Integrated Flight Training Organisation Comparison

If you’ve decided to go down the integrated flight training route as a “white tail” (which is the phrase to describe a cadet not mentored or sponsored by a specific airline), choosing the most suitable flight school can be a difficult decision. We’ve provided a comparison of the big integrated flight training schools to help you get started, but ultimately we’d strongly recommend visiting and talking to the various flight schools and their current students to see which best suits you.

Integrated flight schools, which are EASA/CAA regulated ‘Approved Training Organisations’ (ATOs), have the advantage of having close links with airlines, which can lead to a job on completion of training. Airlines which offer cadet pilot mentored programs will typically place their cadets on one of these integrated courses. We would recommend applying for an airline mentored place at one of these integrated flight schools before applying as a “white tail” as this offers the most secure way of becoming a First Officer. The latest cadet pilot programs can be found here.

Whilst the flight schools provide a set course price, the establishments tend to differ with what’s included in this price. For example some include accommodation, whilst others don’t. It is important to take such variables into account when considering which is the best option for you.

Integrated Flight School Checklist

We’ve written out a checklist to help you choose the right flight training organisation. Before you make your decision on which flight school to attend, we’d recommend you consider the following:

• What is the total price?
• What does the total price include (or not include)? Equipment, uniform, accommodation etc…
• Are the payments made in instalments? Be very careful about paying for the full cost of your training upfront. If the training school goes out of business half way through your training, you will have a very difficult time trying to recover the money. Most integrated flight training schools will allow you to pay monthly instalments as you progress.
• What happens if you require any additional training? What is the cost of this?
• Does the price include any exam / flight test retakes?
• How long does the course take?
• What happens if it takes longer because of bad weather or other unforeseen issues? Who is responsible for additional accommodation costs etc?
• Where does the training occur (training is often split between countries due to reduced cost of aircraft rental / landing fees / good weather etc…)
• Is accommodation included throughout the various stages of training?
• If accommodation isn’t included, do they support you in finding suitable accommodation?
• What ties does the school have with airlines?
• What is the school’s placement record with airlines like? Can they provide any statistics?
• What do current students think about the training they are receiving?
• Do they offer support in seeking employment after obtaining your licences?
• Is an airline assessment preparation day included in the course? This is something many flight schools now offer.