If you’ve decided to go down the integrated flight training route, rather than modular, as a “White Tail” (not mentored or sponsored by a specific airline), choosing which flight schools is best for you can be a tough call. We’d recommend visiting and talking to the various flight schools 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 will provide the most secure way into the industry. 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.

Flight School Entry Requirements

The typical criteria to be eligible to apply to an integrated flight training program within Europe is as follows:

• Be 17 years old or greater
• Hold a valid Class One medical
• Be fluent in English language (written and spoken)
• Have a secondary school education or greater with 5 grades A-C
• Have the right to live and work in the EU

But this will differ between each organisation.

Integrated Flight School Checklist

We’ve written out a checklist to help you choose the 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? Equipment, uniform 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.