by some airlines as the 'approved training route' and some flight schools have partner airlines which they place their cadet pilots with.

It will also largely depend on the individuals motivation and situation (i.e. if he/she has airline connnections, if an individual proactively sends out their CV etc). 

A flight school's placement record is a rather pertinent factor regarding this question. Good placement record - greater likelihood of job straight after training if you met the required standard through training. Some flight schools are better than others at placing students with 'partner airlines'.

Can I obtain a loan to cover the costs of flight training?

This will depend which training avenue you decide to pursue, integrated, modular or MPL. It is no secret that we have been going through one of the worse recessions in decades. Therfore, banks have been reluctent to offer loans to cover flight training costs. However, there are still ways to secure funding to assist flight training costs. Spanish bank BBVA offer loans for 'approved courses' - further information provided on the Funding Options page. 

A career development loan up to the value of £10,000 could be an option to help towards the cost of a flight training course. Main providers of this in the UK are Cooperative Bank and Barclays Bank. 

Announced recently was the news of a Higher Apprenticeship in Professional Pilot Practice. For the first time in 50 years, cadet pilots can now recieve Governement financial support towards a flight training course. Further information provided on the Funding Options page.

With the recent demise of two large flight training organisations, an important factor to consider when choosing a flight/approved training organisation is the payment schedule i.e. is it required upfront or in installments. We would suggest you insist upon paying flight training costs in installments. 

On a final note, check to see whether the flight school offers bond protection to mitigate agaisnt the risk of loss of finances. 

What is the new Multi-Crew Pilots Licence and do airlines prefer this route?

The Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) training avenue is a relatively new course with small course sizes at present. The MPL is exclusively delivered in collaboration with a partner airline with pre-selection & assessment mandatory. The duration and course costs are similar to integrated.

The MPL places greater emphasis on multi-crew cooperation through more simulator time than integrated and modular which is specifically tailored to an individual airlines requirements.

If I did not study Maths & Physicals at A Levels, will it hold me back?

Simple answer is no. It will not hold you back in becoming an airline pilot if you did not, or intend not to study these subjects. However, when you come to studying for ATPL theoretical exams, these subjects will certainly provide a good foothold in understanding some of the knowledge required. If you considering a degree course with pilot training, a University will require a certain amount of UCAS points from completed of A Level subjetcs.

 An airline may prefer these subjects but there are not usually a barrier to employment providing you have met the required standard through training. If you are yet to study further education, these two subjetcs should certainly be considered as options.