Becoming a commercial pilot is an exciting journey, and the modular route offers a flexible, cost-effective way to achieve your dream. Our Commercial Pilot Pathway at the Aviation Academy (Scotland) is designed to guide you through every step, allowing you to complete the majority of your training with us before moving on to specialised commercial qualifications with our trusted partners. Here’s how it works:
Foundation Training
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 40 hours of flight training, including 10 hours of solo flight and 5 hours of solo cross-country flight
Cost: Included as part of the Commercial Pilot Pathway which is pay as you go at under £270 an hour in 2024
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: 10% discount on usual rental rates for Commercial Pilot Pathway Students. Under £240 in 2024
Step 3: Obtain a Night Rating
3. Night Rating:
Requirements: PPL holder
Training: Minimum of 5 hours of flight training at night
Cost: Pay as you go with a 10% discount off training rates for Pathway students. Around £1,500
Benefits: Enhances your skills and makes you more versatile as a pilot.
Step 4: Obtain an IMC Rating
4. IMC Course:
Requirements: PPL holder, minimum of 25 hours of flight time post-PPL
Training: Minimum of 15 hours of instrument flight training
Cost: Included as part of the Commercial Pilot Pathway. Paid hourly
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: Once you have gained your PPL you can get started
Study Options: Distance learning or classroom-based courses
Exams: 14 subjects including air law, navigation, meteorology, and flight planning
Cost: Approximately £2,500 - £7,000
Duration: 6 to 12 months depending on study pace
Specialism Training
From here onwards you'll transfer to a trusted partner school who are set up to deliver pay as you go training without the delays other providers are currently experiencing.
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 we can help you
Joining the Aviation Academy Scotland's Commercial Pilot Pathway is the best way to get to a career in aviation. All foundation training is delivered at Fife Flight Centre by our experienced instructors.