Becoming a commercial pilot through the modular route is a flexible and cost-effective way to achieve your goal while allowing you to progress at your own pace. This approach lets you complete each stage of training separately, often while continuing to work or study. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to become a commercial pilot through the modular route in the UK.
Step 1: Obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL)
1. Private Pilot License (PPL) Course:
Requirements:
Minimum age of 17 years
Class 2 Medical Certificate
Training:
Minimum of 45 hours of flight training, including 10 hours of solo flight and 5 hours of solo cross-country flight
Cost: Approximately £10,000 - £15,000
Step 2: Build Your Flight Hours
2. Hour Building:
Details: You need to build up your flying hours to meet the requirements for the Commercial Pilot License (CPL). This typically means logging a total of 150 hours of flight time.
Options: Renting aircraft from flight schools like Fife Flight Centre or participating in flying clubs.
Cost: Varies depending on the aircraft type and rental rates (typically £150 - £250 per hour).
Step 3: Obtain a Night Rating (Optional but Recommended)
3. Night Rating:
Requirements: PPL holder
Training: Minimum of 5 hours of flight training at night
Cost: Approximately £1,000 - £1,500
Benefits: Enhances your skills and makes you more versatile as a pilot.
Step 4: Obtain an Instrument Rating (Restricted) IR(R)
4. IR(R) Course:
Requirements: PPL holder, minimum of 25 hours of flight time post-PPL
Training: Minimum of 15 hours of instrument flight training
Cost: Approximately £4,000 - £6,000
Details: Allows you to fly in conditions of reduced visibility and is a valuable step towards a full Instrument Rating (IR).
Step 5: Complete Theoretical Knowledge Training
5. ATPL Theory (Theoretical Knowledge Training):
Requirements: None, but recommended after obtaining PPL
Study Options: Distance learning or classroom-based courses
Exams: 14 subjects including air law, navigation, meteorology, and flight planning
Cost: Approximately £3,000 - £4,000
Duration: 6 to 12 months depending on study pace
Step 6: Obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
6. CPL Course:
Requirements: Minimum of 150 hours of flight time, including 100 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
Training:
25 hours of flight training if you have a Night Rating
35 hours if you do not have a Night Rating
Cost: Approximately £10,000 - £15,000
Details: Includes advanced maneuvers, navigation exercises, and skill tests.
Step 7: Obtain a Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) Rating
7. MEP Rating:
Requirements: PPL or CPL holder
Training: Minimum of 6 hours of flight training in a multi-engine aircraft
Cost: Approximately £3,000 - £5,000
Details: Allows you to fly twin-engine aircraft, which is essential for many commercial flying jobs.
Step 8: Obtain an Instrument Rating (IR)
8. Instrument Rating (IR):
Requirements: Minimum of 50 hours of cross-country flight as PIC
Training: Approximately 55 hours of instrument flight training
Cost: Approximately £15,000 - £20,000
Details: Essential for flying in all weather conditions and required for most commercial operations.
Step 9: Complete Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) Course
9. MCC Course:
Training: Typically a 2-week course
Cost: Approximately £2,000 - £4,000
Details: Teaches you how to operate as part of a multi-crew team, a necessary skill for airline operations.
Step 10: Apply for Jobs and Gain Experience
10. Apply for Commercial Pilot Jobs:
Details: With your CPL, ATPL theory, MEP, IR, and MCC, you can apply for entry-level commercial pilot positions. Many pilots start as flight instructors, charter pilots, or in other roles to gain experience.
How Fife Flight Centre can help you
You can complete your Private Pilot Licence, hour building, restricted instrument rating and night rating with us. For everything else we can put you in touch with a trusted partner school.
You can compete over 60% of the training towards an airline job with Fife Flight Centre.