The Elite Programme - FAQs

Will I be able to develop the necessary flying skills?

Consider doing the pilot evaluation test offered by the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators.

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What academic background do I need in order to be able to master the ground studies?

Basic levels (e.g. GCSEs or equivalent) of English and Maths and Physics are usually required as a minimum.

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English is not my first language. Is this a problem?

You will require a reasonable knowledge of the English Language in order to cope with the ground school. It is likely that you will require a certificate of Proficiency in English before you start the course.

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Will I be able to meet the medical requirements?

You will require a Class One medical in order to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. This is a fairly stringent examination. We recommend that you undertake this medical at an early stage. It is expensive (around £400), but it would be unwise to spend very much on flying before you are certain that you can obtain this medical.

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Will I enjoy being a pilot?

Book a "trial lesson" at a local flying training organisation, but make sure that what you are getting is more than a scenic pleasure flight. Try and ensure that you 'take control' for as much of the flight as possible.

(PAT will be delighted to assist you with organising this flight).

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I have been offered a large discount on training costs if I pay the full cost of my training up front. Should I do this?

Beware! A number of flying schools have gone bust in the past (even large well known ones). It is not advisable to pay large sums of money in advance. If a training organisation requires you to do this, you should ensure that the money is held in a secure account. A far better idea is to agree a staged payment schedule but, even then, a secure account is a good idea.

In addition, paying by credit card is always a good idea, as you can usually claim your money back if the organisation goes bust.

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How can I be sure I have budgeted for everything?

Our package price includes all of the following:

  • Ground school costs (PPL course/ATPL course)
  • Flight training costs (PPL/Night/IMC/Multi/CPL/IR courses, aircraft hire for tests)

It excludes the CAA fees (outside our control, but approximately £3,000 at present) and accommodation and subsistence (in the UK customer requirements vary from a tent on a local camping site to a 4 star hotel! A sensible budget would be £4,000 to £5,000).

We also advise you to budget for lost income during the training period and to allow 10 to 15% for contingency (not passing exams/flight tests first time etc). If you ran out of money before you became fully qualified, it would be an awful waste!

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How can I be sure I am comparing like for like when I am talking to different training providers?

PAT can provide you with a questionnaire of the right questions to ask when you are looking for a training provider. Send us an e-mail and we will post it to you.

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