The journey of becoming a pilot¶

All roads lead to Rome...¶

All roads lead to Rome and almost as many do to a seat in a cockpit. In the following paragraphs we'll focus on obtaining an EASA (or UK CAA) license in Europe, but be told, there are many more ways to get there.

If your aim is to be employable as a first officer (second in command) at an airline, you'll need either an "fATPL", meaning a CPL(A) with an ATPL theory credit, or an MPL.

The MPL¶

The MPL is only available as an integrated course, even more so, it needs to be partnered with an airline. This has the advantage that you know which airline you will end up with already at the beginning of the course, but the disadvantage is that you are very much dependant on it and switching over to a different course once you have started is difficult, almost always leads to part of your training not fully re-credited and solved on case-by-case basis. Keeping that in mind, the MPL is from the beginning targeted towards a job on an airliner in a multi-crew environment. You'll have more time in the simulator for an A320, B737 or whatever aircraft the airline determined the one for your first job, compared to other courses. Your final skill test for the issuance of the license will also be on this aircraft, in the simulator.

The CPL¶

A CPL(A) with ATPL theory credit can be obtained either in a modular or an integrated course. There is no clear "better way" and neither is per say cheaper, it depends on your own situation and the ATO(s) you choose. A modular course gives you the opportunity to select ATOs as you wish and to learn at your own pace, which is especially beneficial if you want or need to keep working in another job alongside your training. That means however, you'll be responsible to find out what you want and need to do in what order and where you can complete certain parts of your training. It might also mean that you have to relocate several times during your training if not all parts are possible to be completed at one ATO or if you choose different ATOs for financial reasons, the quality of training or their reputation.

Integrated courses are more strictly layed out. Before you even have your first lesson, your entire training will already be planned, all flights are lessons according to a plan and you have a defined amount of theory hours. This means you know exactly what to expect and do not need to create your own masterplan, things will be taken care of. It does come with less flexibility however, generally working alongside your training is not possible or only under certain circumstances. Some integrated ATOs have direct links to airlines and offer you job opportunities that you would not get otherwise. Be aware however that you depend on the existance of such a relation. Otherwise on the free market, an integrated course graduate is not seen as significantly better than a modular graduate, as some integrated ATOs might try to claim.

Already hold a license?¶

If you already hold a PPL, you may no longer chose the path of the MPL. You do however have the choice between the CPL modular and the ATP integrated course. If you are interested in an integrated course, keep in mind that you are subject to crediting of flight hours. This can reduce the total cost of the integrated course, however it is likely that your experience will not be credited in full. A modular course will likely be more cost effective.

Finding a Flight School¶

After you have decided on what pathway of getting your license, it's now time to find the flight school that will make that dream come true. In Europe, there are many flight schools to choose from, ranging from small modular setups to large airline-integrated academies.

One of the most important factors is financial stability. Pilot training requires large upfront costs, and if a school goes bankrupt mid-training, students can be left stranded. A recent example is Pilot Flight Academy in Norway, which faced bankruptcy in 2026¹ and FTA-Global in the United Kingdom in 2023², leaving students in an uncertain position after paying significant fees. Situations like this show why it’s important to research ownership, funding, and long-term stability before committing.

You should also look closely at a school’s track record for finishing students on time. Many schools advertise fast programs, but delays due to poor scheduling, instructor shortages, or aircraft availability are common. A reliable school should have a consistent flow that allows students to progress without long breaks.

Value for money is another key point. The cheapest option is not always the best, as limited aircraft or poor organization can lead to delays that cost more in the long run. At the same time, high price does not guarantee quality - Efficiency and structure matter more than branding.

It’s also worth noting that you will likely need to leave your home country to start training. Many students move to countries with better weather or lower costs, such as Spain or Eastern Europe, which can significantly improve training speed and consistency.

Other important considerations include aircraft maintenance, instructor quality, weather conditions, student accommodation, and whether the school has a structured training system that fits your learning style.

In the end, choosing a flight school is about more than just starting your training - it’s about ensuring you can realistically and safely finish it, without unnecessary delays or financial risk.