If you’re looking to become a pilot, then London is the place to be! Some of the flight schools in London on our list are among the best flight schools in the world.
Getting a flight degree is one of the best ways to start your pilot career, but it can be hard to find the school that best suits your needs.
Before choosing a flight school, it’s important to do thorough research on what school will best prepare you for your career and how you’ll be able to pay for it.
That is why we’ve compiled a list of 20 top flight schools in London, all of which will help you achieve your aviation dreams.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a commercial or private pilot, these schools have the expertise and resources to help you succeed.
So what are you waiting for? Start your search for the best flight school today!
Is Attending a Flight School in London a Good Idea?
London is one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic cities. With a population of over 8 million people, London is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks and museums.
There are also more than 300 colleges and universities in the city, many of which are ranked among the best in the world.
London is one of the world’s most exciting cities. With the best flight schools in London, you’ll be able to explore the city and its culture like a local.
Is a Flight Degree Worth it?
Some people choose to become commercial pilots because they enjoy flying. Others may want to make money by providing air transportation services. Still, others may want to earn extra income while pursuing their career goals.
Whatever the situation, for those who aspire to become pilots, obtaining a flight degree is worth it because a flight degree is the first step toward becoming a pilot.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, commercial and airline pilot employment is expected to expand by 5% over the next ten years. This growth rate is higher than the overall average for all occupations.
Cost of Attending a Flight School in London
There is no fixed amount attached to the cost of attending a flight school in London as various schools have various prices for various pilot licenses.
For instance, the cost of an integrated course at a flight school like the FTA is EUR 87,950, whereas the cost of an integrated course at L3Harris Airline Academy is EUR 79,950.
However, the average cost of attending a flight school in London falls in the range of EUR 70,000 and EUR 120,000.
The List of Best Flying Schools in London
London is a city of many faces. From the vibrant nightlife to the world-class shopping, dining, and nightlife and, of course, the iconic sights, it’s easy to get caught up in the city’s energy.
But there’s more to London than just the city itself. There are also the world’s best schools in London.
Here’s a list of the top flight schools in London in no particular order:
1. Flight Training London
In North London, at the London Elstree Aerodrome, lies the professional and welcoming Approved Training Organization known as Flight Training London. The school is conveniently located within the M25 and they are reachable by car, train, or subway.
Programs Offered include:
- Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
- Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL)
- Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
- Multi-Engine Piston Rating (ME)
- Instrument Rating (IR)
- Competency Based Instrument Rating (CBIR)
- The Restricted Instrument Rating (IR(R) or IMC)
- Night Rating (N)
Other services as well as Self Hire, Aircraft Conversions, The Co-Pilot Course, Check-outs, Ground School and Hour-Building.
2. L3Harris Airline Academy
L3Harris Airline Academy offers a variety of pilot training courses for those who want their career to take off, whether they have little to no flying experience or are looking to develop their piloting skills.
The school is regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Programs Offered Include:
- All Modular ATPL courses
- Private Pilot Licence
- Hours Building
- ATPL Theoretical Knowledge (Classroom Based)
- ATPL Theoretical Knowledge (Distance Learning)
- MEP & IR with CPL
- APS MCC
- UKCAA Integrated ATPL
- EASA Integrated ATPL
3. London Waterloo Academy
The beginning of a new phase in your life may appear isolating and challenging. At London Waterloo Academy, they make sure that every journey is made easier by helping and directing their students at every turn.
The school believes that success and reaching each person’s goals depend on having the correct skills, resources, and support. The school also believes that their foundation is the success of its students and graduates.
Numerous international and European major airlines contact London Waterloo Academy to hire their graduates.
Graduates of this school now fly with Air France, Small Planet, Etihad, British Airways, EasyJet, Hainan Airlines, Ryanair, Saudi Air, Cubana de Aviación, Thomas Cook, Titan, Qatar, Norwegian B737 Short Haul, and lots more.
Programs Offered include:
- Airline Cabin Crew
- Virtual Airline Cabin Crew course
- Cabin crew recruitment and selection day
- SEP (Safety Equipment & Procedures)
- VIP Corporate Flight Attendant training
- EASA CCA Cabin Crew Attestation course
- Customer Service Professional
4. EFG Flying School
EFG Flying School is a professional flight school and they have members from both London and the South East.
Whether you have little or no knowledge about piloting, this school is a good friendly flight school to consider.
When graduates from this school obtain their license, they do not only continue to fly with the school, but also pursue further education or certification as commercial pilots.
Lots of pilots have thoroughly enjoyed their stay in the school and have decided to join the school’s knowledgeable staff of instructors.
Programs Offered include:
- Private Pilot Licence – PPL(A)
- Night Rating
- IMC/IR(R) Rating
- Multi-Engine Piston Rating – (MEP)
- Commercial Pilot Licence – CPL(A)
- Flight Instructor Training
- Instrument Rating
5. Stars Fly Flying Club
Stars Fly Flying Club is a professional flight school that allows students to learn in a good and friendly environment while minimizing cost.
This school is the best place to start if you’re looking for a flying school, looking for a gift idea in a trial flight lesson, or are interested in advancing your aviation goals with one of the school’s many flying courses.
The goal of the school is to bring people together, new students and seasoned pilots, who want to enjoy the joy of flying while continuing to study and enhance their flying abilities and competency.
Stars Flying School is located in the historic Elstree Airfield, close to North London.
Additionally, this flight school wants to make sure that their members have access to affordable, reliable, safe, and efficient aircraft.
Programs Offered include:
- Private Pilots Licence (PPL)
- Instrument Meteorological Conditions Course (IMC)
- Night Rating
- The Light Aircraft Pilots Licence (LAPL)
- Ground School
6. North Weald Flight Training
North Weald is the largest CAA Approved Training Organisation (ATO) and they are recognized as the leading provider of Private Pilot License Flight Training.
North Weald is dedicated to offering a professional and enjoyable approach, whether you are seeking a special treat for yourself, a gift for someone else with one of the school’s personalized “Trial Lesson” or “Flight Experience” coupons, or even start your Private Pilot Licence.
This flight school has a team of highly experienced and professional flight instructors and also a fleet of aircraft that is well-maintained.
For your flight test and ground tests, the school also provides exceptional availability in addition to their internal ground and flight examiners.
Programs Offered include:
- Private Pilots License
- Light Aircraft Pilots License
- Instrument Rating Restricted (IR R)
- Competency-Based Instrument Rating
- Night Rating
- Differences Training
- Radiotelephony Courses
- Ground School
- Aerobatic Rating
- Commercial Pilots Licence
- Flight Instructors Course
7. Redhill Aviation Flight Centre
Redhill Aviation Flight Centre is a reputable, welcoming flying club and UK CAA Approved Training Organization (ATO).
The school has four examiners, including a VHF and HF radio examiner, and four knowledgeable and supportive instructors.
In order to provide you the chance to fly with a friend or family member, the school also offers a comprehensive spectrum of air experience flights, from a 30-minute sample trip to a “land-away” excursion.
Popular two-seat and four-seat aircraft, as well as sophisticated single-engine and multi-engine piston aircraft, are all part of Redhill Aviation’s extensive fleet.
Programs Offered include:
- Private Pilots License
- Light Aircraft Pilots License
- Instrument Rating
- IMC Rating
- Night Rating
- Aerobatic Rating
- Safety Pilot / Co-Pilot Course
- Multi-Engine Piston
- Flight Instructors Rating
- Commercial Pilots Licence
8. FTA Global
FTA Global provide top-notch flight training for seasoned pilots from their base at Brighton City Airport. The school’s entire flight and ground school curriculum is taught from a single location in the UK.
The South Coast of England attracts students from all over the world who want to take advantage of this school’s integrated and modular flight deck programs.
Modern DA40 Star and DA42 Twin Star planes that have the same EFIS, ADC, FADEC, and GNSS instruments seen on modern airliner flight decks are used by the students of FTA Global to learn to fly.
Programs Offered include:
- Integrated Flight Deck Programme
- Integrated Lite
- MPL Transfer/Conversion
- Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
- ATPL Theory (Ground School)
- MEP Rating
- Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (ME IR)
- Multi-Engine Commercial Pilot Licence (ME CPL)
- Upset Prevention Recovery Training (UPRT)
- Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC/JOC)
- Flight Instructor Course (FIC)
9. CAE Oxford Aviation Academy
Since 1963, CAE Oxford has been educating aspiring aviators. The EASA Integrated ATPL pilot training program is conveniently located at London Oxford Airport, making it the ideal starting point.
Graduates begin their careers as pilots with carriers including CityJet, EasyJet, Ryanair, and Volotea.
At CAE, they work to improve the efficiency of your workforce and the security of your business. This aviation academy assists you in developing the skills needed to behave more safely and come to better judgments more quickly through the use of their immersive training solutions and experiences.
For airline pilots, this school provides a huge selection of training programs. CAE has a solution for your pilot training needs, whether you’re looking to improve your credentials with a Type Rating course or need to sign up for a Skills Test class.
Programs Offered includes:
- Type Rating Training course
- Jet Orientation Course
- SFI/TRI Rating Course
- Refresher Course
- Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training
10. Aviation Insider
Your go-to partner for your aviation journey is Aviation Insider.
The school’s platform seeks to offer a full range of goods and services so you may manage your career from beginning to end! They collaborate with BALPA and a Department for Work and Pensions-approved provider.
To give you the best chance of passing your simulator check and landing a job, Aviation Insider offers qualified Simulator Assessment Preparation Sessions.
Aviation Universities in London:
- Brunel University London
- Kingston University London
- Staffordshire University
- University of Sheffield
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Leeds
- University of Liverpool
- University of Salford
- The University of the West of England
- University of Nottingham
How much is a Pilot’s License in the UK?
How much does a Private Pilot License cost in the UK? Private Pilot Licenses cost EUR 13,000 (including Value Added Tax). This cost includes 45 hours of single-engine flight time and 5 hours of night flying time.
How Much Does a Pilot Earn in the UK?
Salaries of pilots in the UK are affected by various factors including the airline the pilot flies for, the type of aircraft, and the pilot’s level of experience.
Newly qualified pilots in small airline companies can make around EUR 24,000 a year while newly qualified pilots in larger companies can range from EUR 28,000 to EUR 35,000.
Flying a plane requires a great deal of skill and experience, so it is not surprising that the most experienced pilots can earn up to EUR 48,000.
Also, the starting salary for a captain with a medium-sized airline company ranges from EUR 54,000 to EUR 75,000. While major airline companies employ captains who make EUR 97,000 to more than EUR 140,000.
Are Pilots in Demand in the UK?
Even though the aviation industry is currently experiencing a downturn due to the covid-19 pandemic, Boeing expects the demand for new aviation professionals including pilots to remain robust in the future.
What Age Do Pilots Retire in The UK?
For most jobs that require mental acuity, there is a certain age at which retirement is compulsory.
Unlike countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada that do not have a limit on pilot ages, the laws clearly dictate that UK-registered pilots must retire at the age of 65.
Conclusion:
We hope you’ve found this blog post helpful in understanding the top 20 flight schools in London.
If you’re still unsure which school is best for you, take out time to visit each school’s website. After visiting the various sites, you should be on the right path to starting your flight career in no time.
Best of luck!