This post will be focusing on the pilot cadet programs available in the UK. I will list them from the best which are ones where the airline will repay your entire training costs, to the newer MPL licence where the airline may pay some of your costs.
Sponsorship programs where the airline repay your costs.
- Aer Lingus Cadet Programme – Aer Lingus actually cover your costs through training if you are luckily enough to get selected. There were 12 positions available this year. On completion you will be luckily enough to fly the Airbus A320 for the company.
- British Airways Future Pilot Programme – BA only take cadets from their own schemes so you cannot go through the modular then apply to BA. However they will consider you when you have experience after flying for another airline.
High cost cadetships / MPL (Multi crew Pilot Licence)
- Virgin Atlantic Future Flyers Programme – This is quite a unique programme as after training you will end up flying an Airbus A330 which of course is a long haul jet. This is pretty much unheard of in the industry so instantly this programme has a unique selling point. The cost is £110,000 however part of it is a bond that will be repayed by the airline. You will of course have to be able to finance it somehow before that happens though.
- Easyjet Cadet Programme – Easyjet have partnered with two of the big integrated schools to run their cadet programme on a MPL licence. The airline takes over 200 cadets a year and at the end of training you will end up on their A320 range of aircraft. Once again big finance will be required with the course costing £100,500.
- Flybe Cadet Programme – Flybe run a MPL with the same schools as Easyjet. However unlike Easyjet, they also have been taking modularly trained pilots. The Flybe course will cost £89,800, with the airline covering £23,760. Flybe will then cover your type rating at the cost of £13,500 but this will be paid back to you in a bond over the next 3 years.
With all these pilot cadet programs you should also check if accommodation and or food is included, as well as other living expenses. Which of course over 18 months could add a LOT to the upfront cost of the course.
As always do your own research and make sure you know what you are signing up to. Best of luck!
Thinking of training via the modular route? Or started and still have questions? Then read The Essential Modular Flight Training Guide.
