🕷️ Crawler Inspector

[Skip to main content](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/articles/advice/become-a-pilot#mainContent) [University of Lancashire](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/) [Studentsopens in a new tab](https://students.lancashire.ac.uk/) [Staffopens in a new tab](https://msuclanac.sharepoint.com/sites/intranethome) Open Search Open Main Navigation - Open Open Days menu - [University Open Days](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/open-days) - [Open Day FAQs](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/open-days/faqs) - [Plan your Open Day](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/open-days/attending-an-open-day) - [Campus tours](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/visit/campus-tours) - [Preston Postgraduate Open Evening - Wednesday 3 June](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/open-days/postgrad-open-evening-june) - [Preston Undergraduate Open Day - Saturday 20 June](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/open-days/preston-open-day-june) - [Vet Undergraduate Open Day - Saturday 20 June](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/open-days/vet-open-day-june) - [Preston Undergraduate Open Day - Sunday 16 August](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/open-days/preston-open-day-aug) - [Vet Undergraduate Open Day - Sunday 16 August](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/open-days/vet-open-day-august) Close Menu Item: Open Days - Open Study menu - [Undergraduate study](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/undergraduate) - [Degree Apprenticeships](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/degree-apprenticeships) - [Postgraduate study](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/postgraduate) - [Postgraduate research](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/postgraduate-research) - [Professional development and short courses](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/cpd) - [A-Z of courses](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/courses/a-z) - [Explore our subjects](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/subjects) - [University Open Days](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/open-days) - [University Clearing](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/clearing) - [Fees and funding](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/study/fees-and-finance) - [Order a prospectus](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/order-a-prospectus) - [How to apply to university](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply) - [Global opportunities](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/study/global-opportunities) - [Return to Study](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/study/return-to-study) - [University exhibitions](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/visit/university-exhibitions) - [Campuses and partners](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/campuses) - [Study at a partner](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/study/partners) - [Student policies and regulations](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/legal/student-policies) Close Menu Item: Study - Open Life menu - [Accommodation](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/accommodation) - [Student life](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/student-life) - [Student support](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/support) - [Welcome and arrival information](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/welcome) - [Campuses and partners](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/campuses) - [Offer holders](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/applicants) - [Graduation](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/graduation) - [Commuter students](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/student-life/commuting) - [Financial support](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/support/financial-support) - [Parents, carers and guardians hub](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/study/information-for-parents) - [Student voice](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/articles/student-voice) - [Advice articles](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/articles/advice) Close Menu Item: Life - Open International menu - [International students](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/international-students) - [EU and international tuition fees](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/study/fees-and-finance/eu-and-international-students) - [International](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/about-us/international) - [International partners](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/study/partners/international) - [A-Z of courses](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/courses/a-z) - [Explore our subjects](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/subjects) - [Find your country or region](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/international-students/country) - [How to apply as an international student](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/international-students/how-to-apply) - [Scholarships and bursaries](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/study/fees-and-finance/bursaries-and-scholarships) - [English language entry requirements](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/international-students/english-requirements) - [Explore our campuses](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/campuses/explore) Close Menu Item: International - Open Business menu - [Support for your business](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/business) - [Apprenticeships for employers](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/business/apprenticeships) - [Training and CPD](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/business/training) - [Research and innovation](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/business/research-and-innovation) - [Knowledge Transfer Partnerships](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/business/research-and-innovation/ktp) - [Facilities hire](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/business/facilities) - [Recruit our students](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/business/recruit-our-students) - [Business news](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/articles/business) - [Apprenticeship Matching Service](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/business/apprenticeships/ams) - [Workshops and events](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/business/training#events) Close Menu Item: Business - Open Research menu - [Research](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/research) - [Research and Knowledge Exchange Institutes](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/research/institutes) - [Research and Knowledge Exchange Service (RKES)](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/research/services) - [Postgraduate research](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/postgraduate-research) - [Academic development for research and knowledge exchange](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/research/academic-development-research-enterprise) - [Research strategy and policy](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/research/strategy-and-policy) - [Facilities hire](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/business/facilities) Close Menu Item: Research - Open More menu - [Work with us](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/jobs) - [Alumni Network](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/alumni) - [Giving to the University](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/giving) - [Events](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/events) - [Visit us](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/visit) - [News](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/news) - [About us](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/about-us) - [Sustainability](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/about-us/sustainability) - [Academic staff](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/academics) - [Facilities](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/facilities) - [Professional services](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/professional-services) - [Preston venue hire](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/events/venue-hire) - [Schools and colleges liaison](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/about-us/schools-and-colleges) Close Menu Item: More Open Saved courses - [Home](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/) - [Articles](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/articles) - [Back to Advice](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/articles/advice) - How to become a pilot # How to become a pilot Advice Interested in becoming a pilot? In this article you'll discover the benefits, qualifications, and different routes you can take to pursue a career as a pilot.  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 an 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.   ## Start your journey to your dream career Book an open day to explore our campuses and facilities. Discover how our courses can help you build your future career. [Book an Open Day](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/open-days) Previous slide Next slide > My scholarship journey has been extremely hard work, but it was genuinely the best time of my life. ![image overlay](<data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg width="80" height="80" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/%3E>)   David Hart Future pilot [Read more](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/news/skys-the-limit-for-talented-uclan-student) ## Why become a pilot? Open all accordion items ### Travel the world You’ll get to meet new people and experience life in different cultures. If you want to see the world, there’s no better way to do it than from the seat in a cockpit. ### Salary benefits After you qualify and progress on to a senior first officer role, you can expect to be paid a salary of around £85,000. Starting salaries for captains at a medium-sized airline range between £54,000 and £75,000. If you’re employed by a major airline, you’re likely to earn between £97,000 and £140,000 a year. ### Great view You won’t be staring at the same view every day when you’re a pilot. The world is your view, and it will change minute by minute. ## How to become a pilot in the UK Pilot training schools, or flying schools, typically provide three 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. ### Integrated pilot training ### Modular pilot training ### Multi-crew pilot training (MPL) ### Integrated pilot training 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) ### Modular pilot training 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](https://www.caa.co.uk/general-aviation/pilot-licences/aeroplanes/private-pilot-licence-for-aeroplanes/) (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. ### Multi-crew pilot training (MPL) You could also train via a structured programme that some major airlines offer. Airlines like [British Airways](https://careers.ba.com/pilots), [Ryanair](https://careers.ryanair.com/cadets/) and [EasyJet](https://careers.easyjet.com/en/career-areas/pilots/become-a-pilot) work alongside established providers to train aspiring pilots. Most of these programmes are self-funded but you have a high chance of securing employment with the airline you’re training with after completing the programme. ### 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. - At the time of writing, 104 UCAS points are required to be accepted onto our [BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/aerospace-engineering-with-pilot-studies-beng) degree course. Though it is important to note, completing this course alone will not make you a qualified pilot. 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](https://www.caa.co.uk/general-aviation/learning-to-fly/finding-a-flight-school-or-examiner/) can help you find a flight school to train at. 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 Open all Frequently asked questions about becoming a pilot accordion items ### What do I need to become a pilot? You’ll need to do the necessary training and have a [Class 1 medical certificate.](https://www.caa.co.uk/commercial-industry/pilot-licences/medical/apply-for-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](https://www.caa.co.uk/). 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, 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 haveaccess 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? You can take an [aptitude assessment test](https://www.airpilots.org/what-we-do/career-development/aptitude-tests/) from The Honourable Company of Air Pilots. The tests cost £105 and take place at Air Pilots House in London. ### 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. ### 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. ### 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](https://careers.ryanair.com/pilots/become-a-pilot/), [Easy Jet](https://careers.easyjet.com/en/career-areas/pilots/become-a-pilot) and [British Airways](https://careers.ba.com/pilots) all offer training programmes. 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?   Course [Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies, BEng (Hons)](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/aerospace-engineering-with-pilot-studies-beng)   [Engineering](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/discover/engineering)   [Why choose us?](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/student-life/why-choose-us) - [Open Days](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/open-days) - [How to apply](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply) - [Order a prospectus](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/order-a-prospectus) [](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/) Preston, Lancashire, UK PR1 2HE [\+44 (0)1772 201201](tel:+441772201201) - [Facebook opens in a new tab](https://www.facebook.com/UniLancashire/) - [X opens in a new tab](https://x.com/uni_lancashire) - [Instagram opens in a new tab](https://www.instagram.com/unilancashire/) - [Youtube opens in a new tab](https://www.youtube.com/@unilancashire) - [TikTok opens in a new tab](https://www.tiktok.com/@unilancashire) - [LinkedIn opens in a new tab](https://www.linkedin.com/school/unilancashire/) [University of the Year The Edufuturists Uprising 2023](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/news/uclan-crowned-university-of-the-year) [Most affordable university in the UK The Times 2023](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/news/most-affordable-uni-the-times) - [Subjects](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/subjects) - [Courses A-Z](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/courses/a-z) - [Undergraduate courses](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/courses/a-z/undergraduate) - [Postgraduate courses](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/courses/a-z/postgraduate-taught) - [Short courses](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/courses/a-z/cpd-short-courses) - [Book a campus tour](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/visit/campus-tours) - [About us](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/about-us) - [Contact us](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/contact) - [Online Store](https://onlinestore.lancashire.ac.uk/) - [Report + Support](https://reportandsupport.lancashire.ac.uk/) - [Work with us](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/jobs) - [Charitable status](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/legal/charity-information)     - [Accessibility statement](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/legal/accessibility) - [Cookie notice](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/legal/cookie-notice) - [Modern slavery statement](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/legal/modern-slavery) - [Legal and regulatory information](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/legal) - [Harassment and sexual misconduct information](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/legal/harassment-sexual-misconduct) © 2026 The University of Lancashire \| [Copyright notice](https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/legal/copyright)

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 an 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.