Commercial Airline Pilot in the UK (UK CAA CPL, IR and ATPL)
How to become an airline pilot in the UK: Class 1 medical, integrated or modular training, ATPL theory, CPL/IR, MCC and the First Officer to Captain path
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Where it leads
- Student pilot
- Commercial pilot (CPL/IR holder)
- Flight instructor
- Airline cadet / trainee pilot
- First Officer
0 of 13 gates cleared
Before you spend money or years
Check these first; they can end the journey before it costs you
Go / no-go check
Red light: check these before paying any fees.
Training is expensive (one UK school publishes £114,950 for an integrated ATPL before medicals, licence fees, living costs and a type rating), a licence does not guarantee an airline job, and airline hiring changes with the economy. Check your Class 1 medical before committing large sums.
Is this you?
Tick the ones that are true for you.
13 gates to the cockpit
13 gates in 4 legs. Tap a gate to read it; log the date when you clear it.
Understand the job, the two entry paths and what has to be true before training makes sense. Next: check your eligibility.
The UK CAA licences set ages and medical requirements but no school-subject or degree requirement. Training organisations and airline programmes add their own entry requirements. Next: the Class 1 medical.
A Part MED Class 1 medical certificate is required to hold a CPL or ATPL and to train for them. The initial Class 1 is done at an Aeromedical Centre (AeMC) and can take up to 4 hours. Next: choose a training route.
An ATP integrated course trains you in one continuous course from zero to a CPL/IR with ATPL theory and MCC. The modular route builds the same licences step by step (PPL, theory, hours, CPL, IR, MCC). Some airlines run selective, funded programmes. Next: start flying.
Learn aircraft handling and procedures with an instructor and fly your first solo. On the modular route, the PPL (from 17, Class 2 medical) comes first; on an integrated course, basic flying is part of the course. Next: ATPL theory.
ATPL-level theory covers air law, aircraft general knowledge, mass and balance, performance, flight planning and monitoring, human performance, meteorology, general and radio navigation, operational procedures, principles of flight, and VFR and IFR communications. Passing it at ATPL level while holding a CPL/IR is often called a “frozen ATPL”. Next: build experience toward the CPL.
🛑 Money step: continue when your go / no-go check above is green.
Modular route: at least 200 hours of flight time before the CPL skill test, including 100 hours as PIC with 20 hours cross-country and a 300 NM VFR cross-country with full-stop landings at two other aerodromes. Integrated courses follow their approved syllabus. A UK FRTOL is needed before the skill test. Next: instrument rating and multi-engine.
Airline flying uses multi-engine aircraft under instrument flight rules. The ATPL later requires a CPL with a multi-engine instrument rating. Next: MCC and airline preparation.
An MCC certificate is required for the first multi-pilot type rating course. The MCC course has at least 25 hours of theory and 20 hours of practical training (15 on an ATP integrated course). The enhanced APS MCC adds 20 hours of swept-wing jet and airline scenario training with a final assessment. Next: airline applications.
Airlines recruit First Officers from their own programmes and from licence holders applying directly. A type rating qualifies you on a specific aircraft; who pays varies by airline and programme. Next: building airline experience.
As a First Officer you build the experience the ATPL requires, alongside experienced captains. Next: the ATPL and command.
The ATPL(A) requires age 21, a Class 1 medical, a CPL with multi-engine IR and MCC (or an MPL), ATPL theory passes, 1,500 hours and a skill test on a multi-pilot type. Becoming a Captain also depends on your airline’s upgrade process and vacancies.
More about this career
About the job, pay where you live, questions people ask, and where this career can take you next.
About the job
What you’d do
- Fly the aircraft with a co-pilot and communicate with air traffic control
- Work out the best route using weather reports and air traffic control data
- Create a flight plan and carry out pre-flight checks
- Communicate with cabin crew and passengers
- Follow take-off and landing procedures that reduce noise pollution
- Write reports, check data during the flight and adjust the route if necessary
Where you’d work
- On the flight deck of an aircraft, often with nights away from home
- Passenger airlines, some of which run pilot training programmes
- Flight training, as an instructor once experienced
Licence to practise
Registration is with UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
- Be at least 18 and hold a Part-MED Class 1 medical certificate
- Complete theoretical knowledge exams and flight instruction at an Approved Training Organisation
- Meet the flight-time requirements, including at least 200 hours of flight time before the skill test
- Pass a skill test with an examiner
- Apply for the licence through the CAA’s e-Licensing system or form SRG1183
Sourced facts for this region
Licensing requirements, pay and training costs taken from the sources listed below. This is the latest information checked, not live data; confirm with the regulator before acting.
Licensing authority
UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)Last checked: Oct 8, 2026
Licensing requirements
- PPL: at least 17. CPL: at least 18. ATPL: at least 21. UK Civil Aviation AuthorityUK Civil Aviation AuthorityUK Civil Aviation Authority
- PPL: Part MED Class 2 medical certificate. CPL and ATPL: Part MED Class 1 medical certificate, which is also needed to train for a CPL or ATPL. The initial Class 1 examination is done at an Aeromedical Centre (AeMC) and can take up to 4 hours. UK Civil Aviation AuthorityUK Civil Aviation AuthorityUK Civil Aviation AuthorityUK Civil Aviation AuthorityMedical standards are not summarised here — read the CAA medical pages and consult an AeMC.
- The CAA licence pages reviewed set age, medical, theoretical knowledge, flight training, experience and skill-test requirements. They list no school-subject or degree requirement for the licences themselves. UK Civil Aviation AuthorityUK Civil Aviation AuthorityTraining organisations and airline programmes set their own entry requirements (see the training-route entries).
- A UK FRTOL is needed before the CPL and IR skill tests, and the FRTOL requires a UK English Language Proficiency assessment at level 4, 5 or 6. UK Civil Aviation AuthorityUK Civil Aviation AuthorityUK Civil Aviation Authority
- CPL theoretical knowledge exams cover air law, aircraft general knowledge (airframe/systems/powerplant and instrumentation), mass and balance, performance, flight planning and monitoring, human performance, meteorology, general navigation, radio navigation, operational procedures, principles of flight and VFR communications. ATPL-level exams add IFR communications. ATPL theory passes remain valid for ATPL issue for 7 years from the last validity date of an instrument rating in the licence. UK Civil Aviation AuthorityUK Civil Aviation Authority
- ATP(A) integrated course (no prerequisites): at least 750 hours of theoretical knowledge training plus 25 hours for MCC, and at least 195 hours of flying training, including 95 hours dual (up to 55 instrument ground time), 70 hours as PIC (up to 55 as SPIC), 50 hours cross-country as PIC with a 300 NM VFR cross-country, 5 hours at night and 115 hours of instrument time. It leads to a CPL with instrument rating and ATPL-level theory. UK Civil Aviation Authority
- CPL(A) modular course: requires an ICAO-compliant PPL(A), 150 hours of flight time before the course, CPL- or ATPL-level theory passes, and at least 25 hours of dual instruction (10 instrument, 15 visual) plus night training. At least 200 hours of flight time are needed before the skill test, including 100 hours as PIC with 20 hours cross-country as PIC and a 300 NM VFR cross-country. UK Civil Aviation Authority
- CPL(A) integrated course (no prerequisites, no instrument rating): at least 350 hours of theoretical knowledge training and 150 hours of flying training, including 80 hours dual, 70 hours as PIC and 20 hours cross-country as PIC with a 300 NM VFR cross-country. UK Civil Aviation Authority
- CPL skill test with an examiner at the end of training, under Appendix 4 to Part-FCL; the licence application must follow within 6 months. UK Civil Aviation Authority
- MCC course: at least 25 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction and 20 hours of practical training (15 hours on an ATP integrated course) in an FNPT II MCC or full flight simulator. The first multi-pilot type rating course requires an MCC completion certificate (or MPL training). The enhanced APS MCC adds 20 hours: advanced swept-wing jet training, airline operations scenario training and a final assessment. UK Civil Aviation AuthorityUK Civil Aviation Authority
- ATPL(A): at least 21, Class 1 medical, an MPL or a CPL(A) with multi-engine IR plus MCC instruction, and ATPL theory passes. At least 1,500 hours in aeroplanes, including 500 hours in multi-pilot operations; 500 hours PIC under supervision, or 250 hours PIC, or 250 hours with at least 70 as PIC and the rest PICUS; 200 hours cross-country (100 as PIC or PICUS); 75 hours instrument time (no more than 30 ground time); and 100 hours at night. Up to 100 hours may be in a simulator (no more than 25 in an FNPT). Skill test on the multi-pilot type. UK Civil Aviation Authority
- Airline and training-organisation programmes set their own entry requirements. British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy (2026 intake) asked for six GCSEs (A–C / 4–9) including Maths, English Language and a Science, fluent English, the right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship and an unrestricted UK CAA Class 1 medical. BA states it funds the £100,000 training cost for selected cadets. Skyborne’s integrated ATPL asks for five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths, English and Science. British AirwaysBritish AirwaysSkyborne Airline AcademyProgramme terms change between intakes; these are examples, not licence requirements.
Latest available salary information
Last checked: Oct 8, 2026
| Role | Range | Data type | Source |
|---|
Pay depends on employer, role, aircraft, seniority and hours. These figures are not a promise of earnings, and figures of different types are not combined.
Training cost (published examples)
Example published programme price: integrated ATPL at one UK approved training organisation
£114,950 – upper estimate not established
Includes
- Published integrated ATPL course price (£114,950), paid in five instalments including a £15,000 non-refundable deposit
- Theory (13 ATPL exams), single-engine training to CPL, multi-engine IR, advanced UPRT and APS MCC, as listed by the school
Not included
- UK CAA Class 1 medical (and the FAA Class 3 medical the school also asks for)
- CAA professional licence initial issue fee (£341)
- Accommodation and living costs (not stated as included)
- Type rating
- Extra training or retests
- Optional university degree (£12,880 extra)
One school’s published price, not a UK market range. The school states the course takes approximately 18 months. Skyborne Airline AcademyUK Civil Aviation Authority
Example airline-funded programme: training cost British Airways states it covers for selected Speedbird cadets
£100,000 – upper estimate not established
Includes
- Training to a frozen ATPL with BA’s approved training partners, as described by BA
Not included
- Places are limited and selective; applicants who are not selected receive no funding
BA states the funding covers the £100,000 cost of training over two years. Programme terms change between intakes. British AirwaysBritish Airways
Limitations of this information
- No reliable pilot-specific UK pay source was found: airlines’ pay agreements are not published on their own sites, and the job-posting estimates reviewed were too small and undated. Official occupation statistics were not used because they combine pilots with other occupations, so no salary figure is shown.
- Training-cost figures are one school’s published price and one airline’s stated programme cost, not a market range.
- Programme durations are those published by one school and one airline; there is no fixed national timeline.
- Work-right requirements are airline-specific; the one shown (right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship) is from British Airways’ programme.
Sources (11)
- UK Civil Aviation Authority — Private pilot licence for aeroplanesLast checked: Oct 8, 2026
- UK Civil Aviation Authority — Commercial pilot licence for aeroplanes (requirements, integrated and modular training)Last checked: Oct 8, 2026
- UK Civil Aviation Authority — Commercial pilot licence for aeroplanes with an instrument rating (ATP integrated course, MCC, licence fee)Last checked: Oct 8, 2026
- UK Civil Aviation Authority — Airline transport pilot licence for aeroplanesLast checked: Oct 8, 2026
- UK Civil Aviation Authority — Apply for a Class 1 medical certificateLast checked: Oct 8, 2026
- UK Civil Aviation Authority — Initial Class 1 medical examinationLast checked: Oct 8, 2026
- UK Civil Aviation Authority — Flight radio telephony operator licence (FRTOL)Last checked: Oct 8, 2026
- UK Civil Aviation Authority — Airline pilot standards multi crew cooperation course (APS MCC)Last checked: Oct 8, 2026
- British Airways — Speedbird Pilot Academy — application preparation and eligibility (2026 intake, applications closed)Last checked: Oct 8, 2026 · One airline programme; eligibility and terms can change with each intake.
- British Airways — Press release: fully-funded pilot training programme opens for applications for fourth year running (14 Apr 2026)Last checked: Oct 8, 2026
- Skyborne Airline Academy — Integrated ATPL course (UK CAA) — price, payment plan, timeline and eligibilityLast checked: Oct 8, 2026 · One approved training organisation; other ATOs charge different amounts.
Every step in full
The complete text of every step, to read or print. Work through them in the journey above.
Is Aviation Right for You? Path A (after school) and Path B (after a degree) 1 steps
Compare Path A (after GCSEs / A-levels or 10+2) with Path B (after a degree)
Path A: you can start an integrated course with no flying prerequisites, or a modular route beginning with the PPL (from age 17); the CPL can be issued from 18. Path B: graduates follow the same UK CAA licences — a university degree does not replace any medical, theory, flight-hour or skill-test requirement. A degree can still be a useful backup, and one school links its course to a degree that gives access to student loans, which is a financing option rather than a licensing advantage.
Real-world task: Write a one-page decision note: your entry path, why you want to fly, your backup plan and the questions you still need answered before paying any fees.
Why it matters: Both paths lead to the same UK CAA licences, so the real decision is about timing, money and a fallback.
Checklist
- Write down which path applies to you (school leaver, student, graduate or career changer)
- List your reasons for choosing aviation and the backup plan you would follow if training stops
- Read the UK CAA CPL and ATPL pages so you know the licence sequence before talking to schools
Check Eligibility: Age, School Qualifications, English and Right to Work 1 steps
Verify your eligibility for licences and for the programmes you want
Licence ages: PPL from 17, CPL from 18, ATPL from 21. Before the CPL and IR skill tests you need a UK FRTOL, which requires English Language Proficiency at level 4, 5 or 6. Programmes differ: British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy asked for six GCSEs including Maths, English Language and a Science, plus the right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship; Skyborne asks for five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Maths, English and Science.
Real-world task: Make an eligibility table for three programmes (school qualifications, English, right to work, medical) and record which ones you currently meet.
Why it matters: A programme rejection for a missing GCSE or work right is avoidable if you check before applying.
Checklist
- Check your GCSE (or equivalent) results in Maths, English and Science against the programmes you are considering
- Plan how you will demonstrate English Language Proficiency for the FRTOL
- Confirm your right to work in the UK if you are applying to airline programmes that require it
- Note the licence ages: PPL 17, CPL 18, ATPL 21
Get Your UK CAA Class 1 Medical First 1 steps
Book and complete your initial Class 1 examination at an AeMC
The examination covers medical history, eyesight and colour vision (Ishihara test), a physical examination, ECG, lung function, haemoglobin and urine tests. Bring reports for any significant medical history; reports must be in English.
Real-world task: Complete your initial Class 1 medical at an AeMC and record evidence of completion (certificate class and date).
Why it matters: Without a Class 1 you cannot train for or hold a CPL, so finding an issue early protects your money.
Checklist
- Find a CAA-approved Aeromedical Centre (AeMC) and book the initial Class 1
- Gather reports for any significant medical history before the appointment
- Read the CAA guidance on what the initial Class 1 examination covers
- Keep your medical certificate and note its validity dates
Choose a Route: Integrated, Modular or an Airline Programme 2 steps
Compare integrated and modular training
ATP(A) integrated course: no prerequisites, at least 750 hours of theory plus 25 hours of MCC theory, and at least 195 hours of flying training. Modular CPL(A): requires a PPL, 150 hours before the CPL course and 200 hours before the skill test. Integrated courses are faster to plan but cost more up front; modular training can be spread out but needs more self-management.
Real-world task: Compare integrated, modular and airline-programme options in a table (approval, total quoted cost, what is excluded, published duration) and choose one with written reasons.
Why it matters: The route decides most of your cost and timeline, and it is hard to change once paid for.
Checklist
- Compare at least two integrated and two modular options from approved training organisations (ATOs)
- Ask each ATO for aircraft and instructor availability and how many students share each aircraft
- Read any airline programme notice for eligibility, funding, bonds and what happens if you do not pass
- Check that each school’s course is approved by the UK CAA
Build a complete training budget
As one published example, Skyborne lists its UK CAA integrated ATPL at £114,950 (including a £15,000 non-refundable deposit), with medicals, the CAA licence fee (£341), accommodation, retests and a type rating outside that price. British Airways states it covers a £100,000 training cost for the cadets it selects.
Real-world task: Create a training budget with a low and a high case, listing every excluded cost and how each will be paid.
Why it matters: Financing can create significant debt, and employment is not guaranteed after the licence.
Checklist
- Ask each school for a written total cost, including what is excluded
- Add the Class 1 medical, CAA licence fees and living costs for the whole course
- Add a contingency for retests or extra training
- If you need a loan, compare repayments against the time before you earn an airline salary
Foundation Flying: First Solo and (Modular Route) the PPL 1 steps
Fly your first solo and start an accurate logbook
Learn preflight checks, circuits, stalls and emergencies with your instructor, then fly your first supervised solo. Every later licence depends on accurately logged hours.
Real-world task: Complete your first supervised solo flight and record evidence of completion in your logbook.
Why it matters: Safe basic handling and accurate records are the foundation for every later licence.
Checklist
- Open a logbook and record every flight accurately
- Learn the preflight inspection, circuits and stall recovery
- Practise emergency procedures with your instructor
- Modular route: complete the PPL training and skill test
ATPL Theory Examinations 1 steps
Study for and pass the ATPL theory exams
ATPL theory passes stay valid for ATPL issue for 7 years from the last validity date of an instrument rating in your licence, so keeping your IR valid matters later.
Real-world task: Pass your ATPL theory exams and record evidence of completion (subject results and dates).
Why it matters: Theory passes are a licence requirement and are needed later for the ATPL itself.
Checklist
- Get the ATO study plan and exam schedule for each subject
- Prepare a study schedule for Air law and Operational procedures
- Study Meteorology, General navigation and Flight planning and monitoring with practice exams
- Study Aircraft general knowledge, Performance and Principles of flight
Flight Experience and the CPL Skill Test 1 steps
Build the required experience and pass the CPL skill test
Track every category of time against the CAA requirements. Use cross-country flights to practise navigation, flight planning, weather judgement and decision making together.
Real-world task: Plan and fly the 300 NM VFR cross-country with two full-stop landings away from base and record evidence of completion in your logbook.
Why it matters: The long cross-country tests navigation, planning, weather judgement and decision making together.
Checklist
- Track total time, PIC time and cross-country PIC time against the CPL minimums
- Plan the 300 NM VFR cross-country with full-stop landings at two other aerodromes
- Obtain your UK FRTOL (radio telephony licence) before the skill test
- Prepare for the CPL skill test with an examiner
Multi-Engine Instrument Rating 1 steps
Earn your multi-engine class rating and instrument rating
Learn to fly precisely by reference to instruments, including precision approaches, and to handle a multi-engine aeroplane with one engine inoperative.
Real-world task: Pass your multi-engine instrument rating skill test and record evidence of completion (rating and date).
Why it matters: Instrument and multi-engine skills are central to airline operations and required for the ATPL.
Checklist
- Complete instrument flying training, including precision and non-precision approaches
- Learn multi-engine systems and asymmetric flight
- Practise engine failure after take-off and single-engine go-arounds
- Pass the instrument rating skill test
MCC / APS MCC, UPRT and Airline Preparation 1 steps
Complete MCC or APS MCC and prepare for airline selection
Practise multi-crew cooperation and standard operating procedures in a jet simulator, and prepare for aptitude tests, technical interviews and simulator assessments.
Real-world task: Complete your MCC or APS MCC course and record evidence of completion (course certificate and date).
Why it matters: Airlines assess crew skills, not just handling, and the MCC certificate is a prerequisite for a multi-pilot type rating.
Checklist
- Complete an MCC or APS MCC course in an FNPT II MCC or full flight simulator
- Practise crew communication and standard operating procedures
- Prepare an aviation CV with licences, ratings and logbook totals
- Practise aptitude tests and technical interview questions
Airline Entry and Type Rating 1 steps
Apply to airlines and complete the type rating
Apply when your licence, ratings, medical and English proficiency meet the airline’s published minimums, then complete the type rating and the airline’s line training.
Real-world task: Complete your type rating and line training and record evidence of completion (aircraft type and release date).
Why it matters: The type rating and line training are what qualify you to fly a specific airliner as First Officer.
Checklist
- Check each airline’s minimum requirements and work-right rules before applying
- Clarify who pays for the type rating and whether a bond applies
- Complete type rating theory and simulator training
- Complete line training under supervision
First Officer: Building ATPL Experience 1 steps
Track your progress toward the ATPL
The ATPL(A) requires 1,500 hours in aeroplanes, including 500 hours in multi-pilot operations, PIC or PIC-under-supervision time, 200 hours cross-country, 75 hours instrument time and 100 hours at night.
Real-world task: Reach an ATPL logbook milestone (for example 1,000 hours) and record evidence of completion with your totals by category.
Why it matters: Command eligibility depends on meeting the ATPL minimums and your airline’s own criteria.
Checklist
- Track total, multi-pilot, PICUS, cross-country, instrument and night time against the ATPL minimums
- Practise crew resource management on every flight
- Keep your Class 1 medical, licence and instrument rating valid
- Ask your training department how command upgrades are scheduled
ATPL, Command Upgrade and Long-Term Career 1 steps
Obtain the ATPL and prepare for command
Pass the ATPL skill test, then prepare for your airline’s command upgrade assessment. Later roles can include Training Captain or examiner, depending on the airline.
Real-world task: Obtain your ATPL and record evidence of completion (issue date); later, record your command upgrade.
Why it matters: The ATPL and the airline’s upgrade process are what move a First Officer to the Captain’s seat.
Checklist
- Confirm your ATPL theory passes are still valid
- Complete the ATPL skill test on a multi-pilot type
- Prepare for your airline’s command upgrade assessment
- Keep developing decision making and leadership as the senior pilot
Questions people ask about Commercial Airline Pilot in the UK (UK CAA CPL, IR and ATPL)
Clear answers regarding timelines, prerequisites, salaries, and study strategies.
Can I become a commercial airline pilot after 10+2 or A-levels in the UK?
Yes. The UK CAA licences set ages rather than school subjects: PPL from 17, CPL from 18 and ATPL from 21. You can start an integrated course with no flying prerequisites or a modular route beginning with the PPL. Schools and airline programmes set their own entry requirements, so check each one.
Can I become an airline pilot after graduation in the UK?
Yes. Graduates follow the same UK CAA licences — a degree does not replace any medical, theory, flight-hour or skill-test requirement. Some schools link their course to a degree that gives access to student loans, which helps with financing rather than licensing.
Do I need Physics and Mathematics?
The UK CAA licence pages reviewed do not set school-subject requirements. Programmes do: British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy asked for six GCSEs including Maths, English Language and a Science, and Skyborne asks for five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Maths, English and Science.
Do I need a university degree to become a pilot in the UK?
No degree is required by the UK CAA licences reviewed. Airlines and schools decide their own entry requirements.
What medical certificate do I need?
A UK CAA Part MED Class 1 medical certificate to train for and hold a CPL or ATPL (Class 2 for a PPL). The initial Class 1 is done at an Aeromedical Centre and can take up to 4 hours.
How much does UK pilot training cost?
It depends on the school and route. As one published example, Skyborne lists its UK CAA integrated ATPL at £114,950, with medicals, the £341 CAA licence fee, living costs, retests and a type rating outside that price. British Airways states it covers a £100,000 training cost for the cadets it selects.
How long does training take?
It varies. Published examples: Skyborne states its integrated course takes approximately 18 months, and British Airways describes its funded programme as training over two years. Modular timelines depend on weather, aircraft and instructor availability, exam attempts, finances, medicals and airline recruitment.
How much do airline pilots earn in the UK?
Reliable pilot-specific salary data was not available from the sources reviewed, so no figure is shown for any role (trainee/cadet, First Officer, Senior First Officer, Captain or wide-body Captain). Official occupation statistics were not used because they combine pilots with other occupations. Pay depends on the airline, aircraft, base and seniority.
What happens after the CPL?
Most airline candidates hold a CPL with a multi-engine instrument rating and ATPL theory, complete MCC or APS MCC, apply to airlines, and then complete a type rating and line training as First Officer.
How do I become an airline Captain in the UK?
By building First Officer experience to the ATPL minimums (1,500 hours, including 500 in multi-pilot operations), passing the ATPL skill test on a multi-pilot type, and completing your airline’s command upgrade when seniority and vacancies allow.